Dumas paddlewheel motor

[Randal R Largent]

Has anyone used the Dumas motor for sidewheel application?
Does anyone have good graphics of how to install motors for Sidewheel
Steamers? Two pictures would be worth more than a million words!
Thanks
Randy Largent

[Paulrjordan]

John (Roberts) kindly emailed me the diagram which I have uploaded
into the Paddleducks files at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Paddleducks/files/

Files >"A - PADDLER ENGINE INSTALLATIONS >pitmandrive1.gif

I have also uploaded a diagram of my own favourite dual engine
electric belt drive for independant sidewheel tugs using the
Matsushita MYT-6AE5C motors. These are slow rev, low current slim
profile 13.2v motors run at 6v.

Files >"A - PADDLER ENGINE INSTALLATIONS >Sidepaddledrivegif.gif

The belts I use are rubber plumbing gaskets for 1.25" and 1.5" pipe.
They are inexpensive, strong and pliable and with a 1/4" width and
1/8" thickness they do not slip when the pulley tension is set
correctly. They can be heated and stretched to almost 2" which is
ideal for accommodating larger pulleys where a greater drive to paddle
shaft reduction is needed. O-rings can always be used but I find their
tension adjustment more difficult.

The belt drive system results in a virtually noiseless drive.

PJ

[Paulrjordan]

I would like to point out that the "fellow list member" is our own
"Towboat Joe" Brown. The file is at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Paddleducks/files/
Files > "A - PADDLER ENGINE INSTALLATIONS

pitmandrive1.gif
A dual Pitman Arm single electric engine Sternwheeler drive
system designed by "Towboat Joe" Brown and fitted in his
sternwheeler "George M. Verity".

Pictures of the actual installation can be found on Joe's Website
at http://www.dragg.net/jbrown/construc2.htm

If you havn't already visited "Towboat Joe's" extensive Website, do so
today as it is one of the Internet's best known US Paddlwheeler
destinations.

http://www.dragg.net/jbrown

PJ

[Paulrjordan]

Hi Randy:

Which Dumas motor are you refering to? The only reservation I have
about some "boat kit manufacturers'" motors is that they are a little
power hungry...and expensive! They seem to think that high amp, high
revving motors are the order of the day. One of the biggest mistakes
(IMHO)is that modelers tend to OVERPOWER their models with motors FAR
larger than they need to be. I recently wrote a long "post" in our
sister group "Modelboats" all about this and I'll repost it here over
the next couple of days.

You may be talking about the motor which Dumas provides for their big
sternwheeler "Creole Queen". If so, I'll get on to my buddy at Dumas
and ask him what the specs are...current draw, revs, torque etc.

Is your intention to power your sidewheeler with ONE or TWO motors?
In fact if you can provide a weensy bit more info about weight, length
and type of paddler, we should be able to help you find motors which
are light, slow revving, economocal and powerful...and at a fraction
of the price of the ones "in fancy boxes from Europe!"

PJ

[Randal R Largent]

Yes the motor I was refering to is to fit the Creole Queen.
IF I build a model of the U.S.S. Michigan that would be the boat the
motor/motors would fit in.
I have been in contact with the Mariners Museum which has a model of the
Michigan and perhaps plans for it.
If I build, it probably will be about 40 inches long or so with a beam
about 7 which if I estimate correctly would be about 1/4 scale to the
real thig at 162+/- feet.
Would you be willing to suggest one/two motors and what type to use?
This would be a first paddlewheeler for me so I can use all the help I
can get. Cost is always a factor! I don't have a megabudget. The real
ship was supposed to do about 8 knots.
Thanks
Randy

[John Roberts]

Hi, Paul,
A possible source of electric motors is, All Electronics, which seems to be a clearing house for surplus stock of that kind. They can be reached toll free at 1 800 826-5432, or on line at www.allelectronics.com . Their catalog showes quite a few motors and drive components of various kinds.
Hope this helps someone.
John

[Paulrjordan]

Here is a copy of the email I sent to Rob Brandon of Dumas 9 days ago!

Dear Rob:

A member of our "Paddleducks" group has asked for specifications
on any motors which Dumas provides for your model paddlewheelers.
We are familiar with "Creole Queen" and would like to know the
particular engine you are specifying for her. We would like to
know a) the max RPM at 6V and b) the current draw at 6v no
load and stalled for any Dumas motors which would also be
suitable for side-wheeler application such as your "Mt.
Washington."
_____________________________________________________________________
And here is the reply I JUST received

We use out (sp!) motor #2029 at 12v it has a no load rpm of 120
and draws 2 amps in the Mount Washington. Sorry I don't have
exact 6v rating but the rpm will be roughly half.
______________________________________________________________________

Not exactly the kind of reply I was anticipating..however!!

I consider 2 amps (no load)a little on the "hungry" side for a small
sidewheeler and certainly the "Mount Washington" doesnt have a lot of
space for large batteries. The 120 RPM is OK at 12V but the 60 RPM at
6V is a little slow on a model although probably perfectly correct for
a prototype sidewheeler. My own preference is a motor which gears down
to around 180 RPM at the wheels so you you don't have to "full stick"
all the time.

While the Dumas is probably a high quality motor and readily
available, I think there are other "surplus" options available at less
cost.

I hope this helped you, Randy.

PJ

[Randal R Largent]

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge. I was wondering. Do you ever
get to work on your own projects among all the questions you get? I have
another one. Can you share where you got your Matushita motors? Were
they on the scrap heap somewhere? Something else I have been wondering
about is if there is some way to rig up an onboard battery charger
working off the drive motor/s to lengthen run time. Any thoughts on this
one?
Randy Largent

[Paulrjordan]

Yep, this is a real sore point, Randy...I have not spent NEARLY enough
time at the workbench (situated right here next to my computer
station). My major project is the restoration of a 1980 model of a
RMAS "Director" Class paddlewheeler, and the model which allowed me to
experiment (and perfect) a rather effective single channel steering
activated dual engine control system. With the mechanics all
completed, it's now time to start restoring her decks, sponsons and
paddleboxes. I should have completed this model for an exhibition in
June ! The problem is not only the Internet and that I correspond
with many great people all over thw world...but it's been compounded
by the purchase of a number of "garage sale" bargains from the estate
of a deceased modeler and which I simply could not afford to ignore.
I have enough "restoration projects to last me 5 YEARS!

I am also VERY active in our Model Boat Club, the Victoria model
Shipbuilding Society <http://members.home.net/vmss/> as Vice President
and Events co-ordinator. I organize racing events and teach members to
sail R/C sailboats. I adore R/c racing, try to race every weekend and
have ordered a brand new 10M (International One Meter) hull.

I have done what most people refer to as "biting off more than you can
chew." My goal is to see our Paddleducks group expand to 100 members
so it needs less and less on my input. I see our scope developing
beyond MODELS to a meeting place where ANY Paddlewheel ship related
topic can be discussed and information shared..and a place where
experts and BEGINNERS alike can find a friendly environment.

(Derek, in Australia asked me a similar question which I've been at a
loss to answer. However , this will explain things a little.

> Can you share where you got your Matushita motors? Were they on the
> scrap heap somewhere?

Randy..I have been trying for a week to get some modicum of
intelligence from Panasonic/Matsushita as to where we can
purchase/obtain these motors. All I get is automated responses from
robotic and mindless service advisors. I am about to compose another
strongly worded (and hardly flattering) email to their online customer
service department. As soon as I've sourced these motors I'll let you
all know where to get them.

I obtained my motors through another Club member who found them in a
surplus electronics store in Toronto, Canada..at $2.50 each. The
model number ( in case anyone wants to try making their own inquiries)
is MATSUSHITA MYT6AE5C

> ...if there is some way to rig up an onboard battery charger
> working off the drive motor/s to lengthen run time. Any thoughts on
> this one?
> Randy Largent

I'm going to post this portion of your message on another model group
and see if anyone has any thoughts on this.

PJ