P T Dromedary

[Mike]

  This is my build of the Paddle Tug Dromedary.

[Mike]

  This I started a few weeks ago, I used a hull by Marks model bits which came with a drawing. The hull is very nice with deck supports but a few areas that I have to look at later also I must have a very careful look at the drawing.
  I started by giving the hull a good wash and light rub down with very fine wet and dry. Then the paddle shaft of     5mm stainless steel was drilled.

  To be continued. Mike.

[derekwarner_decoy]

Mike.....Dromedary will make a very nice model with plenty of detail....

Is the Drawing of the same tug?
Is Dromedary the same Class as HMS Volcano?
What scale will she be...or and what will the model dimensions be?

Derek 

[Hankwilliams]

Hi Mike,

I am also interested about the dimensions of the model. You have a plan? If yes, where one can get plans of the vessel?

Thomas

[Brian Gates]

Hi all.

There was an earlier thread on this class http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=6636.msg37376#msg37376 , and plenty of photos of the class (but only one of Dromedary) on the RFA Ships website http://rfanostalgia.org/gallery3/index.php/RMAS/Tugs/Prewar/Dromedary-Class

Whilst Dromedary was sold out of service in 1923, her sister Volcano was renamed Volatile, remaining in service until scrapped in 1957.  I have seen both 1914 and 1915 given as dates for the renaming, but as the W-class destroyer HMS Volcano was not ordered (and subsequently cancelled) until 1918, this seems the more likely date as there would have been no need to release her name four years earlier.

I must admit to being tempted by the idea of modelling Cracker.  British Steam Tugs by P.N. Thomas has a GA and a set of profiles for Volcano but no lines or plate expansion, but with a hull as nice as that available it wouldn't be a problem.  First I have to teach my son to build a suitable steam plant though

Brian

[Mike]

  Hi Thomas and Derek.

  The drawing is from Marks model bits and comes with the hull.
  The scale is 1 to 48.  i.e. 1/4 inch to the foot.
  There are a few areas on the hull not quite right and the drawing be careful of scaling from it.
  there are a number of sister ships. The P T Restive has a lot of similarities.
  All are a little different.
  I hope to have a reasonable model as there are not many photo's of the deck areas so a good magnifying glass will be needed. And I think a lot of help due to my lack of knowledge on some parts of the ship.

   The list I have of the sister ships.

  Advice.  Cracker.  Diligent.  Dromedary.  Energetic.  Escort.  Industrious.  ( Restless. ( Restive ))  ( Volcano. (Volatile ))

    Mike.

   

[DamienG]

Enjoy the build Mike I look forward to the progress and pic's pic's and more pic's as you go forward.

Damien

[Mike]

   I have started on the paddle wheels in 1 1/2 mm styrene sheet. cut to about 20mm over size on outside dia.
   Screwed all 4 together with small ba screws and nuts.. marked out from a cross scratch in the centre and drilled with a small vee. over the next week to drill out, fine tooth coping saw and file. leaving the outside big until all inside is finished.

     Mike.

[DamienG]

Good start Mike.

[Mike]

  Hi all.

  Thanks Damien.

Next photo is of the Paddle wheel frames now cut out with all faces carefully smoothed over with a file. Also done are 2 pairs of brass centres for the wheels. Silver solder a washers onto a tube and an extra bush on one end. ( saves on brass ) All soldered up  and fixed to a 5mm shaft with 3mm grub screws then lightly skim on the lathe. To true it all up.

   Mike.

[DamienG]

 

[Mike]

  Hi All.
  Next photo is of the brackets for the float in brass 1mm x 4mm made on a jig to get them all the same. Holes as well. And the second photo shows the wheels assembled with some spacer rods which can just be seen.  To give it some strength. Ends of brass rods drilled 12BA slightly large tapping size to make it easier to tap. It has 4 off 8BA screws and nuts in central area to fix styrene to brass spindle which are completely hidden once assembled on the boat. otherwise 12BA screws used throughout.
With 1mm headed brass pins in various places which when covered with paint will look hopefully will pass as nuts and bolts. there is so many of them. Nuts and bolts still to trim to length.

  These wheels will feather, But as I have used styrene sheet  will wear so this boat will only be on the water very little.

    Mike.

[Mike]

   


    Photo's of the Paddles made from 1 1/2mm styrene sheet marked out and drilled.

    then. The arms that control the floats, one fixed and the others moveable. I made a lot of thick washers and silver soldered them together. Just to clean up now. Also shown some thin packing washers for when doing the assembly.

   Mike.

[DamienG]

looking good.   

[derekwarner_decoy]

Yes Mike...that is good progress ....about the only good thing with brass 12 BA cheese head bolts is that a pair of flat face clippers makes a good end surface to  lightly clean up with a file or, rub the multiplies of assembled bolt faces on a piece of course W&D paper ...

I think I count 192 of the 12 BA screws & nuts in the rims.....but 

You also appear to have a pretty good handle on silver soldering too with all of the feathering spokes & bolt knuckles

Are they cosmetic, or will the wheels actually feather?.....................if so, will the assemblies be demountable as you will have a lot of radial running surfaces

I understand a long way off, but will you use red aerosol primer as the wheel colour finish/surface ?......

I do find these flat faced nippers extremely handy in modelling - brass - soldering work......Derek