PS Tanjil II History & Plans Overview

[Murray Teese]

Hello All Paddlers,
I have finally completed research on PS Tanjil, a side wheel paddle steamer that ran on the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria, Australia from 1885 – 1922. She was 90’ long, Beam 18’ 4”, Draft 5’ 6” and weighed about 63 tonnes. I have attached a photo as she navigated the Swan Reach Bridge towards the end of her time. I have compiled most of my information into a PowerPoint presentation and printed it to “PS TANJIL History Plans Overview.pdf”. It’s a bit large (11MB) for the forum, so you can download it from my own site (http://members.iinet.net.au/~mteese@ozemail.com.au/Mysite/Tanjil.html) by clicking on the link beneath the photo.
A set of plans (4 sheets) was drawn by an unknown person in 1967, 45 years after Tanjil was scrapped. They show a remarkable level of detail, however there are some discrepancies when compared against good photographs, particularly around the paddle boxes, aft mast and stair case. I have traced plan photos into digital format using Solid Edge free 2D CAD software. I have placed pdf versions in the Downloads section for anyone who’s interested. I intend to correct the traced versions to match the photographs in due course.

I intend to build at 1:24 scale (Length 1143 mm, Beam 234 mm, Draft 70 mm, Weight 4.56 kg). Drive train will be aimed at about 120 rpm using Mtroniks ESC controlling a slow running DC motor, toothed belt and reduction pulleys. Tanjil paddle wheels had 10 blades, so I have to check with Float-a-boat if they have something close to the original. I have seen a few paddlers around our club (BMBG) and they suffer from balance and paddle efficiency issues.
 
Q.1 I invite members to provide guidance on these issues (or other topics) that will help me avoid mistakes of others.
Murray

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hullo and welcome again from 2010 Murray

You certainly have researched the PS TANJIL long and extensively......I also see your other builds in your WEB site

The age old Australian confusion with older water craft is this term of Depth of Hull/ Draft which is acknowledged by Parsons as leading to conflict between Registered Tonnage and how far the vessel sits in the water.....

The hull or underwater lines you have shown are certainly far sleeker than the typical Australian paddler  such as the PS Adelaide or PS Oscar W

When we look at PS TANJIL   ...in 1:24 scale (Length 1143 mm, Beam 234 mm, Draft 70 mm & Weight 4.56 kg....

From this I cannot help but be she will be a little heavier than this in creating a functional model complete with DC battery power

Please continue the post build......many will be watching with interest in the hull and construction

Derek   

[Murray Teese]

Hello Derek,

Thank you for your comments. Estimated weight of 4.56 kg was calculated based on full size weight and 1:24 scale. I don't know how accurate the full size weight is (or if it's even close). I agree that it will probably end up heavier, but I will primarily be targeting balance and paddling efficiency above water line scale accuracy. One unique feature about PS TANJIL was she started out as a double-ender with an extra rudder at the bow so it could manage traveling up the Tambo. After a turning basin was built at Mossiface the bow rudder was removed. So as you point out, a sleeker hull with narrow stern will decrease displacement. I have also been told by others that this boat will turn well because of the narrow stern. Time will tell.

Murray

[R.G.Y.]

My first paddler was built to exact scale. To keep to the draft of 1.5 inch I had to make the deck fittings as light as possible, balsa, card, & cooking foil just some of the tricks. As I had a steam plant with a 4inch boiler the next problem was stability. I had to mount the battery on a servo arm & move it from side to side.  Ever since I have increase the depth of the hull below the water line slightly. 

[Murray Teese]

Hello R.G.Y.

Thanks for the tips. Has anyone tried using light tubular material (Aluminium or Carbon fibre) for building sponsons, paddle boxes and paddle wheel shafts? I think I will have to determine ballast quantity and distribution as soon as the hull can float. Then I will have a weight target and distribution to work with. Not having a steam plant will save a lot of weight.

Murray

[Delaunay]

  Hello;
A friend installed a sliding counterweight in the hull of a motorized Lake Geneva boat, to reduce the lateral balencemet in navigation due to the small amount of water and the narrow hull.
This counterweight, is not seen in navigation and is reassembled for exhibition.
François