This morning in was in the photo section of our little corner of the
Internet and I suddenly saw some pics I hadn't seen before...I tell
ya, folks, I almost fainted with delight when I saw them!! The most
marvelous display of model Canadian Pacific Lake paddlers and tugs
that I have EVER seen....BERT LEARMONTH..WELCOME !
I know that co-moderator David has already welcomed you on behalf of
our "Paddleducks" but I want to extend a personal handshake and
apologize for not having done so earlier...I am desperately trying to
keep up with a backlog of correspondence here and have STILL not
caught up on the posts while I was away. However, once I saw your
photos today, any further delay would have been inexcusable!
I had no idea that ANYONE had built such a comprehensive inventory of
these famous Canadian Pacific sternwheelers ( and the tugs too!!!)
and they serve as a wonderful visual record and reference point and
for future modelers of this genre. Your work is superb and you've
bridged both static and R/C models so your knowledge must be
extensive.
I'm positive you must know our friend Robert (Bob) Turner who has
been so instrumental in creating an awareness of our Canadian Pacific
fleet heritage through his wonderful books, and particularly his
masterful reference work "Sternwheelers and Steam Tugs" which
illustrates all of the ships you have modeled. He of course has
served as Historian for the valiant resoration of the famous "Moyie"
in Kaslo. Now, there's one misapprehension I have to correct...you
hinted that our group is mostly interested in sidewheelers...well,
while there seems to be a preponderence of them, we have many members
whose passion is sternwheelers and I can't begin to name them
all...so please understand that you're in very good (and
appreciative) company here!
Now, I don't know if you travel any distances with your models but if
EVER you are able to travel to the Coast, then there are dozens of
modelers here who would love to see examples of your work. How far
from Kelowna are you?
I am encouraging modelers in my area to build Canadian paddlewheelers
and particularly the CP Sternwheelers. We we have two r/c models
currently being built by members of our Club here in Victoria, our
second 3/8" Scale "Moyie" and a 1/4" "Nasookin". In fact "Moyie"
was out for her sea trials (hull only) last weekend. Like your
ships, she is B & B construction (what I think you call "sandwich").
We already have a 1/4" scale "Moyie" which was built of balsa and
cardboard 40 years ago on a kitchen table..and STILL performs well on
the pond. I have three model "projects" on the go and my Canadian one
is researching the Canadian Pacific sidewheeler "Princess Louise"
(ex "Olympia") which nobody appears to have built before and for
which there is very little to go on than a few photos and archived
references.
Building model paddlers that not only look good, but also perform
well on the water is always a challenge and I'd be VERY interested to
hear of the handling characteristics of your two R/C models, how you
have powered them and any tips (cheats?) you have used to improve
their performance, and particularly stability issues.
Bert, can you also please let us have a comprehensive list of the
models you have made, along with pictures of each so there is a
complete online record of your work for everyone to see (and
admire). I consider this an extremely important body of reference
for future modelers and, as you have stated, such a good way to
preserve history in a way that future generations can understand
these old ships and the important part they played in our nation's
history. I doubt anyone else has covered this subject from a
modeling perspective as comprehensively as you have.
It's truly an honour to have you with us, and on behalf of every one
of us around the world, welcome (again!) and we look forward to your
frequent updates, news of new projects...and, of course many MORE
pictures.
Best regards
Paul (Jordan)
Victoria, BC Canada.
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