Hi everyone, since my comments on fixed shafts for paddlers I have received and read on open mails hundreds of very interesting details. What I was infering was that paddle steamers, eg Waverley Cardiff Queen, Weeroona etc if made with independent shafts will go exactly where the owner wants them just like the screw powered craft. I find this uninteresting as it requires little skill or forthought. On of the main reasons why I now produce classic scale sailing models is that I and others can sail all day on one charge and each manouver requires thought and planning well in advance. It is the same sailing a real paddler what is the tide/wind doing? can I use them to my advantage? how much power do I use? So it is when sailing a model with fixed shaft. I worked on Faithful, a director class paddle tug when I was 19. these were used for docking,towing Aircraft carriers and could spin on a sixpence and could be put anywhere, but at sea they were coupled up for safety reasons. Some Murry River steamers did have independent wheels as the rudder had little use in flooded river when going downstream BUT care had to be used. Adelaide's were always fixed and to see her manouver is a real treat . Remember that some of the 'Steamers' were old barges fitted with a Traction engine boiler etc. very simple and crude but it worked.
Thanks for all the kind comments and remarks from around the World which have landed here, I will try and publish some drawings which may be of use to members. By the way the Rains have started and I need my wipers, thank goodness they are still on my vehicle and not in a model. Don't forget that there are excellent pumps these days on cars/vans, ideal for balasting down, fire hoses etc.bilge pumps, even for moveing your boat along. Old washing machine pumps often have a shaft other than the mains 240v motor. which can be coupled to a 6 or 12v motor and make bow thrusters, food for thought. must go before I cause any more trouble in the camp. Thanks for having me.
Best Regards ..... Mike Mayhew
33 Kenn Moor Drive,
Clevedon.
North Somerset. BS21 5AR
http://www.waverleymodels.co.uk
Main Menu
UserBox
Search
