Hi, I'm a newbie to building paddle steamers. I'm building a 1:24 tug scaled up from the old model maker Cheiftain plans.
Building the boat's no problem but I've to build the gearboxes, what speed should the paddles be turning at ?
Peter T

Hi PD's....& welcome Peter.......... you mention [steamers] & also [gearbox's] ....so I assume you intend an electric drive.....

a simple answer to your question for a 1:24 Chieftain class paddler would be a paddle shaft rotation to approx. 180 RPM max

Having said that.......with a low current consumption 12 volt electric geared motor + a good quality electronic speed controller will provide you with realistic start off speed [10 RPM] & take you to say 150 RPM for top speed

The 180 RPM is only a get out of trouble scenario, however the accurate scaling of the paddle wheel components will also have a dramatic effect of the paddling force provided

Now if my assumption of electric is incorrect  ....and real steam is intended, then essentially the speed requirements remain the same ....however steam  is a far bigger gambit & ball park

Take the time to read our archives.......any questions....don't hesitate to ask....Derek 

Hi Derek, many thanks for the quick reply.  I'm using electric and I've got two 100 RPM epicyclical gearbox motors so driving  via toothed belts at 1.5 / 1.6 to 1 ratio will do the job.
I'd like to go steam but the cost of two engines etc. is beyond me !  Peter