PS Waverley

This was my Christmas 2020 present its the Mountfleet Models hull which is a bit thin in places I'm determined not to start it until the Orca is done it will just rest here for a while as i gather courage, knowledge and materials to start probably after Christmas or during the Christmas holiday if I'm lucky. Paddle wheels will be from model engineers laser and will be feathering type but I'll probably go for independent control to help steering. 
P

I've been doing my research into doing this and I'm convinced it's too much for my present capabilities and resources, so I'm going to start it and learn on the fly! I'll be asking for advice I am on paddleducks but it's seriously quiet on there though there's a lot of information already on there.
Its going to have independent paddle control via Heng Long tank gearboxes - not realistic but I want manouverability over realism I'm lighting it up like a Christmas tree and doing a semi detailed cabin as the windows allow some detail to be seen.
Trip to local model shop for some timber and we're off! 
What you reckon 3 years and the last of my hair falling out?

At least you've got the hull ready made. Will you be building the paddle wheels? 
Good luck,

Barrie

Something to inspire you!

https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,66535.0.html

Barrie

Paddle wheels - unsure i want feathering wheels so I've a choice of getting laser cut and bolting together or a set of beautiful 3D prints i found but I need to sell a kidney.
Making them myself is an option but I've only got hand tools i could do with access to a lathe -at the moment I'm weighing up options, there was a set of graupner paddles on e bay last week £100.00 to start!

I once made a set by hand. They were not very successful, but at the time there were no options - the Graupner ones came along later. If you are on Padleducks my build may still be there. 

Barrie

Any chance of a link Barrie? 
I've gone over the Mountfleet plans all afternoon and I'm more confident than I was, it's big and full of repetitive deck fittings but I'll beat it. The main bug bear is the paddles they are the biggest challenge.

It was well over 12 years ago - I can't even remember my log in. The site has had new owners since then I believe.

Try searching for Princess Elizabeth - it wont let me unless I sign up.

Barrie

hi swab,
 i built my own waverley paddles from plasticard  they work ok not feathered though and have lasted some 12years as i started from scratch in 2006 finished it 2 years later sails on two sepperate motors left and right 



this is here complete

 

this is the frame before planking



this is a close up the main drive shaft it fits into a meccano wheel boss with out tyre 
you should have a lot of fun building as it is such a big build take your time i made vertually every part baring figures. i personally only built to my standards not a museum.
have fun 

david

Any internal photos Dave? I'm still planning mine out.

hi swab, 
when i get the chance i will take some photos, my advice to you is when you do get around to putting it on water is finding the centre of gravity i found i had to put 2 lead acid batterys right in the centre i will show you when i have photos, other wise you will find it will not stay level i put lead all over bottom first but it just kept rolling to ether side allmost sinking so be aware.

david

I thought of using lead acids for the ballasting  benefits, look forward to the photos!

I've started on the easy stuff first by cutting out the windows on studying photos the frames sit behind the hull not inset so with a bit of plastic angle i can produce quite nice frames as these are quite a feature. I'm buying the decking next weekend as it's pay day I'll work out a deck plank size and get them at the same time.

Think of the tune to Rawhide!
Filing, filing, filing though the dusts a gathering keep those files rubbing raw fingers!!!!!!! 
First set of Windows cut out ready for an outer frame I'll not do the full frame till I've got the deck in.

I'm going to do a lower deck to give me a forward dining room to see through the windows I'll do a sort of a optical illusion by only replicating easily spotted details such as a few tables and deck patterning, there's going to be lights but not glaringly bright i want it lit or 'twinkly ' as the wife put it so I need some detail. 

Bow windows all filed out and the first set of outer framing just installed on the port side. Waverley's  window aren't flush with the hull plating but inset I've used 3/32" plastic angle as an outer frame which I'm going to fill and get flush into the hull i can then add a window frame and glass but inset as the original. That's going to be delicate so the decks going in first. There's the stern windows to be cut out after I've done the bow there's still two more smaller ones to be cut of in the bow but I haven't marked those out as yet.
I was listening to an Audio book and was listening to the epilogue thinking 'when this finishes in packing it in' so I actually did all the framing on the port cut outs not just these four but didn't photo them.  

I need some technical advice I'm using some balsa section to support the decks which is 1/16" ply but I'm going to put planking over this to replicate the deck not just draw it on. I'm going to use the frame profiles on the supplied plans to add some frames inside so I can put in some containment areas for lead shot ballasting and for the various drives and power systems plus stiffen up the hull.
 What material do you suggest for the planking and framing?
I've got quite a lot of 1/8" ply left from the Orca would that do for internal framing? I can double it up for added beef if needed.
 I'll be supporting the deck with some section seeing as it's thin section.
The planking is going to be stained a greyish tone so a reddish hardwood won't take the colour very well I'll take the edge off the planks with a view to be using a coloured filler to scrape on to do caulking as it's quite noticeable on the real thing and the colour comes from frequent scrubbing & cleaning.

Some slow progress as work has been overwhelming of late and I've been under the weather though it wasn't Covid, the translucent areas of the bow windows is where I had to cut out some poor fibreglass as it wasn't properly laminated. I'm only part way putting in the deck supports and bulkheads and I'm doing fore and act cabins so double decks and I need to sub divide below decks to create sections for lead shot ballasting. The small holes are only pilots for the portholes one thing they don't need to be brass as they are painted to match the hull.

x

This is just what you need for your paddler

https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,68385.0.html

Barrie

I can't see the pictures as I'm persona non gratia on mayhem, I can't do steam Barrie it's way beyond my resources thanks for the suggestion though.

Forward cabin interior decking done there's lift out hatches for electronic gizmos, lighting & ballasting, I'm doing a basic interior basically just enough to fool the eye. 

Portholes! and a steering servo the rudder post mounting is central it's mounting board isn't it needs a post tube which I'm out of I'll source some this week either brass or plastic I'm not sure yet. The Portholes are marked bang on to the plan but the 4th from the stern doesn't look right at all.

Bow Portholes they are in line my photos arent!

This weekend's work is sponsored by!

Hi Swab,

I hope you are fit and well.

I have just looked through your build log.
Nice work so far.
Well done.
Keep the updates coming.

Martin555.

2nd time I've had Covid both times it's passed me by with no effects third times going to be a doozie! I'm doing no building at the moment Sweatlodge doesn't appeal at all.
Bournville is open again though 2.4ghz transmitters banned during the commonwealth games  so may do some sailing

Hi Swab.
It is strange how Covid effects people in different ways.
I know of people that hardly had any symptoms and others that are really ill with it.
In fact I know of one person that has had both jabs and a booster that really suffered but luckily he is fit and well now.

Martin555.

I've got three Mabuchi 550SH motors old but immaculate condition I've read technical specs and they'll fit in the space comfortably for the drive system I've decided on  I'm  going for 12 volt power with twin drive belt & pulley reduction drive Bournville pool needs a boat that will steer well. I would like opinions on the motors though - overkill or what?

Hi Swab,
I don't know much about paddle wheelers but if the propulsion system is midships then I think it would require more effort to steer.
So I think it is better to have more power than you need as you can always use the Transmitter to control scale speed.

Martin555.

Just about my thinking Martin other builds I've seen fit oversize rudders but don't have individual paddle control, I want individual control i don't want it to plane just keep out of trouble.

Hi Swab,
If you have independent motors for each paddle wheel will you have tank steering or will you use a mixer. ?

Martin555.

https://www.componentshop.co.uk/p94-dual-esc-and-mixer-2-x-20-amps.html.html
I have one of these that's now been in three boats. A perfect solution. Shame they're out of stock

Hi Vigo,
That looks good to me.
I also like that if you wanted to you could switch it to tank steering.

Martin555.

I'm inclined to tank steering a mixer is second choice however. There's little stock of anything lately Hobby King is a waste land compared to what it used to be.

Hi Swab,
I also think the hobby shops and suppliers are pricing themselves out of business.

Martin555

Found a cheap supplier of K&S brass tube & angle so I thought I'd give them a try with a trial order I need to get the rudder tube installed so I can fit some decking and paddle shaft supports I've waited all week and it's all the wrong size I ordered the right sizes definitely and it's pointless sending it back postage is more than its worth. That's killed it for now it's shelved and I'm giving up boats for a while till I can drum up some interest and spare cash.

Hi Swab,

It is really annoying when companies can't even be bothered to make sure that the items they are sending out are correct, after all we pay enough for the item and postage.

If the tube inside diameter is to large do you have the equipment to make some larger bearings ?

As most models spend most of there life on a shelf you could make bearings using the brass form the prongs of a three pin electrical plug.

I am very sorry that this has made you loose your enthusiasm for this hobby I will keep my fingers crossed that you get your MOJO back very soon and if i can help you to get motivated i will.

I also hope that you remain a site member and continue to participate.

I find that sharing information and builds really help to keep me motivated.

Martin555.