It was then out with my favourite paint, the old red oxide undercoat. This was gently sprayed on throughout the day, to gradually build up a smooth coat with no runs. (121)
The next day I partially assembled the bits and pieces to get an idea what she might look like, and also continue with a few more movie shots to be added to the film of her. (122) (123) (124)
I am presently working on the paddles, and lining them up to fit the blade moving mechanism, so as to be feathering. I notice that there are a few problems here and have given up for the day.
Primarily, I’ve decided the blades could be a few millimetres wider so as to catch as much water as possible. This now involves taking them apart and making new blades. A good job I didn’t loc-tight all the screws, methinks. I’ve only used it on the blades so far.
I also have the problem of where to secure the bearing for the feathering mechanism. If I secure it to the paddle boxes, then there is a risk of vibration shaking then from the hull. I plan to fit a brass strip to the hull and bring it out along the outside edge of the wheels. This would have to be removable to allow the wheels to be fitted and removed, if desired.
This model is a million problems as there are no detailed plans to work to, and it’s all scratch build. Great fun. We shall overcome.