Model Boat Mayhem
Mess Deck: General Section => Model Boating => Topic started by: Colin Bishop on May 12, 2023, 06:09:16 pm
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Any suggestions appreciated.
I am making a case for my new paddler and it is quite large due to the width of the paddle wheels. It's not a light model and may be difficult to carry. What I would like to do is the fit wheels at one end of the case and a handle at the other so I can tow it along. The handle is no problem.
I have found suitable inexpensive wheels online which are 100mm (4 inches) in diameter. They usually have a 12mm bore for the axle.
What I am thinking of doing is to make a detachable horizontal extension to the case to support a couple of wheels. For the axles I thought that coach bolts which have a plain and threaded section could be used. The bolts I have been looking at are M12 but this refers to the thread. Can anyone confirm that the unthreaded plain part of the bolt is actually 12mm and can be used as an axle for the wheels?
Thanks,
Colin
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It is indeed Colin as it all started with a 12 mm rod, so the shank is 12 mm
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Thanks Phil. I thought it was but I am no model engineer!
Lifting the thing may now be a problem but I think I can still drag it along....
Colin
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Colin
Have a word with your local Golf Pro, they sometimes have old broken golf trolleys, in the past I have used two to make a trolley based on the old soap box carts we used to have as kid's.
Fred
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Thanks for the suggestion Fred, it's certainly an option. The coach bolts and plastic wheels idea would be cheap though so I will explore it first. I only need 4 inch wheels.
Golf courses round here are rather upmarket to say the least!
Colin
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Maybe a folding hand truck would be an option. :-)
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You can get Free Wheels from a Mobility/ Wheelchair Repair Shop.
Len.
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Thanks for all the suggestions but I can get cheap wheels OK, I just wanted to confirm that the unthreaded shank of a 12mm coach bolt is 12mm as Phil has confirmed.
Colin
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Colin, just a word of warning, even paths in public parks that look to be smooth and in good order can be deceptive and are in reality quite a rough surface. If you fit hard wheels such as HIP your case will rattle so much that bits will fall off the boat. You either need suspension, which can be complex and heavy, or softer tyres. Not necessarily pneumatic but possibly the rubber puncture proof type, which are basically solid low density rubber.
Something like this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334566082342?hash=item4de5b14726:g:DQQAAOSwcQJjKJ44&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0IxacAtTbmQle7%2B9esUet3F%2F313PrSdjMIDcynrUhZ%2FwzKIm54l1ch2HKftifJV4IvsXZcKHkikLlBf52meNl%2FDShBvgkuNh1QLaCo9QSAYnwuX63INx%2BlNgTkYrbcaL%2F0BbVfdKJfQbwyKgA1f7BtqWZPNT97OWKx2gmdUZ%2BW6PRT7xWju4WfszbzW8UHzZW7sxynKMrfKvdTaIokLE%2F0rT86sKz667NhKi5Ff2Jo%2F%2FAjWtamYeTYH2%2FsPP2Ha5b73N7UjbXxcSibN4PrXC4dA%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM-I-r5oJi (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334566082342?hash=item4de5b14726:g:DQQAAOSwcQJjKJ44&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0IxacAtTbmQle7%2B9esUet3F%2F313PrSdjMIDcynrUhZ%2FwzKIm54l1ch2HKftifJV4IvsXZcKHkikLlBf52meNl%2FDShBvgkuNh1QLaCo9QSAYnwuX63INx%2BlNgTkYrbcaL%2F0BbVfdKJfQbwyKgA1f7BtqWZPNT97OWKx2gmdUZ%2BW6PRT7xWju4WfszbzW8UHzZW7sxynKMrfKvdTaIokLE%2F0rT86sKz667NhKi5Ff2Jo%2F%2FAjWtamYeTYH2%2FsPP2Ha5b73N7UjbXxcSibN4PrXC4dA%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM-I-r5oJi)
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Thanks for that, I will get the box built and then decide. I have a carrying cradle for the boat so may be able to just walk with it. It needs a box for storage in the garage.
Colin
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Whilst not in a box, due to size, I constructed an "A" frame which is extendable so it fits all of my large models. I used two rubber soled push chair wheels about 12" in diameter. The larger diameter and rubber footprint stops them dropping into small holes and jarring the model. I only use two wheels and I use the holding/pulling strap at the other end so in a way my arm works as the suspension arm! I would counsel you avoid four wheels as they tend to "jiggle all over the place!
I have two split pins which hold the wheels on so if space is tight I can just take the wheels off for storage and transportation - don't leave them at home though! :-)
Cheers
Geoff
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Thanks for the further suggestions Geoff. For my big fishery cruiser I have a bolt on extension frame made from the lower part of Mr B's old shopping trolley and a strap at the other end like the one you describe.
The paddler box is smaller but a bit unwieldy so I think that two stub axles on the back with detachable foam wheels is probably the way to go. Still building the box at the moment though.
Colin
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You may have already thought of this Colin but it would be a good idea to have the wheels on a frame/extended legs so that the box is horizontal and loads won't be taken by the bow or stern. Unless of course you have a way of securing the model so that it doesn't slide?
Chris
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Chris,
Thanks for the thought but the boat is in a padded cradle that will be a tight fit in the box. (still working on the box!)
When taking the paddler on trials I also took along my SLEC Swordsman - first time out since before Covid. Great to open her up on the pond - goes like a rocket!
Colin
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Thought you'd have it sussed!
Extremes of model boats there!
Chris
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Where I work we come across large buggies for children, there are two types the ones with a seat built in and those built for having a car seat at first then a larger seat as the child grows, in both cases, the rear wheels are about 16" or 400 mm dia approx and in most cases the parents are unaware that these wheels are detachable, i.e. a little button in the centre of the wheel or on the frame allow the spigot be released, this is so the wheels can be removed for when placing the buggy in the car, especially if they are filthy, the front wheels are shopping trolley sized and swivel as such, the frame folds over to a compact if not heavy sub assembly.
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Aldi have a 'Trolley' on offer this week, Can be collapsed for storage, Fifty pictures of Her/His majesty.
Regards Ian.