Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: Chris G on January 07, 2015, 03:44:36 pm

Title: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on January 07, 2015, 03:44:36 pm
Santa came up trumps again and presented yours truly with another kit. Slight difference this time as my present is an unloved and unfinished project sold on Mayhem by another contributor to the forum. The paddle steamer is a boat that has fascinated me for some time and as this one was barely started it seemed like a good idea to take it on and hopefully finish it.
It came to me with the hull beautifully painted red below the waterline and black above a geared motor and gearbox fitted and the paddle wheels and boxes modified, some other bits done and several bits to be rebuilt.
I think one of the problems has been and will continue to be the Graupner fittings and finish. I have already ordered brass portholes (about 20 ) to replace the plastic ones supplied, the previous builder has modified what he felt was a flimsy paddle wheel set up although the paddle wheels themselves seem very good.
There are already several bits I dislike intensely number one being 'phillip' screw heads on show holding the paddle boxes in place others are the winch on the bow and no doubt I will find more.
As the 'Glasgow' is generic and I cannot find a reference to such a boat this will have a name change and probably several design changes from the 'Graupner' design I had even thought of building her as a WW1 minesweeper, not sure as they do look pretty in their red, blacks, white and creams.
Anyway I hope that this build will be of interest to someone and as always look forward to comments good and bad >>:-(

To be continued.   
     
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: mickyrubble on January 07, 2015, 06:37:57 pm
Hi Chris,
 i will be following your progress with interest as i have a Glasgow waiting for a rebuild.I would agree the paddle boxes are flimsy ,i reinforced mine with piano wire rods  from beam to beam which helped a lot.What is the gear ratio on your motor.
 O0 O0 O0
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on January 07, 2015, 07:06:18 pm
Hello Mick
The previous owner who is well respected in the hobby sourced the motor, details are 919D series, MFA COMO DRILLS, single ratio gearbox and it says 50:1 now that means nothing to me. Well the 50:1 does {:-{ I hope to power it with 12v lead acid.
He has made a good job of the fabrication of the paddle boxes, I have stripped them done a few bits and now they are back on they seem very sturdy, I will give more details in my next post. I have made an additional change to the moulded paddle boxes more to follow.
good to know there is another interested in the project. Chris G
 
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: mickyrubble on January 07, 2015, 07:33:34 pm
Hi Chris,
a tip i picked up from paddle ducks site is to cut out the openings in the paddle boxes ,which helps to stop water being thrown up into the boxes and making the boat unstable.
On mine i didnt like the printed deck so planked over it with lime wood strips which are much better looking.
 :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on January 07, 2015, 07:39:53 pm
Hi Mick

I have, using plasticard cut and fitted shapes to isolate the extensions to the paddle boxes thereby keeping the water within the semicircle and not being pushed into a cavity for no good reason except that it was easier for Graupner to make the mouldings. New to all of this so I don't really know but read somewhere maybe in 'Paddleducks' that someone had done it.
Who knows  O0
 
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: radiojoe on January 07, 2015, 11:10:10 pm
Hi Chris
I built this tug a couple of years ago, just fancied something different, as you said the main flaw in the design was the paddle boxes where they lip over the bulwarks the water had to end up on the deck, I bonded some styrene strips to the inside of the boxes to keep the water in the boxes it worked well' I also cut out the designs on the side of the boxes to help water evacuation, although I did enjoy building it I wasn't that impressed with the sailing, so I sold it after a couple of months.
Joe
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on January 08, 2015, 02:42:44 pm
Hello Joe
Lovely looking boat, shame you sold it however several points I would like clarification on please.
You mention styrene strips, not familiar with what they are, please elaborate.
Also cutting pieces out of the sides of the paddle boxes and they look beautifully done on your model but did it not cause lots of spray to come out of them making the model look strange going through the water?
Surprised at poor sailing, I have read several reports that rate them quite highly on the water although steering is a challenge unless the rudder is enlarged or the ultimate having each paddle independently powered, too clever for me. {-)
I am loving the build, lots to think about which is good.
Thanks Joe regards Chris   
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: radiojoe on January 08, 2015, 04:02:59 pm
Hi Chris,
Don't get me wrong she sailed ok just not so responsive as screw or multi screw boats, the cut outs in the paddle boxes are the same as a full size paddle vessel some had horizontal slots as per the stickers in the kit, I went for a more traditional style, and in fact even at some speed very little water comes out of the cut outs, more to do with letting air into the boxes so the water can evacuate quicker, the styrene strips are a bit harder to explain, basically the design calls for a slot to be cut in the fwd and aft inboard corners of the boxes, the boxes are then lipped over the top of the hull when in place, this puts the topside of the hull "inside the boxes" so water can flow though the join and on to the deck, before you fit the paddle wheels put the boxes in position and mark the top of the hull, not easy, I did mine with a very short pencil, then remove the boxes and fit and glue some strips of styrene on the top of the marked line inside the boxes, so when the boxes are put in positing the strips form a "capping" over the top of the hull thus keeping the water in the boxes, I hope this makes sense and is some help, I'll try and do a sectional drawing to explain.  %%
Joe
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on January 08, 2015, 04:24:07 pm
Hello Joe
Please do not go to too much trouble on my account although I am very grateful. The previous owner of my boat I think has fitted the paddle boxes differently to how you describe and in fact very well. He has cut about 10mm off of the top of the hull the length of the paddle boxes this means that the paddle boxes are outside of the main hull and in fact fit quite neatly and when the insides of the top of the hull are painted the join will almost be un noticed.
As for the slots in the paddle box I think they look fabulous on the model you built, remind me of the old Mississippi (that took some spelling) {-) paddle boats and if no objection I will try to copy. Interesting that the water does not spew out of the slots.
As long as mine sails I will be happy, cannot be as unresponsive as a barge I built last year. >>:-(
Thanks again Chris 
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: radiojoe on January 08, 2015, 05:05:49 pm
OK Chris,
looking at your photos I did wonder if the previous owner had done something different,  There's a video clip on you tube of a Glasgow sailing she has cut outs of horizontal slots again no water from them, the oscillating paddle wheels are designed to give maximum thrust and not to pick up too much water, enjoy the rest of your build Chris and although I sold mine she is non the less a beautiful tug.  :-)) :-))
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on January 14, 2015, 02:24:15 pm
Well I decided to have a break from paddle wheels and paddle boxes and have a go at tidying up the superstructure, spent quite some time rubbing down with a view to changing the brown to the cream normally used for these models. Well I ended up stripping it to such an extent thought might as well have a shot at a rebuild.
I bought some 2mm beech and spent several hours cutting shapes using sizes from the existing build and checking with the plans. Having the patterns cut decided to make the holes for the portholes before assembly and found out that beech does not like having large holes drilled in it.
Back to the drawing board this time with 2mm light ply which did not resist the sharp drill bit. {-) So shapes cut and sanded, holes drilled ready to glue.
So the new superstructure is glued and primed. The upper deck is cut from 2mm ply but I hope to plank it before I glue it in place, I will also have to make new roof lights.
I have really enjoyed this bit should look good when finished and painted. :-))   
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Pearlsfirstmate on January 14, 2015, 08:53:03 pm
Looking great, and I much prefer the larger, singular porthole vents. Well done  :-) :-)
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on January 17, 2015, 03:50:46 pm
I have spent best part of the day 'planking' the top deck and the bridge wings. I tried to design a jig to aid cutting all the same size but it didn't work as the stirrers %% were not uniform in size. Ended up cutting them individually, what a chore. :-))
I think that I have settled on the colour of the topsides Humbrol No7, think I might get to like it but who knows. As for the brown it could best be described as, well you guess {-)
Lots of rubbing down of the planking but not today as it is too cold outside in the garage I and would loose 'brownie points' if I did it inside.
Must choose a colour for the paddle boxes, I think white would be too stark so may have a go at mixing Humbrol white with perhaps yellow to achieve and ivory. Anybody out there mixed an acceptable ivory or off white?

Chris G 
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on January 25, 2015, 04:40:46 pm
The past week has seen a lot of wasted effort which is not unusual <*<. Various things I have wanted to do have not worked with me ending up back at square one.
The paddle boxes have been painted in my ivory which is a mix of humbrol white and cream little at a time, it has taken the bright white off but wonder if I should add more cream for the next coat. The twenty six Graupner plastic portholes have been replaced with some beauties supplied by Modelling Timbers IOM in my opinion worth every penny, he has also supplied Panama ports in brass and navigation lamps all beautifully made.
The upper deck is finished and I am pleased with the sanded and varnished 'stirrers'.
I must apologise to radiojoe for stealing his idea for holes in the side of the paddle boxes but they looked so good on his model I could not resist trying to copy. Nearly but not quite {:-{.
Handrails and railings to fit, probably next job, not sure if I should leave them in the brass or paint them matt black, I doubt the original steam tug men would have had time to clean all of that brass so black it could well be.
Regards Chris G
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: radiojoe on January 25, 2015, 05:38:23 pm
Hi Chris,
The paddle boxes look fine and worth the effort, as dose the rest of the boat, she is coming along very nice, I'm with you on the brass port holes I used them on my tug well worth the expense, I'll keep following.  :-))
Joe.
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on January 25, 2015, 09:48:59 pm

Looking very nice Chris.    :-))     :-))


ken

Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on January 25, 2015, 10:05:05 pm
Thanks Joe and hope you will like the finished model, and many thanks Ken very glad you are following and hope I can do you proud. Love the build much more than I ever imagined, so much scope for moving away from the Graupner plans.
Please keep watching and your comments are always appreciated.
Regards Chris G
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on February 18, 2015, 03:07:02 pm
I do not know whether it is me or the build but things seem to have slowed. Since my last entry nearly a month ago I have concentrated on the superstructure and have still to fit the deck and finish the boat proper.
New vents have been fitted the English variety (round) and not oval German design. Chimney fitted with steam pipe and whistle and have secured it to the superstructure using brass working 8mm 1m thread turnbuckles.
Deck rails and supports and the side handrails are also fitted as have the three access doors which include small portholes, hinges and handles, most of these bits from Modelling Timbers.
The steering position on top I have changed from the plan and have laid stirrers vertically to represent a planked cockpit which will be varnished. The top will be a copy of the top on a Thames tug I have which is canvas on a frame. I have made and fitted the brass frame and will cover that with a canvas look a like.
Other small jobs have been completed and soon I will have to bite the bullet and decide on bits to go below deck before actually fitting the deck.
The beautiful weather here today makes me realise I have loads to do if I want her in the water this Spring  :-))       
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Netleyned on February 18, 2015, 04:02:10 pm
Looking good there Chris.
You must frequent a better coffee shop than me.
All the stirrers I purloin from Costa's or Mucky Macs seem to warp  >>:-(

Ned

Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on February 18, 2015, 04:08:06 pm
I have a small team of ladies who I have convinced that the coffee in Costa is better than where they used to frequent, they when convenient use (steal) ;D more than they need so I end up with a stock large enough to be able to discard the bad ones.
I am going to suggest to Costa that mahogany will add flavour to their already excellent product so they should source stirrers in hard wood. %%
I will then have the environmental lobby on my back. <*< 
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Netleyned on February 18, 2015, 04:19:09 pm
Great,
I might suggest to Ronald Mac that teak stirrers would
compliment the s   teak burgers {-)

Ned
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: radiojoe on February 18, 2015, 05:49:08 pm
Hi Chris, quite normal for a build to slow up a bit as you get into it, I think this is a good thing as you concentrate more on various areas, I don't know if you have tried the deck in place yet, from what I remember of my build of this boat it's a very snug fit and has to be flexed and sprung in to the groove moulded in the hull, don't be tempted to sand too much off around the edge of the deck, I was tempted to but glad I didn't once it's seated in the groove it was a good fit. :-))
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: mickyrubble on February 18, 2015, 06:19:47 pm
Nice work Chris,keep us posted
 :-))
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: radiojoe on February 18, 2015, 06:24:50 pm
Hi Chris,  sorry just noticed the photos with deck in place  %%  ho dear another senior moment  {-) %%
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on February 18, 2015, 06:44:45 pm
You just don't know how good it is to be surrounded by people having 'senior moments' As always really good to hear nice words and advice from you, does really help the build process. :-))
This 'Glasgow' which will be renamed we think Loch Ranza or maybe just Ranza is a big beast and I really don't know where I am going to put it when finished. It's huge {-)
Take care and all the very best to all of you. Chris
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on March 05, 2015, 11:44:37 am
As it has been a couple of weeks without an update I though the time had come for a few words.
The model has been sitting here for so long I am having to dust her {-) most of the superstructure in now finished and that and a lot of the deck bits have been waiting for a deck.
Well this morning I bit the bullet and having finished the deck decided to fit it. I am not sure I have built a model before where fixing the deck is like nailing down a coffin, future access is not an option %% I have cut access holes for the rudder top, the steering servo and of course the motor and battery compartment, fed the anchor chains through the deck and out of the hull, these are temporarily held in place with blue tack for obvious reasons {-)
The fit is not brilliant and the edges will need a bead of wood to cover some of the imperfections.
Question:- do I fit the knees and then the bead or the other way around, whichever it is going to be fiddly, then both the bead and knees will have to be painted. 
She is ending up a pretty boat. Regards 
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Pearlsfirstmate on March 05, 2015, 12:41:08 pm
Well done for being brave  :}  She looks a treat  :-))
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on March 16, 2015, 04:04:11 pm
Slow build or is it slow builder, I am continually being told it is not a race >>:-(
A brief summary of where we are with this build.
Superstructure about complete, yokes for the hawsers done although I used plastic instead of alley tube was certainly easier, bollards on the bow and stern have been painted and glued on the deck.
Davits for the dinghy fitted and dinghy made and painted also davits for raising and lowering the anchors fitted with through deck and hull anchor chain in place, black and not chrome as supplied.
Mast fitted with supporting stays all adjustable using working brass turnbuckles, looks quite good :-))
Crew have been beautifully painted by my modelling partner in crime and are in position waiting for the maiden voyage.
The advantage of having stacks of room below deck is that I have fitted a 12v battery and there is loads of room for esc and receiver. I will also have room for steamboat sound machine, I hear you all groan {:-{ Ballast to be added if needed at the lake.
I have ordered a Scottish Saltire as the flag to be flown, Graupner supply a Union Jack, cannot imagine why and also the lettering for the boats name 'Loch Ranza' after a lovely loch we have visited in the Clyde near East Loch Tarbert.
Nearly forgot I still have to build the anchor winch, I have discarded the Graupner supplied one in favour of one from Mobile Marine Models, I keep picking it up looking at it and putting it back in the packet {-) looks difficult.
Some pictures of what has been done.
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: radiojoe on March 16, 2015, 09:22:10 pm
Very nice Chris, that all looks familiar to me, the vents in the paddle boxes were well worth the effort.  :-))
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on March 24, 2015, 09:48:28 am
Well I think it is about finished, next test to see her on the water.
The windlass was a MMM kit, not easy but worth the effort and far better that the Graupner supplied one.
12v battery installed and receiver and speed controller fitted, all seems to be working lets hope that continues. The steering seems to be a bone of contention on these boats unless each paddle wheel is independently powered, I am sure this is possible but not by yours truly.  %)
I will call a friend  %% to bring his tug when she has her maiden voyage.
Would I build another ? maybe not, there are so many other projects to be attempted. Who knows maybe have a go at scratch building. ok2
 
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on March 24, 2015, 09:52:26 am

That's gorgeous. What a cracking job you've made of her.     :-))

Cheers

ken

Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on March 24, 2015, 09:55:04 am
Thanks Ken much appreciated.
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Pearlsfirstmate on March 24, 2015, 10:05:19 am
WOW - yes she looks gorgeous - well done you  :-))


Fingers crossed for the maiden voyage around the pond tomorrow  :}
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Martin (Admin) on March 24, 2015, 10:48:35 am
 
Yes, EXCELLENT Job Sir!

 I bet the crew are in fear of their lives if they scuff that deck!    ok2
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Howard on March 24, 2015, 11:00:25 am
Hi Chris,
Well another beautiful looking boat it shows all the time and hard work you,ve put into her Please try and make our open day at Goole It would be great to see her on the pond keep up a lovly work and I can see you in the Master class soon.
                      Regards Howard.
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on March 24, 2015, 11:11:23 am
Such praise, thank you Martin and Howard, thought you were being detained at an NHS establishment near you. Let me know how you are and yes we will try to make Goole again this year.
As for the masterclass, we can but dream, I will never be in the same league as those modellers.
Pearlsfirstmate hope the camera is charged for tomorrow, have asked Ron to bring his tug in case Loch Ranza refuses to steer. <*<     
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: radiojoe on March 24, 2015, 01:10:59 pm
Hi Chris,  she looks grand, very tidy build, with the basic rudder set up you'll never win a steering competitions but you'll find she steers well enough,  though I found mostly on full lock.  :-))
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: mickyrubble on March 24, 2015, 03:22:20 pm
Nice work Chris,i must extract the digit and get mine on the go.
 :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: Chris G on March 28, 2015, 11:18:10 am
My last entry for this build.
She floats and much to my surprise no water from paddle wheels on the deck or anywhere it should not have been.
Took some time and some strategically placed lead shot to get the bow down and to have both paddles in the water but in the end with patience and help achieved it. She is not fast but then I would guess that she was travelling at around scale speed. The large 12v battery is great as it provided lots of power for a long time and placed directly astern of the motor makes useful ballast. I think the key to this type of boat is correct ballasting and as well as the battery I have filled a number of small poly bags with either 800g or 400g so that I can easily adjust the boats balance and depth.
I was warned of the steering difficulty and yes it is not good but in reasonably calm conditions she steers well enough. The ultimate would be to have both paddle wheels powered and controlled independently. It was mentioned at the lake a bow thruster but that would not be in keeping. A simple solution would be to fabricate a rudder extension to be fitted when on the lake but removable for display.
It was fun to build and certainly attracted quite some attention at the lake and I must say some compliments on the build quality.
I would like to thank all those who helped me, now onto the next project. Chris G 
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: U-33 on March 28, 2015, 12:40:52 pm
Beautiful job, CG...she really looks the part out on the water.
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: mickyrubble on March 28, 2015, 12:53:03 pm
Hi Chris,
 thats a cracking job you made of her,give your self a pat on the back.
 :-)) :-))
Title: Re: 'Graupner Glasgow' Paddle driven tug kit.
Post by: radiojoe on March 28, 2015, 01:46:54 pm
Very nice Chris, yes mine had a lot of ballast in her, which makes them quite heavy boats to turn, I found you had to sail with anticipation, but these paddlers look all the better at a more sedate speed.   :-)) :-))