Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: Tug-Kenny RIP on August 08, 2016, 11:14:03 am
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The next model scratch-build has been decided. %)
I am going for the Sternwheeler paddle boat called the Creole Queen and have already started my research. There is a kit manufactured by Dumas in America, but I want to completely make it myself.
To this end I have been researching (with the help of Mr Google) all the pictures and data that I can find, on the Web. I have accumulated a mass of data so far, and it's getting very interesting. I will still need help from you folks as there are lots of things yet to be found out.
Has anyone ever built this model ? Does anyone have a copy of any plans please. It's not for direct copying but to get the proportions correct. Length versus breadth type of thing. It's very difficult to calculate against a 3D picture.
I have even been on a trip Via 'YouTube', on board and have seen so many details that my head hurts. :}
Here is a picture of the real ship. Building this one should keep me occupied for a while.
ken
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An interesting project and something a bit different. I'll just tag along and wish you good luck with your endeavours Kenny. :-))
Regards,
Ray.
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Hi Kenny. My friend has the kit but he has just moved and it's buried! Of note though, by tower bridge there was a paddle steamer there at one point. Not the same as the Creole but interesting enough to visit . Once my friend can get access to his kits I will have a measure up for you unless some else has instant access.
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Kenny
I hope you are going to be including a working Calliope on the upper deck. {-) {-)
I have actually been on her, but I don't think I have any useful photos.
Barrie
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Have you checked out the 'Paddleducks' site ?
Lots of info there.
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An interesting project and something a bit different. I'll just tag along and wish you good luck with your endeavours Kenny. :-))
Regards,
Ray.
@ Ray. Thank you Ray. Happy to have you on board.
@ Klunk. Would really appreciate the 'odd' measurement when the time comes.
@Barrie. Would you believe it. I already have plans for a music machine to go on board. It would really add to the ambience. I have photo's by the bucketful.
@ mrlownotes. I am a member of Paddleducks and have gone through everything from day one. It was very helpful information indeed, but no build blogs or intimate deatails.
Thank to everyone for your support. I shall try and keep you all updated if my body will allow it. I am at present going through 'Prostrate problems' and it's not getting any better. Hospital next Monday for further surveys and consultation. It's only my model making that drives me on and fills my days. I have to go to bed at 9 because I get up during the night around 8 times and it's knocking me back a bit.
Cheers for now
ken
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Well look after yourself Ken. I wish you a speedy route to remission and hope that your Stern wheeler will be a tonic to you. I see there is quite a bit of cast iron fretwork which could be etched to save time and effort!
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I have the creole Queen kit in the "to build one day" stash over in Finland. I will ask the wife to drag it out and take some pics
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Thank you 'B'. :} Tis the fretwork section I fancy. Nice bit of time consuming stuff that should take a while of careful fret sawing. The pleasure of doing it all by hand.
oooh Essex !!! I'd love to take you up on your offer. It will be exactly the sort of info that I can work on. I need the finer details for the measurements more so than the direct copying, as I mentioned earlier. If your 'good lady' could take some photographs with a ruler alongside, then that would be all I need to get it all in balance. So kind of you to come forward.
ps .... your DX7 is still working wonderful after all these years. Thank you again.
As the intended model is over 2 foot long, I went to the 'yard' yesterday for a sheet of plywood ready for all those decks. I won't be cutting until I know the exact sizes required.
Now my printer has run out of ink, what with all that printing I've been doing. Isn't it great to have a hobby. %%
Cheers
ken
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Yeah!
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Thank you 'B'. :} Tis the fretwork section I fancy. Nice bit of time consuming stuff that should take a while of careful fret sawing. The pleasure of doing it all by hand.
oooh Essex !!! I'd love to take you up on your offer. It will be exactly the sort of info that I can work on. I need the finer details for the measurements more so than the direct copying, as I mentioned earlier. If your 'good lady' could take some photographs with a ruler alongside, then that would be all I need to get it all in balance. So kind of you to come forward.
ps .... your DX7 is still working wonderful after all these years. Thank you again.
As the intended model is over 2 foot long, I went to the 'yard' yesterday for a sheet of plywood ready for all those decks. I won't be cutting until I know the exact sizes required.
Now my printer has run out of ink, what with all that printing I've been doing. Isn't it great to have a hobby. %%
Cheers
ken
I have gone one better, spoke to the wife about it today and she's going to Post it over.
Happy to send you over the kit for reference purposes :)
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Hi Garrie,
I am GOBSMACKED.
What can I say but a big THANK YOU. It's so kind of you to go through all that trouble for me. I shall return the kit when I have taken appropriate proportional measurements.
I have started with cardboard cut-outs to line things up and it's trickier than you would imagine, but a load of fun to get involved with. I have been watching ALL the YouTube films (and there's a few of em !!) regarding the real ship and it looks like a real pretty ship. The plan is to have the steam organ sounding as well. I have PM'd you.
All the best
ken
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Hi Garrie,
I am GOBSMACKED.
What can I say but a big THANK YOU. It's so kind of you to go through all that trouble for me. I shall return the kit when I have taken appropriate proportional measurements.
I have started with cardboard cut-outs to line things up and it's trickier than you would imagine, but a load of fun to get involved with. I have been watching ALL the YouTube films (and there's a few of em !!) regarding the real ship and it looks like a real pretty ship. The plan is to have the steam organ sounding as well. I have PM'd you.
All the best
ken
Well it has sat on the shelf over there for nigh on 6 years :embarrassed: so I don't think I'll miss it {-)
I'll let you know when it lands in the UK
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What's the bollard pull of its main towing winch?? :-)) {-) {-)
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I'm back, after my Hospital visits. Seems I'm now booked in for the big 'op' in February next year. All I have to do is live that long.
Back to the modelling. I am still researching the actual boat and it gets more interesting by the day. Some wonderful details on YouTube. My printer has run out of colour ink where I've been over enthusiastic. %)
@Brian. Not sure what you mean. :-)
Cheers
ken
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Well, don't do owt daft in the mean time and have lots of fun model making and trucking.
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Here we go ........................... :}
By calculating sizes from the pictures we have come up with some measurements to allow us to lay down the basic shape.
I have cut out the frames and glued them together.
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The keel was glued to a complete sheet of 3mm plywood and a sheet was cut and glued across the curving top. This will be the main deck which will float close to the Mississippi river. {-)
It's all clamped to produce a gentle curve from Bow to Stern.
The plan is to cut some strips of timber to plank along the side in a gentle curve and sand smooth.
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After removing the clamps we have the basic shape.
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Blimey.....half way there already! %%
I am going to enjoy watching this build. Good on you Kenny.
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Hiya Footski. Nice to hear from you after all these years.
Yes I'm proceeding with my axe and hammers. This one looks a delicate challenge as I get up to the side walls. I'm already thinking about the smoke machine and pipe organ extras. {-) {-)
ken
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That's a great start Ken. It is so shallow it feels wrong!
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Hiya Footski. Nice to hear from you after all these years.
Yes I'm proceeding with my axe and hammers. This one looks a delicate challenge as I get up to the side walls. I'm already thinking about the smoke machine and pipe organ extras. {-) {-)
ken
I have been lurking in the background Ken. :-))
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That's a great start Ken. It is so shallow it feels wrong!
Believe me, I wrestled with this one. :} The original 'Queen' is certainly low when sailing and is built this way to navigate the shallow river.
I thought about balance and tipping problems and decided to make it very heavy and flat bottomed. It is actually slightly higher than the original craft but I'm counting on the extra weights of the thick timber and batteries and smoke generator full of water to bring her down to her marks. %)
ken
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Good oh. I hope your fellow club members do not recreate the many large rivers in the US with submerged trees and other nasties that caught unfortunate skippers navigating!
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We have planked the lower keel and sanded it smooth (ish). It needed a dab or two of P38 filler and was smoothed out.
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It was then sprayed with 'red oxide' primer and now looks like this.
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I will have to wait until a top coat has been applied before I can 'float test' her, as red oxide is porous. I can then find out the total weight needed to bring her down to her marks. I expect it to be capable of quite a heavy load. :}
Cheers
ken
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What can I say? its coming on well Ken, but time for a name change? drop the TUG kenny and replace it with......
Up the creek without a paddlewheel Kenny {-) {-) {-)
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'Paddlewheel Kenny' Quite catchy :}
Excellent progress and good finish.
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Thank you Chaps. ok2
It's a good job I'm not building a dredger. %)
Nothing to show for today's work as it came out wrong and I have to do the new parts again. Happens to us all I suppose. Oh, the fun of building.
ken
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Today I cut the plywood for the cabins and laid it all in place. I have over 50 windows to cut out before I can join them together.
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I have cut out the panels where the windows will be, as this area will be covered with plasticard. That way, I can cut out the windows individually and keep them nice and tidy looking.
The other decks are now on hold until I fit the rudders and paddle systems.
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Today I started on the rear paddle system. It consists of 6 wheels, like a bicycle spoke system which will be joined across the top with boards.
It took all day to make the master wheel that I can use as a guide for all the others. I am making them from 2mm plastic card and they are surprisingly sturdy.
Here's a picture of it alongside the others drawn out ready for cutting and fettling.
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Looking great Kenny!!!
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Thank you. They are not going to be perfect, but at least they will be under water. %)
ken
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Maybe you could have had the wheel centres computer milled and then they'd all be the same, and a lot less work!
Ian.
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What does "computer milled" mean......It sounds very 21st century {:-{
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You made I smile .... ooh ar !!
The fun is in the fettling and personal shaping. I use four files, electric mini drill with various attachments for sanding and shaping, not forgetting the ol faithful Stanley knife.
Thanks for your interest Guys.
ken
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Here is the result. I couldn't resist setting them up on a bar to see the effect.
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I shall be sliding them up together and try and get all the pieces the same size. :} (or send them to Ian :-) )
Cheers
ken
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They look pretty good Kenny - I've not had much success with paddle wheels. I tried a side wheel and a stern wheel, but neither worked very well.
Barrie
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Thanks Barrie. I tend to agree with you on their 'power in a model'. Hopefully mine will used on the very calmest of days so should propel gracefully across the water. Time will tell.
The rudders are in a triple formation and curve under the hull and back up under the wheels. The tops of the tubes will be at water line so I'm a little concerned about leakage into the hull. We'll see how the land lies later.
Cheers
ken
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You made I smile .... ooh ar !!
The fun is in the fettling and personal shaping. I use four files, electric mini drill with various attachments for sanding and shaping, not forgetting the ol faithful Stanley knife.
Thanks for your interest Guys.
ken
Ah, a proper modeller then! %%
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I have bought a right angle direct drive gearbox and connected up the motor.
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I then moved on to the rudders. There are three of them which have to be specially cut to shape to the sloping hull and the curved paddle wheels.
Did a nice piece of bow torch work on the blades and failed to see my finger under the flame. ooh er, not again. Should mend quite soon !!
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The paddle wheel has been glued together and sprayed with Red Oxide primer. The first three wheels are offset to the second three as per the real ship. They will be fitted with their propulsion boards when they have had their top coats.
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I have started covering the wood frame with 1.5mm plastic card. I've found the best glue for this to be 'Evostick'
Widows have been cut out of some sections, to line up with the cut-outs I've done in the wooden sides.
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well hello there Ken
Of all the good builds you have done - I really also like this one - what is intriguing me is the use of right angled gear box drive to the paddle wheel - I have been googling looking for images and references to this drive and I cannot find any at the current time. Is this your idea? or, did the original vessel have this system of drive? Because the ones I have come across on google are the old chain drive or the crank drive. I am really intrigued with it. Keep up with the good build.
John
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Hi John, Nice to hear from you, especially with your encouraging remarks. :} I am enjoying this build as it's a pretty ship and plenty of detail.
Here is the bevel gearbox on R-S Components site. It was only 13 quid all in. (update) I think the is done on the original ship.
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/gearboxes/
It is listed as
Huco L Gearbox, 1:1 Gear Ratio, 0.11 Nm Maximum Torque, 1000rpm Maximum Speed
I've just noticed it's out of stock at the moment. I must have had the last one in stock. I expect they will restock soon. I've been with them for the last 32 years. !!!!
keep in touch
ken
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Bluebird,
See this thread for other right angle drive gearboxes.
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,55695.0.html
Barrie
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hi there I know about right angled gear boxes and where to get them - its the use of it on the sternwheeler that I was querying. I would like to find evidence of a right angled drive on a real sternwheeler - not that it doesn't exist :-)
john
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John. You could be right in that it doesn't use a right angle drive from inside the craft. It does look as if it's driven by an electric motor out on the stern deck. Please see the pictures of the real boat I have in my collection.
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I have done an enlargement but it has reduced it's clarity It might give you an idea of the arrangement.
You gonna make one ??? So far, so good on mine but I have the railings to get through yet. (dreading it, as I want them to look smart)
Cheers
ken
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You gonna make one ???
%) %)
john
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John is that your paddler? if so where did you source the gears?? I have a couple of stockists in my list one of which is MFA but I'm not impressed with their prices %% nor with RS components although they are cheaper than MFA for the same gears.
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Hi Brian
Yes my paddler, which I am in the middle of building - the gears come from MFA, bit expensive, but good.
John
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Try Davall gears, huge range of gears, pulleys belts etc., not sure what the prices are like but the range is immense.
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Davall gears are truly expensive with a capital E. I contacted them a few months ago about some bevel gears, they were 10mm diameter, I needed 12. They wanted £30 each plus vat plus shipping :o :o :o
Of course they never got the order. Davall may have quality but they are out of reach of anyone but a millionaire modeller.
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That looks nice John. I used a similar idea on my Waverley with the RS gears and belt. :-))
Plodding on with mine, I have glued the paddles to the frames. The structures seems quite sturdy as it's plastic to plastic and now quite rigid.
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I have started the first floor cabin. The plywood structure is WELL clamped to keep it square. This will be covered with white Plasticard with the windows pre-cut in readiness.
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Well Ken what can I say? Your clamping looks as clumsy as mine %% but it works :} The paddles are coming on nicely, are they timber on the real boat? If so are you going to add the woodgrain to them when you paint?
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I assume you are correct about the wood as there are 'U' clamps to the frames. The real boat has them painted in Red so I shall do the same , then we won't know what's really underneath. %)
I'm going to get the paint today at Halfords. The trouble is they know me so well with all the paint I'm buying from them that they want to see the models now. :}
ken
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Today it was cut out the windows day.
Here is a sequence of pictures going though the process.
1.. Make window pane from plastic and use it as a marker to position onto the work piece
2 Draw around master and cut down vertical edges with a Stanley knife
3 Cut across under curved tops and bottoms and diagonally from corner to corner
4 Drill out centre hole and break away the inside pieces
5 Use rotating sander to smooth around the inside of the curves
Then make another one. %)
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Here is the deck wall placed into position awaiting glue to the plywood sides. It's all getting very interesting now as there's still a lot to do.
The new red paint has been obtained so the paddle wheel has it's final coats of red. You will notice that I've managed to break the rear strut. Note to ones self ... fit a metal runner to protect this from happening again. %)
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The second deck is now being fitted out. The windows are a duplicate of the first deck and will be glued to the plywood backing.
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Had a bit of fun laying out the front steps up to each floor. It's not secured yet as they have to be fitted in.
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Looking very nice Kenny. The small compartment by the paddlewheel is very convenient for hiding the gear box:O)
By the way, don't forget to fit a metal runner to support your strut.
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Strut fitted and it's now much firmer. Cheers mate.
I am beavering away on the fitting out. :} I had to work out the rudder system and have come up with a triple rudder system all on linkages driven by the servo.
The paddle wheel motor and linkages have been installed to run off a 240 RPM motor. I connected a 12 volt battery direct to test it and it looks great.
Note to one's self ........... keep fingers out of paddle blades. %)
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The top deck has been cut and laid in place.
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I have made the access panels to be able to get to the innards from this top deck. There are two removable panels with enough room to get my hands inside for fitting out electrics and the smoke generator and the steam organ !!! not forgetting the tables and chairs for the passengers. %)
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Still building upwards. %)
The next deck has been made and placed into position. It's amazing how much timber I'm getting through (mistakes and all !)
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I have shared a post of a Sternwheeler on Mayhems FB page for you.
Len.
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That's a big un mmmmh!!!! The American Queen looks rather grand.
It did remind me that I must think about the illumination. %)
Thanks for the thought
ken
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Thats a fine model Ken. You're doing marvlious :-))
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Cheers Mate.
Further work has been done. We are now up to the top deck and it's beginning to look the part (from a distance )
Now that the major shape has been realised, we can start Tarting up the features a bit. Sheesh... them windows took a lot of my time to cut out. I'll count them next time and report back. :}
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Looking mighty fine there Kenny
Might have to change your name to Sternwheeler Kenny {-)
Over 60 windows , not including the Pilot House as the Americans
call the Bridge/Wheelhouse.
Ned
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Aw !!!! That shines a light on the subject.
Of course, over the time I've been cutting these wretched things, I have developed a faster way of doing things.
I first started by drawing each one and then Stanley knifing out the hole close to the line. Then using a file, sanding out the hole to a perfect shape. Then I used a master shape to draw each hole the same. It is now refined to drilling around the inside edge with a special drill that has side teeth which allows for drilling one hole and then grinding in a sanding motion all the way around the hole close to the mark and finally finishing with a fine file.
I'm pleased to say they should all be done by now. %)
Cheers
ken
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Has it been near the Teat Tank yet, cos weight soon builds up and we don't want it to s**k.
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Hi Big Ada, no worries as I've just done a float test in the bath.
Seems to float half way up the black part of the hull. I'm hoping not much more to be added that's heavy. %)
Cheers
ken
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Today I made use of the cocktail sticks by fitting them into place to get the general overall effect. (they do need cutting to size)
I have also made the roof to the wheelhouse.
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Beginning to look impressive now Kenny - should be a head turner on the water or on the shelf. O0
Regards,
Ray.
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With a sound card playing some tinkley bar piano music inside she will be a beauty.
Excellent progress.
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Thank you guys. :-))
I need advice on the deck surfaces. They are plywood at the moment but I would like a surface more appropriate. to the boat. Should I go for a planking effect or a darker brown ? Also the edges need 'covering up' in some way. Any suggestions please.
Today I shall be fitting the vertical posts between decks, so must make sure the holes 'line up' . I wish now that I had drilled them in readiness before I'd fitted them permanently down.
I have acquired the railings (is that the word ?) to go around the decks. I have cut down a plastic product from the DIY store that suits the bill exactly, am quite excited about the effect this will have. Must get on --------- can't sit around here all day. %)
ken
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Decks need planking, smaller coffee stirreres should be great for the job,...............and then use one stirrer, mounted upright to hide the edge and it becomes a toeboard, if above the deck, or a decorative deck support if going below the deck?
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I think it was Young at 70 who had a sternwheeler up at the LLanberis event or was it Mayhem and if memory serves me right he had a mp3 player playing missisippi jazz music and it was very effective
Dave
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Thanks nivapilot. If there's one thing I have plenty of and that's coffee sticks. Might try this.
Today I drilled some more holes for the 'down pipes' (for want of a better word ?)
I then undercoated the top section in my favourite paint, Red Oxide. I find it tends to fill in the scratches and blemishes quite well. %)
I am planning on some music Dave. :}
ken
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It has an oriental feel to it at the moment what with the colour and the pagoda roof on the pilot house!
Acquire is the correct word Kenny :-)) Now go harvest some 'Modelling sticks' from your local Cafe. Remember, for every handful of sticks you buy, you get a free coffee O0
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Time to glue in the 'sticks'.
To this end I have used cocktail sticks as the posts to go around the boat. The decks have been re-sprayed again, and are going to be left as a light grey colour.
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That is not a man in black on the stern. It's an illusion caused by the inverted drill hanging over the mains plug. {-) {-)
The front stairs have been lined up and secured in place, so it's all coming together now.
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I have started on the fencing. There are three types needed so these were laid out to get a feel for their construction.
I've also started on the walkway from the bow. This is a raised plank type of system via a crane.
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The fencing has been glued into place and it's beginning to look the part.
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Hi Kenny, that is coming along really nicely. I thought the multi coloured clamps added a party atmosphere to the boat :}
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They are pretty aren't they :}
When the glue dried I painted the sections white and here's the overall effect.
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I have made the edging strip for the top floor and also the name plate between funnels.
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Nearly done Kenny!
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Hi, ken
Have you cut out all that fencing, our have you bought lengths of it pre cut .it has really brought the boat to life and looks fantastic.
Davidjt
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Thank you for the kind comments.
The "Fencing" was achieved by purchasing a 3 metre length of plastic from the hardware store that had these cut outs going through them. They had edges on the each side that had to be cut off on the band-saw. I don't have a picture of the original shape but this was result after cutting.
This left me with a long enough piece of perfectly looking slats to be able to wrap the complete boat in one go. Lucky or what. :} Could have been made for the job.
The wood 'slats' were purchased from the model shop at a pound each and are 2mm square and the round edged bars are long 'cocktail sticks' at a pound a pack.
(Not one for flashing my money around %) )
cheers
ken
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Hi,
thanks for information on fencing. :-)) . Spending as little as possible is the whole idea with modeling to me . All my boats are made from scrap timber ie old pallets cut to size, only spend money when desperate like you don't (splash the cash). %% your fun will start when the painting starts. will you spray it.
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A man after my own heart. It's always best to not 'splash the cash' if other ways are possible.
No, there is no further painting needed as it's done as I go along, and most of it is in white anyway. Now, where did I put those curtains for the windows !!
Cheers
ken
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She sure looks perty Kenny... O0
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She sure does. :}
I have been busying myself with making 19 bench seats from matchsticks and plastic card.
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These were then sprayed white and allowed to dry off overnight. The next day they were sprayed again.
I then placed them on deck to get an overall impression.
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The steps will need a colour to offset the white everywhere. %)
ken
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She looks lovely Ken. I hope you find lots of folk to populate her with as she will be beautiful with a crew and passengers.
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Very nicely built!!!! I like your technique using different materials.
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Thank you folks. :-) No pictures today as I've been gluing some parts and they are under clamps.
The chairs are stuck down and I'm working on the top deck barrier rails. I have a smoke machine which was tested today so, will be fitted when the chimneys are stuck together. The plumbing has been made all ready for connection.
Cheers
ken
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A few more posts have been fitted to contain the rescue floats. I have also started on railings around the pilot house.
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Why is it called a Pilot House Ken %).......when the vessel is steered by the helmsman under instruction :police: of the Captain :D...Derek
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The steering wheel and gear shifts are on the port wing, or will be when I fit them, so the little house is to run into when it rains I suppose.
You'd never believe I haven't been on a boat. {-)
cheers
ken
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Why is it called a Pilot House Ken %) .......when the vessel is steered by the helmsman under instruction :police: of the Captain :D ...Derek
On the Mississippi the paddle steamers were under the control of a river pilot not the captain. The pilots were the ones with the knowledge of the river hazards. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) was a river pilot before an author.
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Why the life rafts Kenny? They didn't have then in the ninteenth century.
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Why the life rafts Kenny? They didn't have then in the ninteenth century.
I was going to say why the life rafts. They may still use them for tourist purposes but the sternwheelers were the province of 19th - 20th century's, model it in that period and they wouldn't be needed.
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The Creole Queen is modern, she was launched in 1983..
Paul.
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Well that's all interesting info guys. Thank very much.
I enclose some pictures of the area mentioned. Would that be the River pilot steering ? Also, there appears to be life preservers in the 'Pen' behind the wheelhouse. or it could be container drums of some sort.
I only have pictures to work with so it's all guesswork. %) Keep the ideas coming.
Cheers
ken
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Probably don't need a river pilot now as the river has been changed since the time of the old paddle steamers. It has been straightened, dredged and kept clear so no need to learn where the sandbanks etc are.
Jim
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That late! You learn something new every day (except for spelling by the seems of it). Re life rafts and saving equipment, I assume it has to be renewed periodically to meet safety laws, so yours may not be wrong Ken, but of a period when the white ones were fitted.
Your model looks fab what ever matey O0
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I have painted the fence and started on the posts around the top section.
These are made from the cocktail sticks and are individually cut to fit. The results are quite firm for a wooden fence. I had considered brass tubes but this will keep the weight down.
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Fencing completed in 2 days and painted white.
I have also secured the centre black bar between the chimneys with hidden screws. The original version was glued and it broke apart.
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Thought you might like to look at this facebook page Ken...
https://www.facebook.com/1606462793015747/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1606467609681932
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Thank you for that Brian. What a craftsman that chap is. All made and crafted with real wood. :-))
Cheers
ken
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I have been busy putting up curtains on my 60 windows. They are all glazed with 1.5mm clear plastic and it was not any easy job.
I had saved the glazing until the rest of the carpentry was fitted to prevent scratches to the plastic etc, but actually made it harder for myself in the long run.
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The river pilot has been given his own command centre on the port wing. ok2
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We then started on an assortment of Crew and guests for the boat.
Painting has started but what a fiddly job. I have to let the colours dry before adding more paint.
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It probably took about the same amount of time as now you don't have to polish the scratches out (assuming you had made any!)
I paint figures in a production line so that once the last figure has a colour added, the first is dry so you can do the next colour. Again assuming you use acrylics and not enamels that take longer to dry.
She's looking very finished Ken:O)
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Thanks matey, it does look more complete these days. The painting is very relaxing. It was the shoes today. Tomorrow the skin. What's the best colour to use for this. I am using acrylic paints from an artists box.
ken
(just noticed we are at the top of page 6....... 8) Didn't know it would take this long. te he )
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Hm, well any flesh colour will give you a good basis and that will be perfectly acceptable for euopean skins especially us pasty lot in winter!
I mix a little flat earth (chestnut) or a leathery colour into the flesh to make it a bit darker and you can add more if you want a sort of tan effect. You can add a little olive to it for some meditteranean skin tones as well!
For African/some Indian skins start with chestnut and add a wash of Burnt Umber neat, or with a bit of black to darken it. Vary the mixes to create different tones. I took inspiration from Joan Armatrading who has a lovely skin colour which is a base of Chestnut brown with darker areas. You can create Deep Saharan skin tones starting with Purple (yup!) and applying a wash of Burnt Umber/black mix.
See if you can get a copy of the Military Modelling Euro Millitaire special or keep an eye on model figure painting articles online as they have loads of ideas. It is down to how far you want to take things. have fun as it feels like too much of a job then it won't be.
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The little folk are now finished and have gone aboard.
I have made the tops for the pillars and have now fixed them into place (135 triangles cut). The receiver is on board and the paddle wheels trundle round with a satisfying swish. The rudders turn in sync and the lights are wired to the saloons.
The bow plank has been connected up to the mast. which has a white light fitted.
I am working on the steam generator at the moment and busy fitting it all in nice and tidy. There is plenty of room for batteries and sound equipment. The Steam organ pipes are fitted to the rear top deck.
I have taken some more pictures and they follow in order.
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More views on the walk around.
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Yet more around the side.
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Finally for today.
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There will be handrails for the steps when I can get back to the model shop for materials. {-)
Cheers
ken
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Today I connected up the Smoke generator. Here's a few pictures of it in action. It's connected to the paddle's speed control and seems to have plenty of power. I might reduce the speed's input control as it will then produce a slower cloudy effect.
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A picture of the set up below decks. :}
If I blip the throttle it will make dense smoke rings. :}
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You know what Ken this is a lovely build and the smoke generator will make it look very majestic when she sails - lovely job :-))
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Is that one of Mark's foggy ones
Dave
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That is a beautiful model Ken, the figures really do make her look very realisitic. I want to see the smoke rings!
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Thanks guys. Much appreciated.
Yes Dave, it is MMB's fog generator with an added voltage increaser PCB. It raises the input volts to 24 volts and pushes out a bit too much smoke, so today I am reducing the voltage on the fan to slow it down. When I accelerate the 'plume' goes up to the ceiling as a thin line. On tick over its feint but when the throttle is increased by a quarter and then reduced to stop I get the smoke rings Mr B. Looks good in the workshop but will probably not be seen much out on the lake. Hence all the discussions on 'darkening, the plumes, recently published. I shall not be adding anything as I don't want the boat covered in a sticky mess.
I have been collecting 'Louisiana music' for the sound generator, so that should be fun when we get around to making the film. :}
Cheers
ken
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10/10 Ken :-))
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Thank you Big man. :-))
I can't wait to get to the lake. I've no idea how it will perform but we have to take a movie to finish off the YouTube film.
Cheers
ken
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A few more items to complete the look. I expect there will be more as go along, but the major work is done and she' s ready for the water.
I have added a small bulwark around the bow and made a simple rope winch.
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I look forward to seeing her on the water:O)
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I am ready for her first trip afloat. I was hoping for a brighter day as today is misty. I am considering going for a bit of a 'mood' filming type of shots. It could look like 'coming out through the mist' sort of thing. %)
I have completed the interior lighting by running lengths of plastic containing 30 led's around the ceilings.
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You will have noticed the lights don't show up much in daylight.
I'm working on the upper deck to complete the illusion. It's a bit cold in the workshop these days, so not going as fast as I usually do. {-)
Cheers
ken
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Looks nice Ken. Now it depends on which era you were wanting it to fall into, the modern with your lighting would be perfect (imitation flouorescents) Bit if you were going for a period 19th centuary I think a yellow or amber strip of leds would have depicted oil lamps or early light bulbs better. She still looks good though, the lights set off the curtains in the windows.
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She had her maiden voyage in 1983
so her lighting would probably reflect
the eighties with fluorescent fittings.
She was marketed as nostalgia with
modern facilities, so probably a bit
of a mix.
Ned
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She is a copy of today's ship so it's best to stick with white lights. The top deck is now illuminated. Pics to follow.
Whilst leaning over the deck for hours on end, I had decapitated one of the deck hands. He's now on sick leave. :o
ken
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Well, we got there in end.
Here she is on her trolley ready for a trip to the lake
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My visit to the lake.
Extremely low sun and bright as well. She sails very slow with almost zero tuning ability but looks great on the water. Attracted a few viewers with children in tow. Could have sold her twice. {-)
It was a very satisfying day and I came away with many upgrades in mind.
I will continue the 'tarting up' after Christmas like a secret bow thruster maybe. %%
cheers
ken
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Hi ken , well done :-)) , you have made a fantastic job building your stern wheeler. Doesnt she respond at all on the steering . :-))
David
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Thank you David. :}
No, she does not steer at all. This is due to the geared motor driving the paddles too slowly to create a water flow. (even at full throttle)
Today I swopped the geared motor for a direct drive version of a 500 size motor. By cracky !!!! the captain could go water skiing. I'm now re-programming the radio to reduce the speed on forwards and reverse in case the radio gets into other drivers hands.
All in all, she looked the part when on the water belching smoke. Now to get the calliope playing as well. Tape recording all ready to go in.
ken
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She looks just as good on the trolley as in the water!
I can't wait to see a video of her steaming along with her organs playing :-))