Hi! I have decided to build a paddle steamer. I want it to be about one metre long, and I will try to base it on [link=http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/Thames_Turk-Launches.html#anchor1284357]this boat - the Yarmouth Belle.[/link] I will get some plans to scale down soon, and I will probably make it out of plywood and balsa.

However, I need to decide how to power it. I think I will use lead acid batteries, probably one 5Ah or 7Ah. The main problem for me at this time is the motor choice.

I currently have:
A 300 size, 30:1 motor. I could use one for each paddle.
A 540 size motor
A Speed 600 motor
A Speed 700 motor

I would be happy to buy other stuff (as long as it is not too expensive).

What motors do you use for your paddleboats? Also, I would want to make the two paddles - what kind of dimentions are we talking about?

Thanks,


Andrew

[link]http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/index1.htm[/link]

these guys know alot about side wheelers and such,what I would use is a dumas C.Q. motor or two if you want differnt controle of the wheels

Are you sure that those paddles are really functional. In some of the pictures I saw propwash coming from the stern. I'm not saying that it can't be done.

Oh yeh - that boat has twin props. The guys at paddleducks have advised having paddles 5" by 3", and 1" deep.

If you want a pair of feathering paddles, try the additonal kit for Graupner's Glasgow model. As to using separately controled paddles this was only used on tugs not passenger vessels, possiblity of turning turtle? Have sold my Glasgow but from memory the boat shown in the pictures looks too high in the water for paddle drive operation, what are the sub-decks on the water level?

If you read the web page he linked on the the boat he is building, it is a replica, and the paddles are non functional.

Sorry for not making it clear, but although the actual boat has dummy paddles, I bplan to have functioning ones on my model. Due to lack of plans, I am probably not going to build this - I am looking at the plans for the Royal Falcon, on this site. I plan to scale it up quite a bit.

Andrew