I’m in the middle of building a 1:48 Directors‑class paddle tug — Forceful.
I’m using the fibreglass hull and working from plan No. 1292, plus the two Marine Modelling International articles from Jan/Feb 2017.
The paddle wheels are built from drawing No. 1293, and every part of the feathering mechanism has been machined from raw stock. Only the bearings and fixings are bought in.
The feathering wheels and drive are now complete, and I’ve set up a small test tank so I can run a wheel under load before moving on.
Hopefully you’ll enjoy following along with the build.
I’m in the middle of building a 1:48 Directors‑class paddle tug — Forceful.
I’m using the fibreglass hull and working from plan No. 1292, plus the two Marine Modelling International articles from Jan/Feb 2017.
The paddle wheels are built from drawing No. 1293, and every part of the feathering mechanism has been machined from raw stock. Only the bearings and fixings are bought in.
The feathering wheels and drive are now complete, and I’ve set up a small test tank so I can run a wheel under load before moving on.
Hopefully you’ll enjoy following along with the build.
A few pictures showing the parts / assembly in progress.
Please note the machined parts have been made from drawings. The only things purchased are raw materials and fixings.
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A few pictures showing the parts / assembly in progress.
Please note the machined parts have been made from drawings. The only things purchased are raw materials and fixings.
This is impressive work. Machining the entire feathering mechanism from raw stock is a real achievement and speaks volumes about your skill and dedication to the project.
The paddle wheel components look beautifully made, and the test tank is a great idea before committing everything to the final installation.
I'll definitely be following this build with interest. Please keep the photos and updates coming!
Machined parts for gearboxes assembled with standard timing pulley's / toothed belts.
Test fit into the hull prior to finishing.
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Forceful was a regular sight when I was a child in the late 70/early 80s. She was moored up on the river Cleddau, about a mile down river from my parents house, towards Pembroke Dock. At this time, she was to be used as a target, and was looking a little sorry for herself.
My late Father and his Brother had been on board her at least once for a look around.
Unfortunately I don't have any photos of her back then.
Paddle wheels assembled and riveted
Paddles will be painted next.
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Your paddle wheels look like something straight out of a steampunk film — incredibly realistic and beautifully made.
Your precision machining skills leave us all open-mouthed.
The gearbox is magnificent, almost like a Swiss watch mechanism in its detail and craftsmanship.
It’s clear you’re a machinist applying your talent and experience to this wonderful model ship hobby — and the results speak for themselves.
Congratulations on a superb piece of work.
Julian 😎
Paddles painted
Next to build a test tank to check feathering operation.
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Kevin55, the drives setup kind of look like what is in most rc 1/16 tanks except that they are geared instead of belts. I wonder if anyone tried using the RC tank drives in side wheel paddle boats.
Lew
Please excuse the video quality as I am not to good at this aspect.
Testing the paddle wheels before commencing with the final fit out of the two wheels and gearboxes.
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Last video showing the paddle wheels and reduction gearbox running slow.
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Both gearboxes and paddle wheels plus batteries and ESCs to check how it’s sitting…
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I may be mistaken, but from the picture you posted it seems the paddle wheels might be sitting a little on the high side, with perhaps not quite as much contact with the water as one would expect.
Maybe once the rest of the structure and the remaining components are added, the wheels will naturally sit a bit lower and the immersion will look just right.
Hi
Yes, the model is sitting high in the water which is ideal because of the items yet to be made and attached.
I am keeping an eye on the weight of components above the deck due to the hull being shallow.
Another battery and water pump have yet to be added for the fire monitor so this will help.
I have tried to contact others that have made this model with the fibreglass hull but to no avail.
I have removed both of the paddle shafts from the gearboxes.
Then installed both of the gearboxes with a long setting shaft that passes through both l gearbox bearing assemblies.
This has aligned both gearboxes allowing them to be secured in the correct position. The long setting shaft can now be removed and the gearboxes removed and rebuilt.
The rest of the build can now proceed have reached this important stage.
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I have removed both of the paddle shafts from the gearboxes.
Then installed both of the gearboxes with a long setting shaft that passes through both l gearbox bearing assemblies.
This has aligned both gearboxes allowing them to be secured in the correct position. The long setting shaft can now be removed and the gearboxes removed and rebuilt.
The rest of the build can now proceed have reached this important stage.
Some jigs and fixtures have been made to make some of the parts.
Simple Press tools and form tools have also been made to ensure uniformity. My milling machine and lathe both have digital read outs which have help enormously with the accuracy..
Started work on the rudder today and made some good progress.
One half ready to bond into grp hull once I have the second half ready to test against it.
Plenty to do but I am trying to get into the habit of updating in small sections.
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Started work on the rudder today and made some good progress.
One half ready to bond into grp hull once I have the second half ready to test against it.
Plenty to do but I am trying to get into the habit of updating in small sections.
Philuk👍