They used a DUKW as a bus for transport to the island off St Pierre de Eglise on the Contentin peninsula (Normandy) - not sure if they still do - went a few times as they were building replicas of old French boats on the island.

Surprisingly, the original American DUKW was designed by the renowned yacht designers Sparkman and Stevens. I spent a few 'happy' days in the aftermath of the 1953 East Coast Floods in one of these doing rescue work and delivering supplies on the flooded fields of the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.

Cheers, Nerys

This looks interesting Jacko.
I am already looking forward to the next update.

Martin555.

Jacko, Considering the speed at which you are building boats, I'm beginning to think that you are doing it faster than the Yanks built Liberty ships during WW2.

Nerys

A DUWK by any other name. It may have wings but will only fly on water. Good job
Rick

Hi Jacko, Pleased to hear that you are working on the DUKW again, but I'm sorry you have pushed the Keel into the background, I was really looking forward to seeing that and to hear how she sailed. Do hope you revive your interest in her before too long.

Cheers, Nerys

Hi Jacko,
"sorry to say its water only no wheels this time as gear boxes,, diff's (waterproof)are out of the question ?? "
Don't think you need all that kerfuffle Jack.
On land/when beaching, why not just drive the two front wheels with independent control, 'tank steering'? Then you wouldn't even need the complication of turning the front wheels to steer😉
The wheel axles can be water proofed just like you would for any normal prop shaft; gland/bearings and thrust washers.
Use the vertical throw of left and right TX sticks for land driving (tank steering by controlling the individual ESCs/motors) and the horizontal throws for gas and rudder when sailing.
If you really want to get nifty you could even sprocket and chain drive the rear wheels off the forward driven axles 😁
I'm sure I saw something along those lines in Model Boats mag some years ago.
Whatever, have fun, looking forward to the sea trials.

Cheers, Doug 😎

I think she would have looked better standing on wheels when out of the water, but pointless in the water as they wouldn't be seen.

Nerys

sorry to say its water only no wheels this time as gear boxes,, diff's (waterproof)are out of the question ??

Your DUKW is shaping up well, she'll be quacking her way round the lake like something from Aylesbury before long. Is it your intention that she will run on land as well as water? if so, what will you do to change the propulsion from one to the other? would she launch herself from a nicely sloping bank?

Cheers, Nerys,

i like to test float before going to far then onto the finish paint work and fitting the sparky stuff 🤞

Pleased to hear the DUKW has felt water for the first time. Has she been motorised yet or was this just a flotation test. Looking forward to seeing her completed and in full quacking form.

Nerys

Jacko, I've been looking forward to seeing the completed Keel, you know how I like traditional craft, sidewheeler or no sidewheeler, I think I will have to periodically nag you until you start on her again.

Cheers, Nerys

i will have to fink about the Norfolk Keel as have been given a side wheeler to referbe... photo's to follow

Good progress on the DUKW, pleased to hear her feathers are now watertight. As you are now in an advanced stage of construction are you giving any thought to the Norfolk Keel which you put on a sorn.

Cheers, Nerys

What!? No tails feathers??? Looking great!

Just Ducky Jacko. Even if keeping their heads down knowing they are protected in a well built boat.
Rick

Mornin' Nerys 😉
Yeah, I also wondered if the troops were exhausted from their operations or just sozzled!
Whichever, their vessel looks pretty trim.
Good work Jacko👍
Cheers, Doug 😎

Looks as if they've all succombed to mal de mer and had to lay down and sleep it off, or have they been told to keep their heads down because of enemy fire. Incidentally, what is it? a vehicle when on land and a vessel when afloat? whichever, you've made a good job of her.

Nerys

well you done it again giving me idea's thanks now going into workshop to start back in a few hours LOL

Hi Jacko,
The duck is looking great.

Just an idea for the stand:-
How about making the stand as a frame using some wood doweling and attaching the wheels to the frame in the position that they would be if they were fitted.

That way when she is out of the water she would look as if she had her wheels.

Martin555.

I see what you did there Nerys🤣

Hi Jacko,

I really like the way your Dukw came out!

How's it run in the water?

What do you use for the motor?

And will you make a video?

Cheers, Ed

I wheely like that, your DUKW needed wheels.

Nerys