Probably spending more time thinking about this than I should be.

Thinking that a geared motor might be the way forward. The MFA 919D2.51 with 2.5:1 reduction seems to be an option. I can get a 6mm pulley to go on the shaft and still have the option of adding a 60 tooth 2GT pulley at the gearbox end, this should give a further 3:1 reduction if required.

Colin, thanks, I was thinking about increasing the size of the pulley at the gearbox end, found a shaft adaptor so I can increase diameter to 5mm, means I can get a 60 tooth 2GT pulley and leave a 20 tooth pulley on the motor shaft.

Been having a look at motors for tugs and see Mobile Marine do a 4TA that’ll run 6V-12v so I could try a 2S or 3S which should give different max revs.

Think this one will be trial and error to find the best solution, just pleased that the gearbox and paddle work, only had one machine screw work loose, found it had been soldered in place and the solder joint failed, probably due to paddle wheel running at excessive speed.

Neil, can you tell me the weight and size of your model.
My suggested motor could possibly be an 800 or 1000, both high torque and low reving.
Also increase the belt pulley size 3 or 4 times on the gearbox and it should help no end.
Cheers Colin.

Dumas’ running gear set for the Creole Queen has a 60.5 reduction on the motor. Should do the job.

I’ve been doing loads on the Paddle Steamer, have most of the repairs done, have a few more features to add. Will do an update when it’s finished. Think it is a British Gunboat, possibly Nile.

I’ve had to wait for a couple of pulleys and a belt to arrive to get the paddle wheel running. Using stuff from 3D printer controls, seems to work OK

I’ve tried a couple of different motors, I’ve got it working with a Foxxy Speed 600 but that motor is to high revving and although it has enough torque to get the paddle moving it’s way too much, think it hits 17,000 rpm. It is getting very warm so won’t be used in the boat.

So, I need recommendations for a high torque motor that will plod on. There’s a 3:1 reduction gearing but I’m looking at the paddle wheel doing 100s of RPM not 1000s. Video shows about 1/4 throttle.

I have no preferences, can be 6V -12V, no need for brushless.

So any recommendations gratefully received.

https://youtube.com/shorts/WahJacWEXko?si=IJeGnuL32EJ77gnx