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1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Started by Chuck
40 replies 205 likes Last activity: 1 year ago
#41

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

I wanted to thank all who expressed interest in the kit. Juanita was a fun kit to develop & get into the market for folks who appreciate these old sternwheeler towboats I grew up with in the States.

This will be my final post on this kit since it is no longer part of my domain after the initial group buy & is now available for sale on eBay.

We are developing several 1/24 scale barge kits due for release late March that will include both deck and open hopper barge for carrying bulk cargo such as coal or sand. I will post a new thread on that once we finalize details & I have photos to share.

Lastly, I can announce now that our next paddler kit will be Major in the same scale in her original late 1920s appearance. Release date has not yet been set but expect it will be later this year once several other projects Cactus RC is currently involved are finished.

Cheers!
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by stevedownunder and SimpleSailor and
#40

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

For those who may want to really detail your build, I've attached some new photos that I came across several days ago taken late December after we wrapped up the kit development. Some of these clearly show the many weld lines in the deck, superstructure & pilothouse; also the exposed pipes & deck lighting that we didn't see in the photos we collected earlier. Also, for the first time, I now have a photo of the pilothouse interior so will be making a few minor changes to what was sent in the initial run to better replicate the true boat.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by BarryS and Peejay and
#39

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Chuck if I were to choose from what I can see in your posted picture, my favorite one is “Cindy” push tug.
😎
Liked by Peejay and AlessandroSPQR
#38

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Thanks again for your kind words. Developing these old towboats from my home states into kits is something I enjoy doing. The quality & follow up communication comes with the territory since it is the minimum what I would expect if I was the customer.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by Mike Stoney and Peejay and
#37

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

They all look very interesting and challenging projects.
With this first Juanita model you made me bring out my admiration for Paddlewheel River Boats, something I never looked into before.
My line of model boats has always being Tugboats and that’s why I have an Caldercraft Imara still in the box.
Your Juanita kit quality and the way that you communicate with your customers has made you a trustworthy model producer.
I work for Model Expo out of Miami and I know what it takes to be a figure in this vast model ships world.
I don’t know what excuse I will create to tell my wife that I want another model but for sure I will purchase whatever you create.
😎
Liked by Peejay and AlessandroSPQR and
#36

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Thanks! Greatly appreciate the interest & support in these sternwheeler towboat kits.

Regarding future projects related to the subject at hand, am currently evaluating several subjects in the same scale:

1) Major in her original 1928 configuration. Major is currently still on the water in commercial service as part of the Valley Gem fleet based out of Marietta, OH.

2) Standard (Donald B / Barbara H): Built in 1923 for Standard Oil, Standard is the oldest surviving unaltered rear-wheel towboat afloat & was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Renamed Standard, she is being rebuilt by her new owners in Bellaire, OH. Would be offered in both her original & raised pilothouse/captain's cabin version.

Well before one of these gets selected & underway, we plan to release several barge kits in the same 1/24 scale, an open hopper & a deck barge to carry a crane or for ferry use. If we do follow Standard, we'll also plan to do a gasoline barge which was her original service.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by Peejay and hermank and
#34

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

The first run of the new Juanita kit packed & waiting for UPS to pickup.

Thanks, once again, to all who joined the initial group buy. 😎
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by hermank and chugalone100
#33

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Chuck, that’s great news.
This will be a super enjoyable model to build.
According to all of the pictures you have posted, the parts quality is AAA +++.
Thank You for all of your posts.
😎I’m
Liked by AlessandroSPQR and hermank and
#32

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Some photos of the kit taken during initial packing. Kit will be packed inside a larger shipping carton just like I did for the Major kits that survived UPS without any damage.

We are running behind on the build manual so that will be finished over the weekend & sent as a PDF in advance of any kits arriving.

UPS will pick up tomorrow so those who joined the group buy can expect delivery sometime next week assuming no weather delays.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by hermank and AlessandroSPQR and
#30

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

We have an old saying back home that I remember as a kid, "parts be parts" that was often heard once it got cold around butchering & hunting season. For some reason, it's really resonating with me now. 😂

Thought I'd share more photos of small parts fabrication along with the stock we're building. Decal sets have arrived & look good. Once the brass work is finished today, it's time to fire up the laser & begin cutting some plywood.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by hermank and AlessandroSPQR and
#29

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Testing the tensioner on the chain drive. We strove for a simple & effective setup with easy access.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by hermank and AlessandroSPQR and
#27

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Please excuse a lack of updates but we've busy with the initial kit run so the prototype must wait until next week to be finished. That said, I thought you folks may like to see photos of some of the components arriving.

Parts for the brass rudders upgrade that come preassembled. In addition to the brass rudders, the rudder frame & post is also preassembled.

SLA resin parts arrived earlier this week & look very nice. The eave for the pilothouse roof will save a lot of time to achieve same results if done in wood. Same goes for the chain guard covers that flank the wheel.

Templates for brass railings, ladder, mast & flag staff.

Decal set for both versions you can build with the kit.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by AlessandroSPQR and RPLedm and
#26

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Hey Chuck,
Where do you find the time? Apparently not married!
Then you have an advantage over me!

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Bb Michel-C.
if you don't ask, you won't get an answer!
Liked by Peejay and chugalone100 and
#25

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Excellent example of transmission on the wheel with blades, congratulations Chuck.
Liked by Peejay and Chuck and
#24

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

It dawned on me that I had failed to include any detailed photos of the drive system finished.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by RPLedm and RNinMunich and
#22

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Getting close to the finish line with the proto build. Kit production starts this weekend.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by RPLedm and RNinMunich and
#21

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Some photos of the pilothouse cabinetry.

Given we had no interior photos this is a basic design of our own so we'll leave the detailing to the modeler to finish as they wish.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by hermank and AlessandroSPQR and
#20

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Hey Chuck
Your piece looks more and more perfect . . Congratulations!i
I really like it!
Bb Michel-C.
if you don't ask, you won't get an answer!
Liked by hermank and AlessandroSPQR and
#19

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Not sure if we'll get to the pilothouse details since have kits to make but kit will include precut parts for the interior.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by hermank and AlessandroSPQR and
#18

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Deckhouse handrail fittings installed using the included templates.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by hermank and AlessandroSPQR and
#15

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Painting the railings so now looking more like her namesake. Aside from the decals which are still set to arrive, expect to have the proto sample build completed within the day.

If anyone wants to get a kit at a great savings we have one remaining spot open for January production for the group buy. After that, it goes on eBay & Aliexpress at 2-3X higher cost.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by AlessandroSPQR and Peejay and
#14

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

More railing work as we near the end of the proto build. Brass rod & tubing included in the kit for ladder, mast & railing fabrication. Small ABS & brass parts are pre-cut for use as rope guides & stanchions for the railings & handrails on the deckhouse. Laser etched templates are included to ensure easy & accurate soldering of all brass work.

As they say, it's all in the details so this kit allows you to build either earlier O.F. Shearer or AEP version with rope/cable lifelines or the later version with pipe handrails as Juanita now appears.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by Peejay and chugalone100 and
#13

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Thanks for your interest, Lew. Yes that is correct, both the large side windows slide open for access to the pilothouse along front window as well the rear for access to the ladder.

Our model replicates the same exact features with sliding pilothouse windows just like the original Juanita.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by Mike Stoney and Peejay and
#12

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Very nice looking build. I am curious about the steps and short platforms on either side of the pilot house. Did the crew enter via sliding the windows to get inside?

Lew
Still plastering in Florida USA

UPDATE: Yes. (See link.) I'm leaving this post up as it is interesting.

https://images.app.goo.gl/dxNHVqqZDL6ncoQP9
https://www.RCFlorida.org/lmb
Liked by Peejay and Chuck
#11

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Railing work today. She's starting to look like a real boat now. 😎
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by chugalone100 and SimpleSailor and
#10

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Some photos as the detailing begins. Railings come next.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by chugalone100 and SimpleSailor and
#9

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Since this is the second kit we developed, I wanted Juanita to be super detailed even down to the working pilothouse windows.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by chugalone100 and hermank and
#8

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Hi Mike,

Agreed, 3DP parts will not last over time unless you are using engineering material. I could print in PC but opted for CNC parts since they look better at less cost.

Wheels are made of ABS sheet via CNC router with additional rings for rigidity, 304SS shaft on bronze bushings with walnut paddles.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by chugalone100 and SimpleSailor and
#7

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Here are the RCG links to follow. For those on Facebook you'll find several photos of another Major build on the water in the Queen City Scale Model Boater's page. The Cincinnati club has, without a doubt, more working paddleboat models than any other club in the States.

https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?4420235-1-18-Major-Stern-Wheeler-Kit#post51530939

https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?4630455-1-24-Juanita-Sternwheeler-Kit

Major Build:

https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?4626643-Sternwheeler-Major-build
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by chugalone100 and SimpleSailor and
#6

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Hello Chuck!
You have just given me an improvement to my rear wheel. I have used 3D elements so far, but I think that treated wood is much better than the 3D plastic. Over time it becomes brittle and warps, which is not the purpose.
Thanks Chuck, best wishes
Michel-C.
PS: How exactly is your rear wheel constructed?
if you don't ask, you won't get an answer!
Liked by SimpleSailor and hermank and
#5

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Chuck,

I'd love to see your previous project, but I'm having difficulty finding the "Major" posts and build threads on RC Groups.
Can you direct me to them, or provide a link please?

Dave B
So far my collection resembles "The Island of Misfit Toys". I've picked up several boats that are old builds and have been neglected. I'm giving them the TLC they need, hoping to bring them back to their former glory. Once I get enough practice/ experience I intend to take on a full build.
Liked by hermank and AlessandroSPQR and
#4

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Kit is initially being offered by me as a group purchase for the initial run at considerable savings before it hits the distributors & agents on eBay & Aliexpress.

This is the same method we got the larger Major kit developed last year where we shipped kits to the USA. You'll find several posts along with build threads over on RC Groups.

In order to get shipment made before CNY close, I need to confirm the initial run before Monday so if anyone wants in, send me a PM for details. Thanks, folks.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by hermank and AlessandroSPQR and
#3

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

This is an outstanding looking river tug boat.
I will start searching to see if I can get my hands on one of them.
You mentioned the kit was for sale, correct?
Where?😎
Liked by hermank and AlessandroSPQR and
#2

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Some background & photos of Juanita.

She is the second to carry the name, the first built of wood in 1928 as the Estell II in Madison, IN & purchased by O. F. Shearer & Sons at Cedar Grove, West Virginia where she was renamed Juanita.

The version modeled is based upon the second boat which Shearer & Sons had built of steel in 1954 for servicing the Shearer landing & coal loading docks on the upper Kanawha River. Indiana & Michigan Power Company, later American Electric Power, bought the company in 1973 & Juanita was moved to their base of operations in Larkin, WV where she was used for yard duty &, later, as AEP's ambassador boat on the Ohio & Kanawha Rivers for 20 years.

In 1984 she was purchased by Tom Cook of Dunbar, WV & underwent extensive renovation for private use. Unlike most other former work boats now in private hands, Juanita's outward appearance was never changed & she remains one of the prettiest sternwheelers still plying the rivers.
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by chugalone100 and hermank and
#1

1/24 Juanita Sternwheeler Towboat Kit Interest

Having been raised on the upper Ohio River, I've had a lifetime interest in the sternwheeler towboats that plied the rivers of my home state of West Virginia and always wanted to build a model of the last of these workboats that are still around after a century, now mostly converted into privately-owned pleasure craft.

Juanita is the second kit I've developed through a friend who has a small boat model business in China. For a more manageable size, we decided to offer Juanita in 1/24 scale which will be 41" LOA once built.

As I had done earlier with Major, I commit to an initial run of 10 kits to get a kit produced that I offer as a group buy on a one time purchase. I have no interest in selling kits but only enjoy building, hence the unorthodox means to get these eccentric subjects made. One the initial run is made, my friend will open it up to eBay & Aliexpress agents who'll offer for 2-3X over the initial price.

As with Major, this is a complete kit with laser cut birch ply/ABS/PC parts, walnut paddles, brass photo etch & tubing plus 3DP resin detail parts, KV1000 motor with 1:17.5 belt drive reduction, 4 working rudders & linkage, LED lighting & decal set for both early working & late versions of Juanita. Electronics & servos are not included. Assembled brass rudder upgrade is available for an additional charge.

Kit dimensions measure 850x230x100mm & will weigh 3kg & will be packed in a double carton for added protection. Model finished dims will be 41” x 8.25” with a ballasted weight between 12.5-14.5lb.

Photos of today's prototype build are attached for reference & I'll post final photos once all detailing is complete this week. Model runs great in testing earlier last week without any water ingress over the wheel.

Feel free to ask any questions & for those who may be interested in joining in on the initial group buy, please send me a PM for more details. Thanks!

Chuck
Shanghai'd expat American. How I ended up here, I'll never know.
Liked by Mike Stoney and SimpleSailor and

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