Hi Tony (wmbc40).

First of all welcome.
If you want, you could show us your Lulonga model.
If it is already completed you could insert it in the "Harbor" section, if it is nearing completion you could insert it in the "Build blog" section.
I accidentally entered my current one in the forum and now I continue there.
I hope you post photos but especially videos.

Interesting article thank you. I have a Lulonga fitted with a chuffing steam effect mister unit. It is single electrical motor drive through a gearbox and nylon double link chain. The rudder is extended by a slip on extension and it steers very well indeed. It draws a lot of attention on the water as it is an unusual model. Tony

Hi Tomarack, your post was very interesting and I remember the link you attached making me curious and I also really liked the place.

I remembered the very informative content both in text and photos, in fact I indicated to Mike Stoney that you could help him.
I'm very glad you chimed in on this topic.
There aren't many of you who have built wheeled boats (at least from what I've been able to see), so far I've seen you, Mike and River Rat.
I hope Mike can benefit from your work although I think he is already on the right path.

The method you used to turn the wheeled boat is very effective and can be replicated by anyone who has two wheels at their disposal.

All very interesting! Thanks again Tom, this time for the links.

Lew
Florida ⛱️, USA 🇺🇸

Some more of my articles about Lulonga you can find here

forum/117431#130896

I found Tamiya gearboxes, they are used for example in tank models, but I don't have any experience with them

http://www.snailshop.cz/146-prevodovky-tamiya

As to geared motors, I used similar engine to this one from Snail Instruments. They are small, with sufficient power, and an appropriate gear ratio can be selected. Of all the offered modifications, I liked the "pololu" 12V DC version the most.
The transmission from the motor to the paddlewheels is by means of a toothed belt.

https://www.rajce.idnes.cz/tomarack/album/rc-model-lulonga/627007917

https://www.rajce.idnes.cz/tomarack/album/rc-model-lulonga/549939641

More info you can get on > www.paddleducks.co.uk, it is an Aussie link for all paddle steamer modellers.
Unfortunately, a number of Aussie links have been unavailable lately, I don't know what's going on.
the process of building my model can be found here >

https://www.rajce.idnes.cz/tomarack/album/rc-model-lulonga

http://www.snailshop.cz/prevodove-37-mm-pololu-12v/2963-30-1-metal-gearmotor-37d

Thanks Tom for sharing your videos of the Lulonga. Very colorful boat. Thanks for including the "innerds" of the boat as well.

Lew😊
Florida, USA

Hi gents,
it's been quite a while since I built a Lulonga model. An acquaintance from Australia sent me the plans, and I was just as intrigued as you. The only thing I would change about the model is its length. If you build it, increase its length by at least 10". There is a problem with the longitudinal (weight) balancing of the model.
The model is controlled either by the rudder (but it has little efficiency) or by independent control of the paddle wheels. I simplified this control by controlling both motors with one stick by connecting the V-tail mixer between channels 1 and 3.
1- Ailerons,3- Throttle.The model sails slowly, it is not a racing machine. As it is, it is able to turn practically on the spot. Engaging Ailerons helps by turning one wheel forward and the other backward when turning in place.
To improve the impression I use a "steam sound unit", a siren and a fog horn.

https://www.youtube.com/user/tomarack/videos

Tomarack, about the Lulonga, the steering. I don't remember if it had rudders or relied on independent control of the wheels or both. Could you clarify this? Also, is it able to maneuver well at slow speeds? Do you have any videos of it?

Lew
Florida ⛱️, USA 🇺🇸

certainly unusual boat.
😎


Isaac

Michael-C,

Thanks for bringing up the post of the Lulonga by Tomarack. I had not seen this before. What a great model of an unusual design tug. I remember some (long) years ago seeing it in a plan list by Model Boats magazine. I wish I moved forward to build one.

Lew
Florida ⛱️, USA 🇺🇸

Hi Tomarack,
I really have problems with the drive of my Mississippi sternwheeler. Despite rescue attempts, the planetary gearbox can no longer be repaired.
Can you help me further? How did you create the drive for this boat?
Can you also tell me where you found such a low-speed engine?
Questions upon questions. . . Please send me photos if you are ok with it?
Hobbyist greetings
Michel-C.