Building a Sudan Gunboat (2 Viewers)

[maddadicus]

Step #1 would be to get stuff together. I have purchased a 6" x 24" pine board for my prospective hull. You may start with a longer board, your choice...A reasonble looking ship can be done in a little more than 2' length..

Step #2 would be to gather supplies for the paddle wheel..I bought these shapes from ebay ...beshirey( 3916) store, item # 146 Snowflake..See attached photo..Costs about $1.49 each and you will need at least 4 and maybe more, if you choose a wider board.

Step #3 You will need small wood sewing thread spools about 3/4" wide. At least 3, more if you choose wider hull...I bought mine at a craft store.

I will give you a chance to gather and then we will start to assemble...Michael

 

[Louis A. Cortez]

Michael,
This is a great idea. Thanks for the lesson and allowing us to participate. I expect to learn a few things. Thanks.
Lou

 

[kilted vampire]

Oh boy waiting to see this develope. I love gunboats!

 

[maddadicus]

You must glue the spools between the wood shapes. Try to center the spools as well as line up the shapes ,so that the points are level. We will be mounting the paddles to those point edges. See attached photos..Feel free to ask questions..Michael

 

[kilted vampire]

These look like they will work really well for the paddle wheel.

 

[theBaron]

Could you run a dowel or a piece of brass rod through the wheels and spools, too? I guess you'd have to drill a center hole in the wheels, to do that.

Prost!
Brad

 

[4th Hussar]

Could you run a dowel or a piece of brass rod through the wheels and spools, too? I guess you'd have to drill a center hole in the wheels, to do that.

Prost!
Brad

Would make sense t drill now so you can place a rod or axle through when you attach to the boat. also the rod give you something to hang onto when you paint. Just my two bits worth . Maddicus is the expert on boats

 

[maddadicus]

Could you run a dowel or a piece of brass rod through the wheels and spools, too? I guess you'd have to drill a center hole in the wheels, to do that.

Prost!
Brad

Anyone, with tools and skill, can do any variation of putting them together, as long as the end product, looks like this..In hindsight, the dowel rod in proper diameter ,would work fine. I tend to use up existing craft stuff, laying around my house, which lessens the end cost of my current projects..The dowel would still have to be glued to the spools and shapes, as there can be no movement in the individual parts, after we mount the paddles...

 

[thebritfarmer]

Anyone, with tools and skill, can do any variation of putting them together, as long as the end product, looks like this..In hindsight, the dowel rod in proper diameter ,would work fine. I tend to use up existing craft stuff, laying around my house, which lessens the end cost of my current projects..The dowel would still have to be glued to the spools and shapes, as there can be no movement in the individual parts, after we mount the paddles...

Following with ernest Michael, I like stuff like this, no major power tools and bits and bobs that can be salvaged, great stuff !!!!

 

[maddadicus]

You will need to get some large ( popsicle ) craft sticks. Cut off ends till stick measures a bit under 3 1/2" length. These will be glued to the shape points on your wheel. I use a bead of elmers glue with a dash of super glue to hold the paddles in place. Note that care should be given to line up the points of the round shapes during assembly so that when you add your paddles, they will look reasonbly straight..Michael

 

[maddadicus]

Since I am reasonbly sure that no one is building the ship, as we speak..I will be painting the entire wheel a light yellow base coat, then an oak tint wash..so you may want to paint the parts your color of choice before assembly..Michael

 

[1879fanatic]

Since I am reasonbly sure that no one is building the ship, as we speak..I will be painting the entire wheel a light yellow base coat, then an oak tint wash..so you may want to paint the parts your color of choice before assembly..Michael

Michael,
I jumped ahead and started working on the interior engine parts. Where's the part that floats in the water?
Not really building yet, still coming off my high of winning the Pinewood Derby
Mike

 

[maddadicus]

Guys, any idea if the Nile gunboats were painted white or grey. I am guessing white, as it would not get as hot........Michael

 

[4th Hussar]

Guys, any idea if the Nile gunboats were painted white or grey. I am guessing white, as it would not get as hot........Michael

I think the one in Khartoum was a dirty white

 

[kilted vampire]

I think the one in Khartoum was a dirty white

Having just seen Khartoum I can confirm weathered white.

 

[maddadicus]

For those that have not fallen asleep yet.
Photo 1 is the assembled paddle wheel painted a light yellow color..note that I have added a circular shape to the wheel center, for show..

Photo 2 is the wheel painted with a oak color / water wash and then glossed..
I dilute the oak color with water to give some transparacy.

Photo 3 are A letter shapes painted white. These will be the wheel brackets.

The hull will be next..Michael

 

[Wraith]

Not falling asleep Michael, on the contrary, it's facinating watching how you turn these items in to something so fantatsic.

Good stuff!

Simon

 

[thebritfarmer]

I am still awake Michael and agreeing with Simon. Waiting for the next installment.

 

[The Lt.]

You got me hooked an wide awake Michael

 

[Captain]

Is this vessel intended for 1/32 scale?