Sudan War Sternwheel Gunboat..HELP! (1 Viewer)

[maddadicus]

Hi folks...As promised, I am going to build a sternwheeler from the Sudan War period..There will be no attempt at a ultra detailed, perfect scale model, as all of my troops from this period are glossy toy soldiers. As soon as the gremlins leave my camera, I will post progress photos..Some of you may remember my HMS Treefrog, done some months ago of a sidewheel gunboat...This ship will probably be at least 18" to 24" long and it will have many pretty cannons....and soldiers...and other stuff..What I need are any reference photos or illustrations, that you might be able to scan...I have one photo, which I am using as reference, but more would be helpful...It has to be a sternwheeler from that war period...Thanks, Michael

 

[1879fanatic]

YES!!!!!!
Can't wait! Mike

 

[1879fanatic]

Here's a nice phot I dug up since I do'nt have a scanner at home, and I don't have my gunboat books at work. Mike

 

[maddadicus]

My camera is now working and I have started the process of building my sternwheel....First, I must issue this disclaimer..I am not a modeler as in scratch built..I am more of a Dr. Frankenstein that uses the body parts of others ,to create..Since I do not own woodwork tools or serious power tools of any kind, I look for wood shapes and preformed bits, that I can assemble into my finished project..As an example, since I have no plan of scratching my sternwheel...I went to AC Moore and found premade wood forms for the frame and wood popsical sticks ,for the paddles...I was not able to find round ,open framing, and so even though the wheel looks alright, it does not have the open structure of a real wheel...Photos to follow...Michael

 

[maddadicus]

For those not familiar with my HMS Treefrog.........Here are some attached photos..Also, AC Moore is selling wooden 1/2 boat shells ( display rack ) of different sizes...If you glue the 2 halves together, you get a perfect ship hull for a toy soldier future gunboat project..You ought find them in the wood stuff area...Michael

 

[kilted vampire]

I thought your side wheeler was great. It inspired me to make that gunship that now graces my fathers' home.

 

[bromhead]

I purchased a sternwheel boat some time back at "shiloh Station",a shop no longer in melbourne fla,also a "sand pebbles" type made by the same local guy and at a very reasonable price as the store was on the way out. the sternwheel boat is at least 3 feet in length? nicely equiped,,unfortunatly packed along w most of my collection. If I can come across a photo or? I ll post here,,good luck with the project.

 

[maddadicus]

I have been working on the paddle wheel. As I have stated before, I build things, using existing shapes found at craft shops...My first effort was blocky and I built a second, that has more of the open look to the real thing..I used precut star shapes glued back to back in alternating spokes, separated by small spools. Wood popsicle sticks with squared ends finish it...I then paint a yellow undercoat with a redwood/oak wash ,topped by gloss spray...Instant paddle wheel...Michael

 

[bromhead]

Fine work,well done,,there is a site--Gen Tremordian redering???---with refernces to building colonial boats,small wars etc if you arent familiar,,

 

[1879fanatic]

Michael,
Excellent work so far, and awaiting the next step so I can plagiarize your work in the near future! If you don't mind of course. May I ask how wide the popsicle sticks and paddle is? Please? Mike

 

[wadepat]

I have been working on the paddle wheel. As I have stated before, I build things, using existing shapes found at craft shops...My first effort was blocky and I built a second, that has more of the open look to the real thing..I used precut star shapes glued back to back in alternating spokes, separated by small spools. Wood popsicle sticks with squared ends finish it...I then paint a yellow undercoat with a redwood/oak wash ,topped by gloss spray...Instant paddle wheel...Michael

Hi Michael,

I am very impressed with your paddle wheel, especially the second one you constructed. When I visit the craft store, I never seem to be able to view the shapes in such a way as to visual a completed project. I think your work on the paddle wheel is both remarkable and imaginative. Thank you for showing us your fine craftsmanship!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[thebritfarmer]

Hi Michael,

I am very impressed with your paddle wheel, especially the second one you constructed. When I visit the craft store, I never seem to be able to view the shapes in such a way as to visual a completed project. I think your work on the paddle wheel is both remarkable and imaginative. Thank you for showing us your fine craftsmanship!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

I have to agree with Pat. That looks really sharp!!!!!! Would would have thought that was all from a craft store

Great Job !!!!

 

[maddadicus]

Michael,
Excellent work so far, and awaiting the next step so I can plagiarize your work in the near future! If you don't mind of course. May I ask how wide the popsicle sticks and paddle is? Please? Mike

Jumbo craft sticks 3/4" wide, with ends trimmed....The star shapes are 3 3/4" around, glued as alternating pairs and separated by 3/4" craft spools...Total width of paddle wheel around 4"...The staggered stars will give you the stands for your paddles...I should have photos of the completed hull and plank flooring, tomorrow...Michael

 

[kilted vampire]

Mike, Using those cutout wood pieces was brilliant! Can you figure out what would work for my side wheeler?

 

[maddadicus]

Mike, Using those cutout wood pieces was brilliant! Can you figure out what would work for my side wheeler?

Most craft stores sell unfinished round wooden boxes ( check wood shape area ) .Pick out the size you want and cut in half to make your side casings..(need 2 round boxes ) Get 4 stars and 1 3/4" spool or dowel cut to width would work. Glue 2 stes of stars back to back with alternating spokes visible..Glue your spacer beyween the 2 sets of stars. You may want to consider cutting off part of the star pieces, to show in water display..I do not bother, myself..Cut thin wood pieces for width and glue to star spokes. Remember that a part of the star setup will be hidden inside your 1/2 round ( cut )wood boxes and paddles would not have to be installed then for the hidden parts...See diagram...Michael

 

[kilted vampire]

I think I can pull that off!
Thanks Mike!
I am going to have to get serious now!

 

[1879fanatic]

I think I can pull that off!
Thanks Mike!
I am going to have to get serious now!

Likewise! You guys are dragging me kicking and screaming into another area besides just zulu stuff, I guess it's not a major leap from zulu to sudan/egypt.
Lets get the brown navy going! Thanks Michael for the exact instructions. Mike

 

[kilted vampire]

Likewise! You guys are dragging me kicking and screaming into another area besides just zulu stuff, I guess it's not a major leap from zulu to sudan/egypt.
Lets get the brown navy going! Thanks Michael for the exact instructions. Mike

Da Tovarich! You veel like it or else!

 

[kilted vampire]

Maddicus Mike, Thought you would like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0OmPBQMUXU

 

[thebritfarmer]

Maddicus Mike, Thought you would like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0OmPBQMUXU

This one is good too



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJV4T_awvl8&feature=related