Hi all well since my kit building seems to be getting very shabby i thought maybe going back to scratch building may get them back on track I had a choice of plans to pick from and I narrowed it down to 3 possible


I eliminated the St Louis Belle as I want a fairly quick build not a three yr jobbie also I eliminated the Kitty as it was a little too simple so I opted for the WC


Normally I like to build large scratch builds but due to space I'm reducing this by 50%
First problem is that the keel at the reduced size is very flimsy so I've changed the plan a bit to give some strength.

Hi all I don't know if anyone has any better methods but this is how I did the rings for the paddle wheels on the Pamela 3















Keep the centre bit to help with centering the spokes

Hi all this is designed for electric motor rc but since I'm doing it as a display model I thought I would have a go at making an engine for it (Not a working one I hasten to add)
I decided to try and build this for it

Obviously it has to fit in the ship so I've just made it a gazillion times harder as I have to make it a lot smaller to fit in the ship. I thought I would try one of the simpler things to start with, this bit.

That'll be a pretty little ship.

you have invented a gasket cutter, a very useful tool for a steam guy!

Hi all well here is the bit

Holy cow, Ken!

You're not one to let a lack of production kits curb your creativity!

Following along with interest!

She is taking shape! Please carry on

Painted the inside with pva glue to help stiffen it all up before adding filler.


Can anyone guess what this bit will become

The rudder?

Boiler?

How on earth did you get that. Didn't think you would guess.

Well that's some trick photography Ken. Didn't realize it was round!

This is looking great. I always like the ingenuity scratch builders show for their creations and there is plenty going on in this build.

cheers
Michael

I made a start on the boiler for this.

oh, a locomotive firebox type. I had pictured a vertical boiler.

nice firedoor hinges. I think they are upside down.

Hi all here's the next update done some more to the boiler







Loads more to do to this bit but quite pleased how it's going.

yes, nice looking iron finish, and I like the wooden lagging on the boiler barrel.

Thanks Jonathan
It's not actually wood it's cardboard from a cornflakes packet, I thought it turned out ok, still got to add the brass banding some pipes and gauges so hopefully it will start to look more like a boiler when all that's done.

boiler looks great Ken!

Hi all well it's starting to look more like a ship, needs some more filling but definitely getting there.





Someone suggested an upright boiler and seeing as how there is no room for stoking the boiler with it in place.



I've decided to have a go at doing an upright boiler, I mean the chimney is not even on this boiler yet so if I added that there would be even less room.

You guys who scratch build really do amaze me