The Steamboating Forum

Thanks Dietrich,
That's definitely an option to look into. The hull of the Alexandra is definitely very similar to the Minnehaha.
Will

Will Creighton wrote:Thanks Dietrich,
That's definitely an option to look into. The hull of the Alexandra is definitely very similar to the Minnehaha.
Will

Would a model of 'Minnehaha' be a Miniminnehaha, or just a Mini-Haha?

Haha, good one Mike! I would like to build a model of the Minnehaha, but I have no idea where to begin the woodworking that would be required.
Will

Will,
There are a few ways one can go about building the hull... In that scale, a foam mold (plug) can be made and then you can make a fiberglass hull for little time and monetary investment... you can also do traditional plank on frame (carvel/clinker) wood construction, or draw up a hard-chined "developable" design and sheet it with wood veneer or door skins depending on the size.... A lot depends on your final product. For a rounded hull, I'd go with carvel, or fiberglass route.

There are a ton of videos on YouTube. Remember, practices used in the automotive world (custom fiberglass body panels, needle bearings, low profile pistons rings, etc) or elsewhere can be adapted to steamboating and still look traditional if one has an open mind and a good imagination.

[img]https://www.flickr.com/photos/148026034 ... htbox/[img]
Thanks for the info, Wesley!
I would like to make a hull like the Minnehaha has (pictured above). Its sleek and long, not very rounded. What would be the best method to construct this sort of hull?
Will

I'd say either plank on frame, or the fiberglass method... Depends on how traditional and accurate you want your model to be. The scale you decide to build in will also dictate hows it's built and what you use for power also...

Thanks, Wesley.
Would the fiberglass route be the cheapest?

It would probably be the fastest.. cheapest depends on the materials you chose for the wood version or the fiberglass. Different resins, glass weaves, wood, glues, etc have different qualities and different prices.

Built a model steamer with the "Bread and Butter" method, several layers of 3/4 inch thick plywood, cut to the hull form in horizontal sections, screwed together with automotive body putty (Bondo) between each layer. Some rasp work, filling as required with more Bondo, and a good hull resulted. Epoxy would be better than the Bondo, but the hull was made more than 25 years ago, and has no problems.

56 inches long, loaded weight of the small ship is 66 pounds, with the big Saito twin steam engine driving a 4 inch diameter propeller. Four channel RC, Rudder, whistle valve, Forward/Reverse, and Main Steam Valve.

Thanks for the info and pictures, Fred!
If I don't purchase a hull I will most likely try to construct a frame and sheet it with wood. What materials are recommended to build the frame and sheeting?
Will