S.S Miner

[mick eastParticipant @mickeast46851]

As a lot of you would know who have followed my previous builds in building blogs I like do do a fair bit of research before I commit to cutting anything out,  it’s part of the pleasure of building model boats as far as im concerned. My next build after I’ve completed the puffer ( still lots of detail parts to manufacture and fit.)is the mine layer/patrol boat the S.S Miner. She was built in the late 1800s here in Brisbane for the Queensland navy before federation of the states, and eventually scuttled in the 1950s as a break water for one of the morton islands (Bishop Island I think). I have a set of fairly detailed plans but apart from that not much to else. There is very little information on the internet so I’m currently trying to see if the Queensland museum/library has any information and photos to go on .

[Richard SimpsonModerator @richardsimpson88330]

Interesting vessel, purposeful lines but plenty of character.  Should make a lovely model.

[mick eastParticipant @mickeast46851]

She looks interesting for sure ,looking at the plan I can see a lot of interesting challenges ahead .I’ve just had a online conversation with the curator of the Queensland maritime museum ( a lovely lady )who forwarded some photos and some useful links on the ships history and I was amazed at the quick response as it was only this morning that a posted a query on their Web site and the fact that it’s Easter Sunday as well .  I’m quite keen on this build as the ship in question is a important part of Queensland’s pre federation history .

 

 

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Very interesting subject but if it is to be a working model you are going to need to be very careful with stability issues with such a shallow hull with modest beam and quite fine lines.

Colin

[mick eastParticipant @mickeast46851]

Yes Colin I’ve already realised that and I’m thinking a detachable keel like I’ve seen on some titanic models if it comes to stability issues but that’s a long way off . Ive yet to Finish the puffer . Still got a few weeks work on that. And as I said replying to Richards post this one is going to put up some challenges for me but that’s part of the fun as it expands ones skill base and when your in retirement learning new things and skills  keeps the grey matter healthy . It’s a whole lot more fun than sitting watching brain dead programs on the idiot box

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Hedge your bets by building in provision for a detachable keel by inserting a couple of threaded sockets or similar in the keel.

When I was building my paddler Bilsdale I added an extra half inch to the depth of the hull and was very glad I did so, I could have added a bit more without it being noticeable.

Years ago I built a review Caldercraft kit of the pilot vessel Cumbrae and it was perfectly stable. Some time later I got my hands on some accurate plans and discovered that the manufacturer had added a significant amount to the beam.

I wouldn’t recommend that though as it throws up all sorts of problems with locating deck houses and fittings etc. Deepening the hull a bit is easy and virtually undetectable .

Colin

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