Don't know that much about water wheels, but I'm not convinced by this one, something doesn't look quite right! The build and setting look fine but the wheel seems very small and would have had more slats closer together. I shall go and google. Al

Later: Here's alink to the Water History.Org http://www.waterhistory.org/histories/waterwheels/ Scroll down a bit and you will see what I mean. I did find one that looked like the kit but it was of a garden water wheel!! Of course these came in many shapes and szxes so perhaps it is correct!! Just a thought. Al

Alan, The image towards the bottom depicts a 'overshot' waterwheel. The one here is an 'undershot' wheel. As for the number of blades this would vary from wheel to wheel as the strength of the current would potentially have a lot to do with how many paddles were needed to generate the correct amount of kinetic energy for milling. Jim

I think its an awesome little Kit. An opportunity for lots of different scenario's in different era's. i will wait for a cost.

Hi Jim, Thanks, yip, all shapes and sizes, not a style I've seen before, that I can recall. Still, no matter it will build into a good scene as Rudi says with a lot of options for display. Al

Hi guys--For what it's worth, Monroe Perdu regulary includes photos of what inspired their kits to help with painting, weathering etc. and the same is true for the Waterwheel. Included with it are several color photos, including two of the original example the kit is based on. So wheels like this one are out there. Rob.

Jim I'm not trying to change the subject or step on any toes here. I apologise beforehand if this is considered rude. I understand what Alan means about the wheel not looking " right " or " off ". It does look simple. However while scratching the below wheel, I came across tons of ref pics. , and the Perdu offering is a good example of a typical home/farm made wheel. If anyone has price issues , or would like to tackle a scratch wheel , see below pics. It's not that daunting and you should be able to make one. First I found a round ceiling eletrical collar with a lip - the size I figured would look right. I then took coffee stirs and glued and clamped them in three layers. After the two wheels dried , I took balsa [ basswood can be used, it's a tad stronger ] and formed the inner spokes. Then I added more supports and rectangular pieces with wooden ship brads to tie the supports/spoke together. The next part is tricky , but only if your two wheels and " spokes " are not exactly the same dimension wise, Very important . It is equally important when matching up the wheel " axle " . Then I marked off the paddle placements. I used small round basswood and glued the paddles to the sticks. These are later attached with small foil and rivits/nails to show the attachment of the paddle to the spoke, When done it should look like this. You can use this method and make the wheel any size with whatever " spoke " arrangement or however many paddles you want . As I've stated the only critical part is making sure the two wheels and spoke workings are EXACTLY the same or there'll be trouble with the paddle and center axle parts. Once again sorry if I'm off base posting this. I think the Perdu wheel is a nice offering and would look good with many possibilities. Glenn

Hi Glenn. Personally I don´t see a problem with you showing your (amazing) wheel here. Its great to be informed. This is what the site is doing as well, so we have both choices in the one place. Your wheel is excellent .... but Not everybody has your woodwork skills and/or the time to build your version. I will definately be buying the MP wheel for both reasons mentioned above. As well as the waterwheel, the complete groundwork makes a very tidy base for a mirad of possibilities. Time is a big factor for me today ... and this is one of the coolest beses Ive seen for time. the only negative I can see is .... theres gonna be a lot of them seen from now on!

That's an amazing scratch-built wheel Glenn. Nice work and thanks for sharing it with us. Your photos and captions would make a nice how-to article. Cheers, Jim