The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum

CCairns

When I entered this engine in the December 2007 poll, I promised to put up a posting about this Steam Launch. So here it is eventually.

Cheddar Models were a well respected manufacturer of marine engines, boilers, etc. They decided to build a ready built steam boat to compliment their range.

'Claire' is based on a typical American Fantail launch design of the early 20th Century.

It is fitted with a Pintail Vertical boiler and Pintail Engine. This is self contained and mounted on a quick release engine plate, just requiring the disconnection of the receiver and rudder control, and removal of the back seat.

These were supplied with either a black or white hull, a wooden boat stand kit, servos fitted or full radio control, and accessories including steam oil, syringe, spare sight glass tube, and various 'O' rings and seals. For the American market only they also supplied a Flag kit.

I have only bench run the engine so far. A lack of time in the last 2 years has made it difficult to join a local model boat club and get it steam tested, etc. prior to sailing.

I have clad the boiler, gas tank & Condenser/Oil Trap, and lagged the gas, steam and exhaust pipes. A recent ebay purchase is the set of boat fenders, which unfortunately cover up the name and port of registration.

I have named it S.L. Maggie partly in memory of my mother, and also because the Ealing classic comedy 'The Maggie' is my favourite steam boat film. It is of course registered in Glasgow.

I am still on the lookout for some Victorian Dolls to populate it, and a set of flags is needed, obviously a Saltire but not sure of the other one, maybe a Royal Ensign. And some coiled rope to fill up the bow.

Hope you enjoyed this posting. Thanks for looking.

steamyjim · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:08 pm Post subject:

Very nice!

Is it one of the first or second runs?
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CCairns · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:18 pm Post subject:

It is one of the last as it was on special offer to clear.

Was there a difference between the two runs?

steamyjim · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:32 pm Post subject:

It was part of the second run then

Theres not differance, its just they stopped makin it for a year or 2 (no interest). Then bought it back

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bessytractor · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:35 pm Post subject:

as an ardent model boater, thanks for posting

looks to be a cracking little thing. I have a pop pop boat (looks like the african queen) powered by a hobbies pop pop engine but its nothing like this.

steamyjim · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:41 pm Post subject:

Must get pics of my 2 steam boats up

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Land Of Hope and Glory,
Mother of the free,
How shall we extol thee?
Who are born of thee?

bessytractor · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:45 pm Post subject:

MooseMan · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:03 pm Post subject:

That is just superb....love that engine! Thanks for posting!
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Sandman · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:06 pm Post subject:

WOW what a beauty.

Excellent pics too. A delight to see.
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Les · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:07 pm Post subject:

IndianaRog · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:10 pm Post subject:

Beautiful boat, love the look of that Cheddar engine.
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Mister Occlusion · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:15 pm Post subject:

That Cheddar stuff looks like it's made from recycled battle tanks. Very nice indeed.
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John Chapman · Guest

That's super, really gorgeous.

steamyjim · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:36 pm Post subject:

CCairns · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 9:03 pm Post subject:

As I recall, I think these launches sold for about £650 originally, plus about another £50 for the full Radio Control.

It was not that they were expensive, in fact Cheddar Models products were not priced high enough which was 1 factor in their demise, but the fact that it could not be modded. It has a sealed ABS hull which only came in 2 colours, so very difficult to customise it.