| Archive for The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum The Original Unofficial Toy Steam Forum Established 2006 The biggest, most popular steam forum around! Accept NO imitations! We have a growing community of regular posting members who chat about all aspects of toy and model steam. |
| kusuchi |
Intermediate Steam BoatOK, we're suckers for punishment. The Elliot Bay Steam Launch runs so beautifully..
Let me ask the experts; Moose, H20 vapour, Bogstandard , Bessy, Duncandumpstertruck, etc. Where do we go from here? 
I've been looking at the Wilesco and Steamco versions of the pre buillt African Queen and much prefer the Gelcoat Steamco!
What would you suggest as a next project? Time will increasingly become a premium. But the current boat is a mega hit. What would be the next step on the ladder. As I hope you can see I'm not entirely devoid of talent but haven't the time to deal with excessive frustration. I'd like to attempt an intermediate level assembly, RC and pre assembled engine.. What would you recommend? Can't find any flash steam tethered Hydroplanes on e bay. 
Guess we'll go with something more sedate.
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| mogogear |
Thats the spirit!!! It is not a delicate as your launch but the Arrow ( Bowman -esque) boat kit that Moose built from Hobbies UK seems a nice price and looks to last a life time - his documentation on the process is on his web site.
It will give you the taste of if it is right for you and the Admiral and Mocha!! The price is reasonable - they have plans - a wood kit and a power plant too - I think!!
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| MooseMan |
Told you so!! First step up would be an engine that is a little more powerful. In my Arrow I now have a Bowman boiler with an SEL marine ubit, heated by a ceramic burner. It runs like a demon, but of course only in one direction at a single speed. The Arrow's great fun to build and modify BTW - not half as fiddly as the Midwest. 
Or maybe you're wanting a boat where you have more control over the engine, like start/stop/reverse by remote control. That means having a twin engine, either a twin slide valve or a twin double acting oscillator - I believe the latter is the most common for marine usage. Unfortunately these carry a hefty price tag, as I'm finding out! They also require a more substantial hull. Wilesco do a couple of interesting engines - there's a twin slide valve paddle steamer engine, and also a V-twin....I've seen the latter, coupled to an uprated boiler, do some very serious work in some of Crabfu's creations, see http://www.crabfu.com/steamtoys/rcsteamtank_v3/ These are at the more affordable end of the spectrum. Mo has a Modeen engine, which is essentially a Mamod loco engine block mounted vertically, with an uprated boiler. You don't see those every day....if you wanted, you could try pilfering a scrapped mamod loco for parts. The most popular engines for marine use I think are the Cheddar Puffin and Pintail engines....Cheddar are out of business, but Stuart have taken over the line.....a new ready-to-run setup will set you back about £800, and that's without the boat!
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| Les Marsh |
If you could get one, go for a Cheddar Proteus Steam plant.
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| Bogstandard |
Richard,
The next step up for you would normally be a twin cylinder, double acting oscillating engine, with an all copper, silver soldered boiler. These usually have fwd/rev and speed control all operated by a single servo, and are self starting in both directions. Very few cheap ones on the market today, but you best chance might be to try to obtain one second hand, or marry a plant together, a boiler from one supplier, an engine from somewhere else. Or if you are feeling rather flush with cash, you could go for the new American kid on the block. http://www.monahansteammodels.com/steamplants.aspx The hull comes after you have sorted the engine bit out. John |
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| Nick |
Have you ever thought of restoring one of those old ones that pop up on ebay? Or are you looking for a new one? | ||||||
| kusuchi |
Nice engines Looks like Ministeam carry them too.
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| kusuchi |
I'm open to anything. A nice new build or a class antique restoration. |
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| kusuchi |
Who are the big online retailers for steam boat kits in the US? Tower Hobbies only do Midwest in Steam. Ministeam only do the Tuscher & Walther prebuilts plus the Wilesco D70.
Everything on Google seems to be in the UK.. |
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| Les Marsh |
Here is a couple.
When you do a Google search, do an advanced search and change the region to the United States. http://www.naturecoast.com/?gclid=CMXP3qG39pECFQEKuwod3l2CoA http://www.modelboat.com/ |
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| mogogear |
Here is some boat model sites I have found in some googling:
http://www.harbormodels.com/Harbormain/Templates/home.htm http://www.dumasestore.com/catalog/index.php http://www.mainsteam.com/products/finished_launch.htm http://www.monahansteammodels.com/ There are quite a few nice machined engine kits - the guys around might know whose is best- but the assembly party even of the engine might be fun as well. I have seen several that look nice on ebay-- V-twins with reverse- for about $150 US- then you will need a boiler and fitting etc.. but a thought.. |
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| kusuchi |
Thanks Mo and Les,
You've kept me very busy
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| Les Marsh |
Have you made a short short list?
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| mogogear |
Oh yes Richard -
check this place out for boats also- they feature SAITO steam engines from Japan and boats!! http://www.loyalhannadockyard.com/ |
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| kusuchi |
For all the reasons you mention here I think this might be a better boat for me than Moose. http://www.harbormodels.com/site0...pner/glasgow_paddlewheel_info.htm What does everyone think? The next thing I need is some good advice on an engine. If money was no object this would be my #1 choice. 
Harbor Models sell it with the 'Saito'. http://www.harbormodels.com/Harbormain/Templates/m32-steamengines.htm Anyone know anything about this engine? Westbourne models sell it with the Anton http://www.westbourne-models.com/...addlewheel%26btnG%3DGoogle+Search Again I know nothig about this engine. alwayshobbies.com sell it with a Wilesco. http://www.alwayshobbies.com/Stor...nder-Marine-Steam-Engine-$9-STM48 I have a problem getting Butane here in the VI. Is it readily available in the US? |
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| johnreid |
Wonder if Monahan reads this forum?
http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org...le.php?mode=viewprofile&u=269 |
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| IndianaRog |
Jeez, didn't realize Monahan was a member. YES...hope they do read this forum from time to time...boating interest is soaring of late. | ||||||
| mogogear |
That power plant is mesmerizing- I bet it would hypnotize you to watch it run
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| Bogstandard |
Design and build your own, as I did using scrap materials for less than £30.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTuET23TkaI I can let you have a copy of my booklet on how to make it if you want. John |
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| kusuchi |
Isn't it a thing of beauty, I would love one 
It even has a reserve tank to top itself up when the water level gets low.
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| kusuchi |
John, you are a genius. Brilliant piece of Engineering!
But like most geniuses, you fail to understand that us normal guys are clueless in that department and probably always will be. 
Congrats, |
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| kusuchi |
John,
What do you think of this? http://cgi.ebay.com/Live-Steam-4-...PageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem |
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| Bogstandard |
Richard,
I would forget that one, it would need hell of a boiler to keep it going. John |
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| kusuchi |
And if I post spectacular pictures of their product highlighted against the crystal blue Caribbean Sea , (See various threads), and videos of vessels sailing infinity edge pools with backdrops of picture perfect island vistas........ would they send me one as a promotional tool?
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| Nick |
Give it a try!
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| MooseMan |
Richard, have you thought about the Graham Industries engines? Have a look at http://www.grahamind.com/
They're self-assembly machined kits. On their website you can see them installed in several boats. Maybe add a boiler from Maccsteam, about whom I've heard nothing but good.....both see incredibly good value for money. http://maccsteam.com/ I'm afraid I know NOTHING about hulls apart from the simple wooden ones I've dealt with, but I know a lot of people like the Krick hulls. |
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| steamyman |
sorry for butting in Mooseman, but I own Graham Industries' TVR1a & VR1a , both great machines- I recommend them. |
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| MooseMan |
Thanks Clinton - I'd forgotten you had those! Aren't you on their website? | ||||||
| tmuir |
Once I've got a few simpler engines under my belt I may just take you up on that offer but as it stands at the moment I'll start with a simple oscillator first.
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| steamyman |
yes. 
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| H2o vapour |
Hi Guys,
Sorry not responded sooner, I think the next logical step is a matter of personal preference, and perception, which should be biased by what the individual wants to achieve with the model. So me thinks that questions need to be asked to achieve points of reference for the next project. I think that this should then be broken down into sections, what is the main usage, what is required from the engine, what is the most suitable hull to achieve these goals. Take into account the water available, running times required etc. The engine is a tricky point, do you stick with toy engines or go into the Model engineering sphere? Cost is an issue here, not just "yes that's alot more money", but value for money!!. The point is model engineering costs alot more but the benefits over toy engines are great and for only moderate extra outlay. The next step in this sequence has to have radio to the engine, so twin cylinder and double acting is a must. So toy engines are the Wilseco, Modeen, MSS, ect. Pay not alot more and get a chedder? The boat, ok so it's going to be bigger, sail better, have more control. Please take this point into consideration, 50M out a 3 ft boat looks like a pop pop, so you will need a 3 ft hull at least. Now how quick do you want to build it? This dictates weather you buy a kit or look at other options. kits available are the Krick kits, a couple of Deans Marine Kits, anything else is going to take forever to build. Although looking at building onto a glass hull is interesting. There are a couple of hull manifactures that have great products. Please don't overlook this option, although as well as time , tools and modeling knowhow is an issue. So where does this take us? - Quick build boat has to be a kit with a comercial engine and boiler unit. So we need to look at combinations. 1) Krick Anna + Wilsesco plant 2) Krick Victoria + Wilesco plant 3) Deans steam launch + Wilesco plant 4) Mss engine + boiler + two larger Krick launches That's my thoughts - very personal this and preferences and perceptions have to be considered. One of the best combinations has to be Krick Alexandra and Chedder puffin. This combination I have seen many times and it's just great. Good luck!! H20 |
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| Les Marsh |
I am going for the Krick Borkum and the Cheddar Puffin.
3100 |
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| mogogear |
Congrats on the 3100.... and the pursuit of a new boat!! | ||||||
| Les Marsh |
Thankyou.
I have them both already, just finding time and space to build it.
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| kusuchi |
Congrats also on the 3100
Have been waiting to shoot the VI Elliot Bay Steam Launch Video all week. Weather has been overcast today but Andrew and I were too impatient to wait for perfect weather.
We were wrong, at the end of the video the sun came out and suddenly it looks like a million dollars. We will definitely shoot another on a nice sunny day, if that turns out to be possible.?
Original video in a couple of minutes. Dramatic sequel by Andrew shortly thereafter.
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| Les Marsh |
Thankyou, and looking forward to the video.
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| kusuchi |
Oh Les, you are definitely going to like the sequel  
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| johnreid |
I for one can not wait | ||||||
| Les Marsh |
I was going to go to bed, but I think I will definitely wait now.
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| Les Marsh |
Richard, have you seen this yet?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Live-steam-...PageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem |
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| johnreid |
This thread reminds me of the days when Les only had 3100 posts
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| Les Marsh |
Cor, was it that long ago, only feels like a few days.
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| Nick |
Time sure flies!
3907 
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| kusuchi |
Think we're going to do the Midwest Fantail next. We have enough Mahogany planking left from the Elliot Bay to do the decks. Think this will give it a more stylish look. We will also be able to run the two together, which will test Val's video skills.
Pursuing leads on a couple of larger boats, as well. |
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| duncandumpertruck |
Hello and sorry for the delayed reply on this one Richard. There was one boat that i had in mind and i just couldn't find it till today!
It's a Deans marine and it can be found here under Thames Steam Launch. I'm sure that i had seen this as a full laser cut kit but there only seems to be the hull and plans about now. I've had a good search too. http://www.deansmarine.co.uk/mpage/index.htm I was after on of these a few years back but the seller wouldn't post it. I have a pic or two of it still. 
You'd have free reign on the engine choice too with this one. Ohh how i wish i'd gotten hold of this one but i deleted the guys e-mail address ages ago too 
Or of course you could always put your stamp on this one that's on eBay.uk just now. I like the look of this one a lot but i've stocked up enough on toys for the time being
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LARGE-WOODE...PageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Ruairidh. |
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| mogogear |
Another OMG shot....I see evidence of 5 boats there- So I showed the picture to my wife just to keep her disdain to a minimum ...My sickness could be worse..
All pretty boats== It makes my trip down to the shop in the basement seem drab --my old gray Coast Guard boat will never look that sweet...Sigh.... ahh, the life of a beginning amateur is filled with desire and want. Thanks for showing that picture! One day I will get there. Inspiration to learn more about this wonderful world of steam.. |
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| duncandumpertruck |
I could only wish that these are my boats! These pics were sent to me when i inquired inot buying the Thames launch. The whole room appears to be filled with eye candy! | ||||||
| kusuchi |
Ruairidh. That really is exquisite. I'll attempt a kit but but I think the hull and plans from Deans Marine may be a little unrealistic. Any idea on what the one on ebay is? Regards, |
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| Monahan Steam Models Inc. |
Jeez I was wondering why my ears were ringing. I think I found the source!
How's everyone doing? Nice to see a healthy steam boat following here. Keep up the great work. Just a heads up. We have a new little steam boat goody coming out hopefully at the end of this month and its bound to raise a few eyebrows. Can't tell you what it is yet as that would spoil the surprise.
Best Regards, |
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| duncandumpertruck |
OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Looking forward to seeing the boat!
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| johnreid |
Welcome to the forum Monahan, please do not be a stranger, not only would your knowledge be a valuable contribution, but you would find that there are a lot of real nice people here that have a weakness for quality Steam products, you might end up building a new customer base..
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| Les Marsh |
Welcome to the forum.
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| MooseMan |
Wow! Welcome aboard! | ||||||
| Monahan Steam Models Inc. |
Thank you everyone for the warm welcome!
We do not get the opportunity very often to read this forum, but when we do get the chance, we will try to contribute as much as we can. For some reason we do not receive an email when a reply are posted. So please do not think we are ignoring you. Talk with you soon, Best Regards, |
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| mogogear |
Absolutely Welcome board!!.... Just in case you have not tried.....when you are posting and have not quite "sent" the post yet- you can select to be notified just below th e body of the message..
If you are doing that - Maybe James will work it out with you anyway Cheers from the US!! |
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| kusuchi |
Welcome to the forum guys, The vertical 'Heron' is the most beautiful marine engine I have ever seen and high on my wish list. Do you liaise with any of the prestige boat kit suppliers, such as Marten, Howes & Baylis.? Look forward to news on your new release. Regards, |
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| kusuchi |
Oh and don't forget this post. Check it out. We can deliver on the backdrops.
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| Monahan Steam Models Inc. |
Hi Richard,
Thank you for your kind compliments. It's funny you should mention Marten Howes & Baylis. These models were in mind when we developed the Heron a fews years ago. In fact when talking with Brian Marten during the early development stages of the Heron, he had mentioned that the final weight and size of the engine was an important issue that needed serious consideration if the Heron was going to be used in his models. So we actually wound up developing the engines to suit his needs as well as other model boat manufactures. The mounting holes in the Heron's engine bed are actually in the same spot as the mounting holes on the Cheddar Gemini engines that he supplied with his models. On a side note, I may need to fly down to the Virgin Islands myself to take a look at these back rounds you speak of.
Best Regards, Nick Monahan |
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| kusuchi |
Hi Nick, A thread to give you a small taster of what we have here.
http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/about8960.html Andrew is now 8 and a steam fanatic. Although we are interested in all areas of steam, not surprisingly, given our location, marine steam is our principle focus. We are, however, relative novices in the field and not yet ready to build Der Seekadet, much as we love it.
If you really want to visit, PM me and I'll make recommendations. Regards |
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| mogogear |
So Richard,,,
I hope you have a good watch list......Anything working that you can share? Are you still leaning towards a "Classic style " pond English style boat? That Slimdigital fellow has sure been throwing alot onto UK ebay as of late!! |
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| kusuchi |
I've got about 5 launches I'm watching. I like Slimjimdigital's launch that ends tomorrow, but haven't had time to consult the experts on it. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI....sPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=015 If any of you drop by this thread comments wold be appreciated.
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| bessytractor |
at the price its at now I'd jump right in. Its well made apparently and all you have to do is plonk an engine in it.
Thats where it gets expensive
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