Archive for The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum The Original Unofficial Toy Steam Forum Established 2006 The biggest, most popular global 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.          The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum Forum Index -> Steam Launches and Boats James My first steam boat Well guys, now I've got a hull it's got me thinking. What colour do I paint it? I don't want it to look too toy like, but I also don't want it to look too scale modelly. Anybody got any pics of nice boats? What engine should I use? I've got a nice home made one with a wierd valve on it... might use that and build a boiler. Want it to have a fair bit of brass on it aswell   Any help would be appreciated! made-in-england Maybey one of the Hobbies Launch engines? Bugsy Re: My first steam boat James wrote: Well guys, now I've got a hull it's got me thinking. What colour do I paint it? I don't want it to look too toy like, but I also don't want it to look too scale modelly. Anybody got any pics of nice boats? What engine should I use? I've got a nice home made one with a wierd valve on it... might use that and build a boiler. Want it to have a fair bit of brass on it aswell   Any help would be appreciated! How about a photo of the hull? I love tugboats and they are almost always painted black. Easy to patch up after bumps and scratchs I suppose. /Phil James You'd have to ask Willsy to post the pics, if he'd be so kind! James This is the engine I'm thinking of putting in it: http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/ftopic15485-0.php Just uploading a video of it running on air. Bugsy James wrote: This is the engine I'm thinking of putting in it: http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/ftopic15485-0.php Just uploading a video of it running on air. That looks interesting, I like the valve arrangement. How big is it? /Phil James Here it is running on air, you should be able to see the size of it   Bugsy A ripper! Want to swap it for a certain SP2? James Dunno mate   Pauly made me an offer on it a while back, but I've never seen another valve like it! MooseMan For a boat you ideally want a self-starting engine, so that means a twin slide valve or double-acting oscillator, if you want remote control. For a straight sailer an engine like you have would be fine, depending on the size of the hull. James The hull's 22" long. I don't really want to spend loads on an engine, I can't afford to   I'd really like RC fitted, that'd be nice... MooseMan 22" is just right for that engine you have....sling it up to an SE2 boiler or something. You won't be able to RC the speed or direction, but you can have rudder control. James We'll have a look when it comes mate! Got a spare SE2 boiler/firebox?? logoman James wrote: Here it is running on air, you should be able to see the size of it   It's a weird valve, but it does the trick! It needs a name...the Billy valve. MooseMan Haven't got a boiler, but I think I've got a firebox somewhere.... James If you're looking to sell, Moose   Cam MooseMan wrote: For a boat you ideally want a self-starting engine, so that means a twin slide valve or double-acting oscillator, if you want remote control. For a straight sailer an engine like you have would be fine, depending on the size of the hull. could someone clear up with me what a double acting oscillator is?? i saw that an engine of the month was a hand made one... MooseMan Cam, a double acting oscillating engine has steam inlets and outlets on either side of the piston, so it's closed at both ends, with the con rod passing through a gland. So it has double the power stroke of a single acting engine, and half the dead points. A twin double acting oscillating engine is self-starting, and is probably the most popular configuration for model boats - unfortunately they tend to cost a bit (eg Cheddar Puffin, etc). A nice example of a twin double acting oscillating engine we all know would be the Mamod loco. In fact, MMS used the engine from a loco to make their marine engine. See http://www.animatedengines.com/oscillatingsteam.shtml for a great explanation RocDoc Nice one James.  That'll be a great project.  Will it be finished in time for the Lincoln 'do'? Pete James I'll rush like buggery mate   willsy James wrote: You'd have to ask Willsy to post the pics, if he'd be so kind! here are the pics of the hull (it does need a bit of work) would have posted earlier but only just found this thread MooseMan Wow that's lovely - great classic shape. Steve_S Very nice... that'll look really good after a lick of paint. Your engine should be perfect for it. James Brilliant! What colour should I paint it?? MooseMan Bowman colours mate! Cream, with a red or green waterline and underside! James Got any pics mate? MooseMan Bowman Snipe: Bowman-Luton Snipe: James Wow! I think I'll do it cream, with red bottom... and strip the paint off the wood on the top and varnish. Then I'll add loads of brass and stuff! Ooo, so many options   RocDoc James, I reckon your boat will be finished ages before my Arrow!  That's going to be a great project. Pete James Thanks mate I've never really looked much in this board before, but now I will be! Will keep you guys posted on progression   Minor1PJG Oh for the ocean waves - a great project James   James LOL! I just hope I can get it done in time for Lincs! Ahh well, I'm not rushing it and spoiling it. I don't even have a plan for it, just make it up as I go along I think   Cam MooseMan wrote: Cam, a double acting oscillating engine has steam inlets and outlets on either side of the piston, so it's closed at both ends, with the con rod passing through a gland. So it has double the power stroke of a single acting engine, and half the dead points. A twin double acting oscillating engine is self-starting, and is probably the most popular configuration for model boats - unfortunately they tend to cost a bit (eg Cheddar Puffin, etc). A nice example of a twin double acting oscillating engine we all know would be the Mamod loco. In fact, MMS used the engine from a loco to make their marine engine. See http://www.animatedengines.com/oscillatingsteam.shtml for a great explanation thanks a lot moose, i think i get it now James Anybody got any boat spares? Rudder etc? mogogear I don't want to play the Devils Advocate here- but that very nice looking engine your show in the vid James looks just a tad tall to me for a hull 22" long...??? The engine looks to be ( by using your hands for scale) about 4" or a little more tall??? It might make her a little top heavy and wobbly - especially when running!! Just MHO... James Yeah I thought about that. We'll see when she's here anyway   mogogear Well form one boat yard to anither Good Luck--You worked fast securing a hull!! You will sort out making a rudder and shaft quicker than finding one that will fit the bill.. I am sure we all can't wait for another addict to join the navy!! James LOL! It's been winding me up today, I'm trying to think of an engine set up I can use to power the bloody thing!   logoman James wrote: LOL! It's been winding me up today, I'm trying to think of an engine set up I can use to power the bloody thing!   that's the perennial conudrum James! 'engines for boats/boats for engines'....it never ends. johnreid James has so much spare time too I would lose track and forget to sleep or something if I had his schedule. kusuchi Great hull, James.  The Bowman color scheme should bring it up a treat.   Look forward to the progress pics. James Thanks mate! Still waiting for the hull   James Boat hull still not arrived   alan2525 You could paint it battleship grey and stick a couple of turned wood torpedos on the deck at the front for fun! Would be different from all the other cream and white launches then! James Might do that at some point! Hobbies make some real good stuff like that! alan2525 James wrote: Might do that at some point! Hobbies make some real good stuff like that! You know it makes sense! James WOOO! The boat arrived today!! On first inspection it looks nice, like it's got a lot of potential! I put it in the water, but it slowly sank. It's leaking water from around the bottom, were the sides meet the bottom? I'll put some filler or something over the joint, and it'll be rate! Here we go then - the building of my first steam boat   willsy James wrote: WOOO! The boat arrived today!! On first inspection it looks nice, like it's got a lot of potential! I put it in the water, but it slowly sank. It's leaking water from around the bottom, were the sides meet the bottom? I'll put some filler or something over the joint, and it'll be rate! Here we go then - the building of my first steam boat   bugger sorry it sank never got round to trying it in water James No probs about that mate, it's all part of the fun   steamyjim Look forward to seeing it! Any more thoughts re engine? You've inspired me to start another boat...damn you   James Naa, no idea what engine I'm putting in it   steamyjim James wrote: Naa, no idea what engine I'm putting in it   What about the new Mamod marine engine? regracing leaks are no issue james had enuff rc ones to know that, ive only ever found the limits of filler and various resins when the hulls in two bits James Reg! New Mamod marine engine? steamyjim James wrote: Reg! New Mamod marine engine? See my late STIA pics thread Theres a very rough prototype in there Mamodman123 There's a hole in your bucket? James There's several holes in your Fiesta, dear MM   johnreid Steam powered submarine? Once you get the paint in order etc, I bet you will have sealed it. Fiberglass maybe? Mamodman123 James wrote: There's several holes in your Fiesta, dear MM   Yeah they're called windows johnreid T 2-55 Airconditioners MM? 2 windows 55 mph James Roly Williams Mamodman123 wrote: James wrote: There's several holes in your Fiesta, dear MM   Yeah they're called windows My windows have glass in them James An update - I still don't know if the Mamod boiler and firebox looks too big for the boat. I think it does, but I ain't sure! And I still haven't got an engine! mogogear James wrote: An update - I still don't know if the Mamod boiler and firebox looks too big for the boat. I think it does, but I ain't sure! And I still haven't got an engine! I had to lower my Mamod firebox to keep the center of gravity down in my Nanette boat..I am going to actually lower it even more James An update What do you boat guys reckon to this? I think it's too big, but what do you think? The boiler's from a MM2. Les Too big, there is no air room down the sides so there would be a likelyhood that the boat will catch on fire. James Would be interesting to see     What the hell do I do then??   Klaus Lutz alan2525 wrote: You could paint it battleship grey and stick a couple of turned wood torpedos on the deck at the front for fun! Would be different from all the other cream and white launches then! Not a bad idea. Early TB´s were really small. Paint the hull black with white striping near the top, all part above the hull paint white and the Funnel yellow. That would match an victorian paint sheme for naval ships... Hm... or not. TB´s were just black at that time... maybe at the Naval recue they were painted in other shemes, or at distant stations http://www.nzmaritime.co.nz/thornycroft.htm have look at the second picture and the torpedoes in davits left and right... an use torpedoes that are shaped like a mandrel... http://www.npt.nuwc.navy.mil/History/his1.htm have a look at the third picture Klaus logoman James wrote: Would be interesting to see     What the hell do I do then??   a good reason to buy the new Mamod marine engine when it's released. James I'm a bit stumped now, was hoping some of you budding boaters could have offered some help   steamyjim I'm thinking Tis a realy small space MooseMan Somehow managed to miss this thread completely! I think you can probably get away with that by lowering the firebox, moving the boiler slightly aft and cutting the dec k back. You want no less than 3/4" between the boiler and the sides of the boat, and then I'd suggest you insulate the sides of the boat. But it looks like you have enough space if you cut the deck back, or even remove it and fit something of your own design....maybe a rear deck and a spray hood, Bowman fashion. Alternatively, maybe a boiler from a MM1? I'm forever thinking that those little engines have all the parts you need to knock together a very decent small boat engine. James A minor one!!!! Why didn't I think of that?   Bloody brilliant mate!!   I was hoping you would reply in this thread mate!   johnreid Moose is a wise man, if we only would listen to him more often, I think the minor might be the answer Jimbo. MooseMan I was absolutely staggered to see how powerful a good MM1 is. Isn't Mitch selling one? James He is indeed mate!!   mogogear Also a good way to hide the insulation is to use those handy little Jensen insulation sheets and cut them to fit inside the firebox. I didn't use them the first time I fired up by Nanette boat and the primer on my hull blistered just a tad.. Lesson learned late MooseMan Yeah, the Jensen insulating stuff is brilliant. Mamodman123 I would say a MM1 aswell, you won't be breaking any speed records but should be ideal for that boat! MooseMan That sort of boat isn't supposed to go fast anyway.....nice gentle pace. steamyjim Any progess on this? James Been put to one side, been flat out at home for ages! Starting to come into busy time of the year   James I got it rubbed down, but I want to take my time on painting it as others I have seen look like a dog's dinner. I suppose it must be hard trying to paint straight lines freehand when you're boz-eyed. Will post pics soon! Roly Williams James wrote: I got it rubbed down, but I want to take my time on painting it as others I have seen look like a dog's dinner. I suppose it must be hard trying to paint straight lines freehand when you're boz-eyed. Will post pics soon! It is at any time! You can't even use masking tape because all the surfaces are curved. pauly only just noticed this thread good little boat there James Mamodman123 You can play battle ships at STIA I know one that'll go down quicker than the titanic     James I know one that won't float Ooo! It's the same one as you're thinking of MM The clog Mamodman123 James wrote: I know one that won't float Ooo! It's the same one as you're thinking of MM The clog The floating power of a house brick   James LOL!! If I get any screws sticking out... to hell with filler! I'll just dorb on some Dulux and delete and bad comments people dare to make Mamodman123 "Der's an 'ole in mah bucket" James Time shall tell   johnreid I have been told that James is going to flag his boat as a Somalia Pirate ship, look out at the STIA Pool. logoman Seven pages and no boat, it is a ghost ship you're building James?.. that'd be like mine then Les logoman wrote: Seven pages and no boat, it is a ghost ship you're building James?.. that'd be like mine then It must be a copy of the 'Marie Celeste'. http://www.fortogden.com/maryceleste.html Kaleb MooseMan wrote: 22" is just right for that engine you have....sling it up to an SE2 boiler or something. You won't be able to RC the speed or direction, but you can have rudder control. You could put a regulator on the steam line, then you would have speed control. Where does the exhaust from the engine go? You could use a rotary valve to reverse by exchanging admission and exhaust unless the exhaust escapes past the valve somehow. rangerssteamtoys It is possible to connect a throttle valve to the engine, you just have to make it where the valve doenst make the engine stop. Like a Idle speed on a gas engine. Electric start is an idea to go against self sfarting  A motor rubbbing against the flywheel to get it going. Atticman rangerssteamtoys wrote: It is possible to connect a throttle valve to the engine, you just have to make it where the valve doenst make the engine stop. Like a Idle speed on a gas engine. Electric start is an idea to go against self sfarting  A motor rubbbing against the flywheel to get it going. Hey Ranger- great to see you back on! mogogear rangerssteamtoys wrote: It is possible to connect a throttle valve to the engine, you just have to make it where the valve doenst make the engine stop. Like a Idle speed on a gas engine. Electric start is an idea to go against self sfarting  A motor rubbbing against the flywheel to get it going. Absolutely a grand hello to you Rangersteam!!! Glad to know you are about!!Welcome back!! James At STL I got a Minor 1 from Mitch! The piece I've been waiting for! Work on the boat can continue! I started tonight, trying to position the boiler and engine the best I could. I'll upload pics in a bit! mogogear Mark James' response.."I will be posting pic's of a boat project"... forthwith I assume? This thread needs a post of an actual boat..as Mr  Reid has asserted or we will need to cancel or re-title the thread..        The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum Forum Index -> Steam Launches and Boats Page 1, 2  Next Page 1 of 2