Pictures of Moose's new boat -NEW ACTION MOVIE P16 -

Steve_S

That looks great. Wouldn't it be fun to be able to sit on that seat and steam across the STIA pond/ocean next year?

MooseMan

It may well tow me on a dinghy, but I wouldn't want to inflict my 16 1/2 stone on the poor thing....a couple of housebricks is one thing, but....

However, it's the perfect size for my cat!

mogogear

I can tell you are having fun--It looks so nice- thanks for keeping us up to date!!

MooseMan

If I had any more fun it would be indecent!

kusuchi

johnreid

Stilldrillin

That`s lovely, and improving daily........

Oooooo look...... I`m a Steam Fernatic now!

Bogstandard

To do a basic cover up of a gas tank to make it less noticeable is fairly easy.

This is a very basic sketch of how to do it.

I filled the top half of mine with twigs cut in half to simulate logs, but a bit of broken up coal works as well.

This is how mine looked after nearly twenty years in use (not the engine bit) and shows the box at the LHS.

John

MooseMan

MooseMan

Bogstandard

Hi Odilon,

I was answering IndianaRog's bit about covering things up.
John did a very nice job of planking yours.

The coil is there for a reason. When you have a really cold day (I sailed summer and winter, and this boat, because it was heavy and powerful, was used as the thin ice breaker for the rest of the club members), it was used to absorb radiant heat from the boiler to stop gas pulsing when liquid gas managed to condense in the gas line.

The internal planking was put on for a reason. I totally sealed the engine bay with epoxycote. You could have filled it with water, and it would just sit there, totally sealed. This was to stop any oil and water getting into the woodwork and setting up a rotting process.
The planks were initially stuck in with thinned down evostik, then once coated, they became an integral part of the hull woodwork. I also made special sealed bushings for the mounting of the engine baseplate, I gave John the instructions, but don't know if he carried out that mod.

You must excuse the picture, this was after the hull was recoated and not flatted down. The new owner is going to carry out that exercise.

John

MooseMan

Hi John,

No, that's not something John S. got around to I think....the engine bushes are countersunk from the underside of the engine support decking. Do you still have those instructions by any chance?

Apart from practical considerations, I love the wood-clad interior of your boat....I may just have to have a go at that - the way daylight will shine through the hull and show up the ribs is a bit weird. One of the things I love about this project is that I can see myself tinkering and improving and learning lots of new skills for at least a couple of years.

Bogstandard

Hi Odilon,

This is all it is, a brass sealed at the end furrule. Sealed onto the deck.

It also helps to stop the area under the boiler scorching the deck.

In all the years I had my boat I did very few mods as they were done as it was built. One of the main ones I did was to fit real glass instead of clear plastic sheet into the cabin windows. It did change the whole look of the boat.

John

MooseMan

Thanks John - that looks like a sensible precaution.

bessytractor

so far so good! Keep it up, we're dying to see it tearing across the lake at Full Ahead with all the ponds resident water fowl desperately trying to escape

MooseMan

Removable bench to hide the ballast and RC gear is finished.....Ewan looks comfortable

IndianaRog

He does indeed look the part...I really like the looks of that fellow!

MooseMan

I'll get a better picture when daylight returns....burning the midnight oil tonight!

IndianaRog

1:45 am if I do my conversion correctly...9:45 pm here. Yup, midnite oil and a bit more than that on your end!!

JohnS

As the original owner/builder of Mooseman’s launch I thought I would stick my oar in. I have to tell you guys that I am so delighted that my boat has finished up in such enthusiastic and capable hands. Reading through this thread has made me realise just how much care and attention Mooseman is putting into the project to ensure smooth running and reliable operation.

The blame for my not completing the boat is entirely down to Bogstandard who enticed me away with his model engineering skills. They are so infectious that my interest has become more and more in the making of small steam engines. Like you all I am looking forward to launch day of Festina Lente which hopefully will be recorded on video for us all to see.

I must also say that through the sale of my boat I have discovered this lively site – my past interests included the construction and running of a live steam garden railway so I am sure I shall find much to interest me here.

Can’t wait to see further postings on Festina Lente

JohnS

tmuir

Seat looks grand Moose and welcome JohnS.
I've just set myself up a workshop and have been busy machining parts to fix the long line of engines I've got for restoration.
I must say if your machining abilities are as good as your boat building skills I dare say we will be seeing some lovely engines real soon.

mogogear

Welcome John S. I think between Moose and bogstandard = no one can go wrong - Looking forward to your posts!!

Moose - stop posting and get back to work on that boat!!

bessytractor

welcome John! Pics of your garden railway would be most welcome

MooseMan

Brilliant to see you here John - this boat has caused quite a stir as you can see, and you deserve the lion share of the credits!

No further work on the boat today I'm afraid.....it would appear that I neglected one of the lesser-known commandments: "thou shalt maintain thy wife's vehicles in all perpetuity", so I spent this PM rebuilding the rear wheel of her bike after she cycled home on a bare rim....never mind.

JohnS

Hi Guys

Thanks for your welcome. Wish I could show you pictures of my garden railway, sadly the setup was at my family home which I left behind for a smaller more manageable nest for retirement. I built three Roundhouse engine kits - one for each of my male grandchildren (my grandaughters have never forgiven me !). Bought myself a mini lathe two years ago, decided I needed a project - ah yes, I thought an engine for a steam powered boat so boat the Krick Victoria, stumbled across Bogstandard as a fellow Victoria owner and the rest has been two years of sheer frustration trying to build little steam engines. Seriously though I now find myself immersed in a most satisfying hobby and I now call my garage my workshop and in addition to my chinese mini-lathe features a bandsaw and a small milling machine plus grinder and drill press. I am just starting on the build of a boxer twin which features inlet and exhaust valves as per a 4 stroke I.C. engine but operates on compressed air - I am already wondering if I have bitten off more than I can machine but fortunately I have Bogstandard to keep me pointing in the right direction.

I really enjoyed building the Krick Victoria and in particular carrying out the conversion of the cabin to an Edwardian type saloon. I acquired plans of a full size launch which I adapted. The most important aspect was getting the correct rake for the saloon windows and the stylish clerestory roof. I was planning to visit the steam boat museum at Windermere to take a camera full of reference photos but typically they are currently closed for restoration.

Sorry to ramble on so much but thought I would give some introduction to my appearance on the site.

Its just occured to me that I should have posted this in the newbies section but I am not sure where that is - forgive me !

JohnS

tmuir

Here is fine John but if you want just PM one of the mods or admins and we can move it to the 'Meet the members' section.
But don't PM me know as its 1:30am where I am and I'm just about to go to bed.

IndianaRog

Welcome John S...sounds like you bring a wealth of hard earned experience to the forums and we LOVE that. A number of folks are doing the steam boat thing including myself as soon as I get the boat kit...they seem in short supply over here (US).

Photos and any videos of your work are gratefully enjoyed by us all.

cheers,
Roger
aka: IndianaRog (from INDIANA, USA)

Les

Welcome to the forum JohnS.

MTA

Moose, your work that you have added to the Festina Lente is to the high standard that JohnS set when you purchased it from him.

Well done!

Now, when are you going to 'upgrade' and buy something like the first boat here:

http://www.prestonservices.co.uk/marine.htm

MooseMan

Got a new toy today....nice little compressor, receiver is just 10L, perfect for my humble needs. Came with a bunch of tools and fittings, not bad for 30 quid I think. I've had the engine on the airline for a couple of hours now (with frequent oiling stops), and it ticks over beautifully on about 10PSI, smooth as anything, in both directions.

Sandman

Excellent buy Odilon and damned handy too.

That will give you so much more flexibilty in running your engines.

I bet it will be well used.

JohnS

Hi Odilon

Just out of interest I bought a mini air brush compressor which puts out less than 10 psi but it was sufficient to power that wonderful engine. Now that you have put some hours on her she should run all day on just a whiff of steam.

JohnS

MooseMan

Thanks John....John M. identified a little "stickiness" in the engine's accelleration. It now will rev up smoothly from nothing to full revs and back. I am absolutely desperate to get this boat on the water, but it's just not the weather for it, and I want to make very sure I don't rush things.

So....I've started work on the roof. Cut, formed and glued in place some battens - I will keep the central portion of the roof removable if that's doable.

MTA

Nice to see it is still coming along Odilon

May I ask where you purchased your compressor from?

MooseMan

steamyjim

Looks brilliant Moose!

MooseMan

Made decent progress with the cabin roof....decided to use balsa, I almost trust myself with that material. The raised centre is still to do, but the rest is installed, sanded and sealed.

steamyjim

Brilliant Moose!

Sandman

I know this is going to knock us out completely when you get it finished Odilon.

What excellent workmanship.

Steve_S

Coming along nicely!

johnreid

So far it looks to be worthy of the Launch, real top rate work there.

MooseMan

Thanks all....I'm taking a lot of care with this, because this is where JohnS modified the original design, and I want to make sure I do his work justice.

Stilldrillin

It just keeps on gettin bettern bettern better......

JohnS

Its looking good Odilon, just one thought - I was planning to use clear plastic cd cases as a source of material for the windows unless of course you were going to do the same as John M and use 2mm glass ! - and no self respecting Edwardian launch would be without lace curtains at the windows - I think you can buy lace edging material which should do the trick.

JohnS

MooseMan

Thanks John,

I'm going to do a little experimenting with the windows.....I'll certainly try one of the CD cases, but my concern is how easily they mark. I love the idea of using 2mm glass, but I have zero experience working with glass....might just have to have a go at that!

As for the curtains, they're definitely on the list. This is one of the reasons why I want to keep the central portion of the roof removable.

Just got her a Red Ensign to fly as well!

Graham-Jilly

wow great engine Odilon just catching up on some missed posts.
that defiately was worth the drive for mate

Bogstandard

Odilon,

Cutting and shaping glass is a bit of an art.

I am lucky in that I managed to get from my local scrapyard, a water cooled horizontal grinder, used by opticians for grinding lenses to fit frames. It was a steal at £10, but I did have to put a plug on it. It also does a wonderful job at bevel edged glass as well.

John

MooseMan

I know someone here who works on stained glass windows....I may have to have a word.

RocDoc

Hi Odilon,

Slight digression ... I used clear plastic sheeting for the windows in Juliette's dolls house. Much more realistic than plastic CD cases. Can easily be cut to shape and glued in place. Looks good but obviously not as good as stained glass.

Pete

MooseMan

I've got some of that Pete, and that is definitely what I'll start with...I'll fit it in such a way that it is easily removed later. I can see myself happily working on and improving this boat for a good few years.

Latest update - the roof is finished, and I'm very pleased with it. It's currently being painted, so I'll put up pictures once the paint's done. Also received my "Red Ensign" to fly once she's in the water!

bessytractor

keep it up moose this is getting better....and better....and BETTER

mogogear

Moose- you are a carpenter!! Great work.....

IndianaRog

Moose, soon you will need to trade your avatar with SEL cap for a proper Admiral's cap!!!

It is coming along beautifully. FINALLY got my kit properly ordered today...first website I ordered from went belly up!!

MooseMan

johnreid

I would be afraid to put such a beautiful thing in the water

You have certainly outdone yourself.

I admit that I have no desire to own a boat, but if I did it would be something like that, Truly a thing of beauty.

IndianaRog

Yes Moose...it is gorgeous. I'm gonna lean on you when I get building!!!

MooseMan

Thank you John! I never had any interest in boats until I built my Arrow, just for something to do while recovering from a spell of bad health - now I have 7!

Ain't that the way it goes though!

MooseMan

bessytractor

MooseMan

I just set out to do a balancing test (spot on!) with the new roof - then I remembered that someone asked me to take a picture of Festina Lente and Ellan Vannin moored up together....and then I had a moment of whimsy.....can't you just hear the old guy swearing at poor Ewan??

James

Bloody hell! *Picks jaw off floor*

bessytractor

James

The bloke on girth boat looks like me

I'm rate posh

MooseMan

All he needs is a pocketwatch and a flat cap

James

tmuir

Thats a great shot Moose.
I love it, and the boats aren't half bad either.

IndianaRog

Great couple of nautical pics there Moose...but I'm sure the old chap on the Ellan Vannin is asking the posh guy if his boat has a commode ?

Seriously, a couple of lovely pieces there...inspirational!

mogogear

Oh thats ripe - The boats together show scale well!!

Can't wait to see her out on the "big water" I am dreaming of getting to the floating tests!!

MooseMan

oldstuff

bessytractor

H2o vapour

That bath looks far to clean,

Needs some steam oil around it!!

O, not bad boats either!!

H20

kusuchi

The Victoria is looking really, really beautiful.

Every time I log into this thread I have to resist the urge to rush out and buy the kit with a Monahan Heron.

Really great job, Moose. Can't wait to see her get out of the bath and onto the open water. Please post long videos.

What have you done with Renee?

johnreid

I now wonder if Rene came with it or not!
Moose, I am so glad that I do not own that boat as I would be afraid to get it wet, let alone steam it. It is truly a thing of beauty.

MooseMan

Aw, thanks guys.

Don't worry, Renée is safe and sound, but she's a bit delicate, so I've kept her boxed for now.

MooseMan

Chris, John won't explain it as he is no longer on this forum I'm afraid.

The second valve acts like a check valve, to set the maximum steam pressure going into the engine without blowing the cylinders off the ports - it's a "set and forget" valve. I'm just about to upload a video that illustrates its use.

MooseMan

Right, new video...fairly comprehensive bench test of all the features while running under steam, as next Saturday is looking good weatherwise! Nearly 9 minutes, with commentary:

Steve_S

Excellent video! She certainly seems to have a powerful engine.... can't wait to see her steaming in the water.

Sandman

Really enjoyed that Odilon.

I'm looking forward to seeing her maiden voyage.

Commentary was excellent mate.

alan2525

A beautiful looking steam launch! Fantastic!

If anyone is interested in steam launches and steam in general even! I'd highly recommend a trip to the Lake Windermere Steamboat museum, the museum is full of stunning steam launches and beautifully engineered large scale models.

Such elegance, beautiful engineering and carpentry too. You can always dream of owning one and taking a leisurely cruise on the lakes too.

johnreid

I for one cant wait till Saturday, I hope the weather is perfect.

IndianaRog

Odilon, just got to watching this video...gorgeous...if only I can get there someday!! It seemed to be really dialed in both forward and reverse, I imagine it will shine during Saturday sea trials if the weather permits.

Good luck with it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rog

mogogear

What a nice drumming sound that twin is!! So admirable - the whole package!!

MooseMan

Well folks, the maiden trip was a small success - the weather really was too windy, but I just couldn't wait anymore....a credit to the design of the hull she stayed upright really! A sailboat that was out at the same time capsized and was never seen again.....

I also accidentally overfilled the boiler and primed the engine badly, but I still got a good idea of what she'll be capable of, and what still needs doing....for example I discovered that the balsa roof will fly off in the wind, and that the skeg isn't properly sealed - some of the ply is coming loose. Small things, easily fixed.

Anyway, without further ado:

The boat in the car, securely nested on a "beanbag" of packing chips

Yours truly getting ready....

And the video:

Nick

Moves along nicely.

I was worried it was going to tip over.

Mamodman123

Certainly goes well moose!

The wind though

johnreid

I sat on the edge of my seat as the waves approached the side of the boat, It looks like the roof flew right at the camera!
Isnt there a way to pin the roof on? There are small Clevis pins that hold the body on my RC Truck.

Sandman

Jeez Odilon, you've obviously got faith in her.

That was a choppy maiden voyage.

My heart was in my mouth a few times mate.

If she can survive that she's proved herself a good un.

Great stuff.

alan2525

That must have been pretty nervy runny the boat in those conditions! Looks like it should run well, seems nice and stable too. Next time wait for a still day though?

pauly

Hey moose when you take your boats to the lake do you get any strange looks or questions from the public.

Id love a boat but am terrified of it running out of steam or sinking in the middle of the lake.

She is a really good runner in that wind. Heart in me mouth most of the video.
shes a goodin.

IndianaRog

Like the others Odilon, I was biting my lip watching her bob to and fro...glad nothing big enough came along to swamp her, but that proved she's a runner and can actually stand up to some pretty large (scale) waves.

Hope for a bit more calm on her next outing!!

Rog

MooseMan

Thanks lads! You'll notice one or two weird transitions in the video - that's where I had to cut out my swearing! That's one of the most truly scary things I've put myself through! All credit to the boat though....even at the choppier moments the water never even got close to the gunwales, and she remained dry as a bone.

Still waiting for a windstill day for the next trip though - Jaysus, Joseph and Mary!!

MooseMan

pauly

MTA

You are certainly very brave to go sailing in weather like that Moosey

I liked the bits on the side. I cannot remember what they are called, but am I right in saying that their purpose is to protect the boat from being damaged when it comes into contact with the 'dock'?

pauly

I think they are just called bumpers mate like on a car

RocDoc

That was an interesting maiden voyage Odilon ... nothing like a bit of choppy water and a blustry wind to get the heart rate going. She sailed through it though. You must be well pleased.

We like the mini fenders

Pete

James

Shit

Great video, great boat!

I wish it was mine

MooseMan

MooseMan

Thanks Jimbo and Pete,

You know you can come and play any time you like...

Pete, love the new avatar......can I assume that.......