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kusuchi

Topaz Display Case - Pre Arrival Preparations

Have commissioned a Display Case for Topaz which should be ready this weekend.  Not so much for show.  More to protect her from the salt air.  With all the tiny brass fittings this is the most difficult engine I own to clean!

In preparation I have stripped the boat down for cleaning.  MH&B recommend the removal of the engine for periodic cleaning, but I also removed the boiler and stripped all the fittings.

Some pictures:




The stripped down launch.




The engine compartment, showing the Universal Joint, the starboard forward/reverse servo and the port throttle servo.




The MH&B Boiler and Anton Crystal Engine.




Boiler Detail




Engine Detail




Engine Detail with watch for scale.
johnreid

Quality down to the smallest piece.
IndianaRog

Get it back together quickly Richard before you forget how to do it!
Incredible detail and quality throughout.
kusuchi

OK, Rog. Here we go!  Reassembly.

First the engine and boiler:







Then the steam valve, displacement lubricator, throttle valve, separation tank, gas tank and partial decking.  Hooked up the servos and am now waiting for the RC to charge so I can test before adding additional decking.


IndianaRog

Wow...you really do know how to get it back together!!!  That is such a stunner...every picture I see shows off some new detail I missed before.  I understand the desire to place it under glass!!
rangerssteamtoys

IndianaRog wrote:
Get it back together quickly Richard before you forget how to do it!
Incredible detail and quality throughout.


Thats usually how it goes      

That boat is just something else...
kusuchi

IndianaRog wrote:
Wow...you really do know how to get it back together!!!  That is such a stunner...every picture I see shows off some new detail I missed before.  I understand the desire to place it under glass!!


Thanks Rog, (and Ranger!)

The forward/reverse servo appears to be out of center in the quadrant.  When the RC is charged I'll check the default position and adjust as necessary.

Sure hope the throttle valve is bi directional, it's absolutely symmetrical and I have no idea at all which way is up!

The biggest challenge was the pressure gauge.  It's fed via a hollow bolt which has a hole which must line up with the intake pipe.  I marked the hole location on the bolt and tested it on, (yes!), compressed air prior to reinstalling the boiler.

This process has, however, revealed the solution to a previously unsolved mystery.  In the photo below an out of focus gray object can be seen, below deck, to the left of the gas burner intake.

This is a triple folded sheet of lead, the width of the hatch, about 70% of which is below the permanent portion of the bow deck. With the boiler forward of amidships, why Wal would have chosen to add ballast to the bow I'm not sure.  Unfortunately, it's firmly stuck to the resin and I'm reluctant to force it free as I'm not sure I could effect repairs under the permanent deck.

This entirely explains the bow heavy status of the original videos.  Whilst I have since added ballast in the stern to compensate, I'd like to get rid of both to raise the boat in the water.

Will have to think about this, but would appreciate any suggestions.


rangerssteamtoys

Lead ballast.....    

As for those servos, do you have anything that covers them up??? They look technological next to the engine    

Is the lead ballast glued on, or is it somehow incorporated into the hull which I assume is fibreglass.

If its glued on or if it in the resin, I might have a solution, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (or MEK). Its a super solvent   . Its dangerous stuff though, it might accidently break down the resin leaving a hole or a weakspot in the boat. It might work though    

I have used it for paint stripping and it just takes off paint like nobodies buisness. I put some on my mamod SR wheels.... 30 seconds later the paint just bubbled up and came of with a rag.

I dont know if anyone uses this stuff, thats why I suggested it.

I wonder what else could get rid of the lead........
kusuchi

rangerssteamtoys wrote:
Lead ballast.....    

As for those servos, do you have anything that covers them up??? They look technological next to the engine    

Is the lead ballast glued on, or is it somehow incorporated into the hull which I assume is fibreglass.

If its glued on or if it in the resin, I might have a solution, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (or MEK). Its a super solvent   . Its dangerous stuff though, it might accidently break down the resin leaving a hole or a weakspot in the boat. It might work though    

I have used it for paint stripping and it just takes off paint like nobodies buisness. I put some on my mamod SR wheels.... 30 seconds later the paint just bubbled up and came of with a rag.

I dont know if anyone uses this stuff, thats why I suggested it.

I wonder what else could get rid of the lead........


Oh yes, Ranger.   But I want to test and adjust them before I fit the final deck and step sections that will cover them up.  I'll post pictures of the finished look tomorrow.

The lead appears to be glued onto the resin.  Don't want to use any solvent that might damage the resin as I can't get back under the permanent deck far enough to effect a reliable repair.
Les

She looks better every time I see her, that is one very stunning launch.  
kusuchi

Servos adjusted and final decking fitted.


rangerssteamtoys

Much better.... I'm still thinking about the lead ballast. Have you asked the builder of the boat about it?
steamboatmodel

Check with the builder first, to find out how the lead is secured. If is is glued in a gentle application of heat to the lead might break the glue bond. If you do remove it you may find the boat will not be as stable as it is now.
Regards,
Gerald.
mogogear

Good to see you working on the boat!! and you have become smarter through the process!

I bet a quick consult with Wal on the lead ballast will reveal the right answer!!
27ace27

rangerssteamtoys wrote:

I wonder what else could get rid of the lead........


The EPA. anyway, really nice boat! quality engine too!
kusuchi

mogogear wrote:
Good to see you working on the boat!! and you have become smarter through the process!

I bet a quick consult with Wal on the lead ballast will reveal the right answer!!


Have already E Mailed Wal on this and other matters.

The Display Case arrived today.  

The rear canopy was supplied unfinished and I have now, repaired it, covered it, sprayed it and finally fitted it on the launch.

Pictures tomorrow.
Bernhard

Hey...
Have so see this one
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Der-Seekade...18%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50

Regards Bernhard
logoman

Bernhard wrote:
Hey...
Have so see this one
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Der-Seekade...18%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50

Regards Bernhard


my guess is it will go to £3000 - £3400
kusuchi

logoman wrote:
Bernhard wrote:
Hey...
Have so see this one
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Der-Seekade...18%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50

Regards Bernhard


my guess is it will go to £3000 - £3400


Your probably right, Miles, but obviously the Seller didn't think so.  I am currently the high bidder at 1500 pounds and the reserve is already met.
kusuchi

The Fenders are in the wash and I still have to work on the stand, but........






logoman

now that's beautiful Richard, superbly implemented.
the match with the table is sweet.
I can't begin to expres how good that would look paired with the Seekadet.
johnreid

Too bad you do not live where you could find a couple of small Sea Shells to place in the bottom of the case

That looks fantastic Richard, a display case worthy of such a fine vessel
Les

kusuchi wrote:
logoman wrote:
Bernhard wrote:
Hey...
Have so see this one
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Der-Seekade...18%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50

Regards Bernhard


my guess is it will go to £3000 - £3400


Your probably right, Miles, but obviously the Seller didn't think so. I am currently the high bidder at 1500 pounds and the reserve is already met.


Good luck Richard.  
Steve_S

She looks superb in there... much better than on my kitchen table!   The rear canopy has turned out very well too.
kusuchi

johnreid wrote:
Too bad you do not live where you could find a couple of small Sea Shells to place in the bottom of the case

That looks fantastic Richard, a display case worthy of such a fine vessel


Funny you should say that, John.

Given the primary function of the case, to delay tarnishing, I was wondering where I might put a couple of bags of Silica Gel.
mogogear

What a perfect idea---a couple of big shells would be just the right "disguise"!!

"Say the magic word and win a duck!"

You are a winner John!

BTW - Richard, the case looks like a good job done by the maker! The Topaz looks comfortable
Les

A wonderful case which allows 'Topaz' to show off in all her glory.
Sandman

What a lovely display Richard.

Brings back memories of a cold dark winters day, lit up by a little boys excitement.

Topaz could not be in a better place.
kk

Hi Richard,

kusuchi wrote:
...

Given the primary function of the case, to delay tarnishing, I was wondering where I might put a couple of bags of Silica Gel.


Why not disgues the silicagel sacks as coal sacks, they could be stored right beside the brassware.
bessytractor

that really does look the stuff!
kusuchi

Sandman wrote:
What a lovely display Richard.

Brings back memories of a cold dark winters day, lit up by a little boys excitement.

Topaz could not be in a better place.


Is that me or Andrew your referring to, Sandy.  
Sandman

kusuchi wrote:
Sandman wrote:
What a lovely display Richard.

Brings back memories of a cold dark winters day, lit up by a little boys excitement.

Topaz could not be in a better place.


Is that me or Andrew your referring to, Sandy.  


If the cap fits Richard.    
CuriousSteam

Man I love that boat!!!!  The case looks great!!!!
Atticman

Funny how some threads get missed,

That is so brilliant Richard- but dont leave it in the case too often though

I do like the ideas of silica gel hiding places. This forum is full of ideas isnt it    
kusuchi

Sandman wrote:
kusuchi wrote:
Sandman wrote:
What a lovely display Richard.

Brings back memories of a cold dark winters day, lit up by a little boys excitement.

Topaz could not be in a better place.


Is that me or Andrew your referring to, Sandy.  


If the cap fits Richard.    


Sure felt the youthful exuberance of a little boy that day.   A sublime experience at my advanced age.

With luck, I'm hoping to be able to relive the moment next year!


Atticman wrote:
Funny how some threads get missed,

That is so brilliant Richard- but dont leave it in the case too often though

I do like the ideas of silica gel hiding places. This forum is full of ideas isnt it    



Don't worry, Tom!   The reason the top is made of Plexiglas, (Perspex), rather than glass, is to reduce weight so the top can be easily removed for access to the launch.

The case exists merely as a safe harbor, to provide protection from the elements between excursions.

Great ideas seem to be becoming the norm around here!  
duncandumpertruck

What an exceptional setup!
MooseMan

A worthy berth for a fine vessel!
Steve_S

kusuchi wrote:
With luck, I'm hoping to be able to relive the moment next year!


A-ha!  
steamgranny

A very necessary & well made addition to preserve beautiful Topaz, without spoiling the view  
Bernhard

Hi...Stranges...
what Happens with the  
  Der Seekadett - live model steam boat on Ebay..
  Did you get it??

Bernhard
logoman

Bernhard wrote:
Hi...Stranges...
what Happens with the  
  Der Seekadett - live model steam boat on Ebay..
  Did you get it??

Bernhard


it's all gone quiet
kusuchi

After being dissembled and cleaned, a quick test run before she goes back on the water.





But the best is yet to come!
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