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kusuchi

Topaz - Home at Last - pg 4

Topaz ships from the UK tomorrow.  After endless paperwork delays we're finally ready.

She should be home on Wednesday.
CuriousSteam

What is Topaz?
kusuchi

CuriousSteam wrote:
What is Topaz?


M, H & B Edwardian Steam Launch.

http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/about16216.html
johnreid

Cool, now you need a bigger Jacuzzi  
kusuchi

johnreid wrote:
Cool, now you need a bigger Jacuzzi  


Don't think they make one big enough.  

We do have the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. however.
CuriousSteam

wow
mogogear

I thought you got to take it on the airplane with you Richard...? Good luck and we all have our fingers crossed for Topaz's safe arrrival..

Seems like just the other day you and I were exchanging notes about it the first time she appeared in ebay... then that fateful second time did you in!!
Les

That is good news, all you need now is a bigger display cabinet for everything that made its way home with you.  
dampfmaschinenjoe 1967

By the way " TOPAZ" Is Richard´s wonderful steam Boat ! It travelled the half way round the world to be an attendant at STIA  exhibition and was shown under steam on a nearly frozen pond ! It  does the Job very well and all steamboaters had been impressed ( SEE THE STIA PHOTOS OF MOST OF THE MEMBERS WHO HAD BEEN THERE !)
EDIT: "not only the steamboaters , me too"

Nice to hear that Topaz is back ! Hopefully nothing is wrong !?

cheers Joe
tmuir

Once you have it safely I hope we can be treated to a photo of your entire fleet in that lovely blue water you have there.  
Minor1PJG

I can't wait to see her Maiden Voyage at the Virgin Islands  
kusuchi

Was wondering why she hadn't arrived yet.

Apparently she's stuck at Manchester Airport.

It would seem the Haz Mat labels were on the wrong side of the crate.

All is now sorted, however.  She leaves on Saturday and should be here early next week.
johnreid

If they turn the crate around.......
kusuchi

johnreid wrote:
If they turn the crate around.......


Tell me about it.
tmuir

I opened this thread expecting to see a picture of it floating in your spa or the Carrabean Sea.
Hope it gets to you soon and safely.
kusuchi

tmuir wrote:
I opened this thread expecting to see a picture of it floating in your spa or the Carrabean Sea.
Hope it gets to you soon and safely.


Thanks Tony,

Whilst it will just fit in the Spa there won't be room to sail.  The first sailing will be at Magen's Bay, shown here in the lower left hand corner of Sandy's photo, and in my avatar.

tmuir

Lovely blue water.
If Topaz hasn't got any deck chairs on it I think you need to get it some so the passengers on the boat can truely soak up the atmosphere.  
Les

kusuchi wrote:
johnreid wrote:
If they turn the crate around.......


Tell me about it.


As long as they were not on upside down.  

They could have stuck them on both sides just to be safe.

Still looking forward to its big arrival.  
kusuchi

Delayed yet again.

Supposed to have shipped to Barbados today, but I still have no confirmation.  Instead of shipping to Antigua tomorrow, it's now been rescheduled for Friday.  From there it's on the first available plane to St Thomas.  Whenever that may be.  

A word of warning for US buyers of UK steam launches:

(Prices in pounds)

Professional Packing:                177.75
Shock Watch                               10.00
Shipping & Ancillaries                351.15
Haz Mat Cert & Trem Card          45.00
Insurance                                 157.50

Insurance is not available without professional packing.  

Any gas fired engine that has been previously fired qualifies as a Hazardous Material shipment.  This accounts for the Haz Mat charges and about 30% of the shipping charges.  Failure to declare previously fired gas engines will result in the destruction of the launch by CBP, without compensation, and void the insurance.  

Quite an eye opener!  Only hope, after all this, she gets here in one piece.
Nick

So it's over $1000 just to ship it?!?
johnreid

Not just the expense, but the delay is more than most would put up with. Almost worth having bought a new engine for it. The same Hazmat charges are what made it too expensive to get the fuel too, I looked and looked and each place wanted a fortune to ship the fuel, be it 70/30 or 80/20.
kusuchi

Don't know what's going on.  Have e mailed the shipper tonight.  The tracking site is gibberish.

This about the slowest Air Freight I have ever seen.

To add insult to injury, local customs have advised me I'll have to pay a $180.00 fee as the item is technically foreign.  
johnreid

That is a bummer, however, just imagine Topaz cruising around that pool. Sigh, life will be grand.
logoman

who's the shipper Richard?
tmuir

Ouch!!!

Hope it gets there soon.

What you paid to ship this boat is only slightly less than what I paid to have a dressing table and 12 tea chests shipped from the UK to Australia in 2001.    
logoman

I've bought boats of a similar size, probably a bit lighter, from the US and only paid $40.
Atticman

Cheaper to have bought another seat on the plane Richard. That is a real whopper of a price  
kusuchi

The Shipper is Caribbean Airlines.

The problem is the Haz Mat classification.  If you follow the rules they penalize you heavily.

If I'd just stuck it in the mail it would have been here two weeks ago.  At a fraction of the cost and with no duty.  

The price of being a law abiding citizen.

(It wouldn't have had meaningful insurance, however.)
johnreid

I noticed that not a question was asked about my checked bag, might be the way to get an engine home while the hull gets shipped.
kusuchi

johnreid wrote:
I noticed that not a question was asked about my checked bag, might be the way to get an engine home while the hull gets shipped.


In spite of Andrew's attempts to enthuse to the Custom's Officer regarding the exact contents.  
johnreid

kusuchi wrote:


In spite of Andrew's attempts to enthuse to the Custom's Officer regarding the exact contents.  


That was priceless. From the mouths of Babes.

I am beginning to think that Topaz might have sailed there faster on its own.
kusuchi

johnreid wrote:
kusuchi wrote:


In spite of Andrew's attempts to enthuse to the Custom's Officer regarding the exact contents.  


That was priceless. From the mouths of Babes.

I am beginning to think that Topaz might have sailed there faster on its own.


Funnily enough, that is exactly what I said in an e mail to the Shipper in the UK today.
Les

Is it there yet, and have you a supply of gas or will you have the same trouble shipping that in??
kusuchi

Les wrote:
Is it there yet, and have you a supply of gas or will you have the same trouble shipping that in??


It was supposed to fly to Antigua yesterday, so it could arrive in St Thomas today.  In any event Customs isn't open 'til Monday.

As it was already Haz Mat, I took the precaution of shipping a quantity of gas with it.

Still interested in a US source though.  Have yet to find 70/30 anywhere.
johnreid

Wait till summer camping season comes along as every place I checked said it was seasonal.
logoman

Optimus gas?
http://www.backcountryedge.com/optimus-optimus-gas-8-oz.aspx
johnreid

I really wonder if they ship $50 worth of the gas for free, I encountered HazMat charges when trying to order 1 canister
mogogear

kusuchi wrote:
Les wrote:
Is it there yet, and have you a supply of gas or will you have the same trouble shipping that in??


It was supposed to fly to Antigua yesterday, so it could arrive in St Thomas today.  In any event Customs isn't open 'til Monday.

As it was already Haz Mat, I took the precaution of shipping a quantity of gas with it.

Still interested in a US source though.  Have yet to find 70/30 anywhere.


Richard- almost all backpacking stove gas fuel is 70/30 iso-butane propane mix- I buy it at my local super grocery store in the camping section  . All commercial gas stoves by MSR- Mountain Safety Research ( and their MSR brand of gas is the correct mix) and other manufacturers will fit the fill adapters and suit your needs..there is also a ton of generic gas tanks that fill and service these stoves at about half the price of MSR at no difference in performance...
MooseMan

Richard, if it's any help, these burners run almost as well on pure butane, or on any mix as long as it doesn't contain more than 30% propane....in fact, I prefer to run my boats on butane because the burner just runs a little too hot to my taste. The mix we used at STiA was just butane as well if I remember correctly.

I also believe that it is possible to convert the burners to run on LPG - talk to Clinton.
johnreid

The 80/20 version is what is stocked at the outdoors outfitters around here, so that would make it easier. I will do some more investigating once the seasonal shift has occurred at the camping/backpacking suppliers have shifted from Hunting to Camping which should be soon.
kusuchi

Thanks for the advice, Guys.

At least I now know I can get it in the US.  All I can get here is 100% Propane.

The problem is overland freight only.

I'm going to have to find out the Haz Mat # to find out what special requirements have to be fulfilled for Ocean Freight.  My UK shipper told me they were similar to Air Freight, special packing, Haz Mat certification, Trem cards, etc.

Alternatively, I could always build a bridge!
mogogear

Richard-

Restaurant supply shops stock spin -on cartridges for use with table side single burner stove tops ( like for Asian theme restaurants )

So that may be a place to check that may already have a stock --- Also these are used on many of the cruise ships and even may be stocked to supply the sail yacht crowd for use on on-board galley's , so a ship supply shop or supplier may be the ticket too!
kusuchi

mogogear wrote:
Richard-

Restaurant supply shops stock spin -on cartridges for use with table side single burner stove tops ( like for Asian theme restaurants )

So that may be a place to check that may already have a stock --- Also these are used on many of the cruise ships and even may be stocked to supply the sail yacht crowd for use on on-board galley's , so a ship supply shop or supplier may be the ticket too!


Thanks Greg,

Had already decided to check out the many Marine Stores here.  If they have it that would be great.
Les

kusuchi wrote:
Thanks for the advice, Guys.

At least I now know I can get it in the US.  All I can get here is 100% Propane.

The problem is overland freight only.

I'm going to have to find out the Haz Mat # to find out what special requirements have to be fulfilled for Ocean Freight.  My UK shipper told me they were similar to Air Freight, special packing, Haz Mat certification, Trem cards, etc.

Alternatively, I could always build a bridge!


That may work out cheaper at this rate.    
Roly Williams

Les wrote:
kusuchi wrote:
Thanks for the advice, Guys.

At least I now know I can get it in the US.  All I can get here is 100% Propane.

The problem is overland freight only.

I'm going to have to find out the Haz Mat # to find out what special requirements have to be fulfilled for Ocean Freight.  My UK shipper told me they were similar to Air Freight, special packing, Haz Mat certification, Trem cards, etc.

Alternatively, I could always build a bridge!


That may work out cheaper at this rate.    


... and quicker

You could always take a boat trip to the mainland youself, one day, and stock up with a few crates of the stuff.
kusuchi

HOME AT LAST

Finally.





The crate looks fine, no visible damage.




The shock watch has not been tripped.




Haz Mat packing requirements for two canisters of gas.

OK, now for the moment of truth.  I'm off to uncrate her.
johnreid

It looks like the Haz Mat labels are on the wrong side of the crate.  


Home at last
   

There should be dancing in the streets!
Atticman

Good stuff- sure looks securely packaged  
kusuchi

Just finished unpacking.  No damage at all.

Oh.....also just had an e mail from the shipper.     Apparently she's stuck in Barbados.    

Handrail pics to follow.
Roly Williams

kusuchi wrote:
Just finished unpacking.  No damage at all.

Oh.....also just had an e mail from the shipper.     Apparently she's stuck in Barbados.    

Handrail pics to follow.


Poetic Justice

I'm glad it arived all in one piece.
CuriousSteam

great to see it made it asfe to you and looks like it's well packed.  Lets see inside the box.  And that view my goodness just beautiful
mogogear

GOODY GOODY GOODY!! It goes to show you that if you throw enough money at an endeavor...it finally comes to your door --kicking and screaming    

Congrats Richard!! Smile for weeks mate
Nick

kusuchi wrote:
Just finished unpacking.  No damage at all.

Oh.....also just had an e mail from the shipper.     Apparently she's stuck in Barbados.    

Handrail pics to follow.

Glad to hear it finally arrived, but be careful with it on that handrail!
steamgranny

…Huge sigh of relief…
Was beginning to think it necessary to rename Topaz – ‘Titanic’, such was the undertaking of getting her home in one piece, if at all!
Looking forward to those triumphant handrail pics! Thumbs up!
James

Woo! Spot on mate! Pleased you finally got it! Hard to think I've touched it
dampfmaschinenjoe 1967

O M G , what a trip around the world !
Congratulations, Richard !

Cheers Joe

PS It the only Modell steam boat that travelled aruond the world ! L O L !  
Minor1PJG

That certainly looks like secure packaging
johnreid

A great day for arrivals
kusuchi

How to pack a boat.

(just wrap it in $ bills.   )




The lid comes off.




The first glimpse.




Topaz emerges.




Out of the box.........




.....and on to the handrail.

More to come.
logoman

That weather will get her timbers creaking.
steamgranny

kusuchi wrote:


.....and on to the handrail.



...And it was worth every last dollar bill just to see it finally sitting where it belongs...
Mamodman123

Wow glad it arrived safely!

What a boat!  
kusuchi

Pictures:

Charging the RC right now.  We'll oil her up for a dry steam run tomorrow.  First sailing at Magen's Bay on Saturday.

The only slight damage is my boat hook repair which has separated slightly.  Easily fixed.



















Les

  Breathtaking pictures, as Lynn just said "beautiful, absolutely beautiful".
She is a credit to your wonderful collection and now it is time to start your own website.    
MooseMan

Ooooooh that is so good to see!

I breathe more easily now - no joke.
Sandman

Great stuff Richard.

I can really imagine it sitting on the handrail now.

Just one thing though.

Has Val decided where it's going yet?          
logoman

worth every last damn penny!
kusuchi

mogogear wrote:


Congrats Richard!! Smile for weeks mate


......if not months.


steamgranny wrote:


...And it was worth every last dollar bill just to see it finally sitting where it belongs...


Thanks, Alicia.


Les wrote:
  Breathtaking pictures, as Lynn just said "beautiful, absolutely beautiful".
She is a credit to your wonderful collection and now it is time to start your own website.    


Thanks Les....and Lynn.     (was she referring to the boat or the view. )  

You should come and experience both.

As I continually urged you to start your website, I'm not quite sure how I'm going to sidestep that one yet.


Sandman wrote:
Great stuff Richard.

I can really imagine it sitting on the handrail now.

Just one thing though.

Has Val decided where it's going yet?        


She wants to know what Mary would suggest.    
Les

It was definitely the boat and as Lynn has already spent one day there in Charlotte Amilie and two hours in Megan's Bay she cannot wait to get back there again.  

You never know, one day, we will just decide we are coming to visit you.      
kusuchi

Les wrote:
It was definitely the boat and as Lynn has already spent one day there in Charlotte Amilie and two hours in Megan's Bay she cannot wait to get back there again.  

You never know, one day, we will just decide we are coming to visit you.      


You'll always be welcome.
Bugsy

That's the loveliest model boat I've ever seen.
The background suits her.
Will there be a reflagging ceremony?
Phil
kusuchi

Bugsy wrote:
That's the loveliest model boat I've ever seen.
The background suits her.
Will there be a reflagging ceremony?
Phil


Thanks Phil,

This is the Virgin Islands Flag.



However, in honor of my English citizenship and my father's Naval career,  she will continue to proudly fly the Red Ensign.
Bugsy

kusuchi wrote:


However, in honor of my English citizenship and my father's Naval career,  she will continue to proudly fly the Red Ensign.

I fully agree with your sentiments, Richard!
A view from my boat's cockpit:


So you see I'm in the same boat!
kusuchi

Good on you, Phil.
IndianaRog

Richard, that is the most gorgeous steam craft I have ever seen...wonderful photo work.  It looks like it might have been lifted from the background by a storm and deposited on your handrail.

That was one outstanding packing job...might have cost an arm and a leg, but they did it right.

Bet you are looking forward to Sat with a bit more zeal now that you have a boat to launch...just pray for windless day!

Rog
kusuchi

IndianaRog wrote:
Richard, that is the most gorgeous steam craft I have ever seen...wonderful photo work.  It looks like it might have been lifted from the background by a storm and deposited on your handrail.

That was one outstanding packing job...might have cost an arm and a leg, but they did it right.

Bet you are looking forward to Sat with a bit more zeal now that you have a boat to launch...just pray for windless day!

Rog


Thanks Rog.  

Magen's Bay is almost completely sheltered.  (See the pic in Sandy's visit thread)

Can't believe she's actually here now.     Keep having to go downstairs and look at her charging under the covered deck,  just to convince myself it's real.

Don't know whose the biggest kid right now, myself or Andrew.    

A great feeling at my age.
mogogear

I am proud for you.......

It was just the other day it seems Richard that we were PMing when she showed up the second time on ebay...I know it must seem like eternity for you..

A good and happy reunion!!
Stilldrillin

Richard,
I`m so pleased for you, that the saga has finally come to it`s long awaited, happy conclusion......    
tmuir

Finally!

Glad it arrived safely and we will all look forward to the video of its first sale in the Caribbean Sea
kusuchi

Video of our first dry dock run.

Oiled everything.  You need a syringe to reach the numerous oiling points on the Anton Cristal.

The prop shaft is now free of the slight sticking problem we had at STIA.

Adjusted the servos, centered forward/reverse, and increased the throw on the throttle and the rudder.  More power and tighter turns!

Slight whistling noise from the funnel disappeared by the end of the run.

Andrew ably demonstrates the ability of this engine to shift from forward to reverse at full throttle.  

We ran her up to 4 bars.  She's ready for the water.


johnreid

Quote:
Andrew ably demonstrates the ability of this engine to shift from forward to reverse at full throttle.


Essential knowledge in case you encounter an Iceberg.
kusuchi

johnreid wrote:
Quote:
Andrew ably demonstrates the ability of this engine to shift from forward to reverse at full throttle.


Essential knowledge in case you encounter an Iceberg.


A constant problem here.  
logoman

Thanks Richard, Andrew! a lovely demonstration of just how well a good marine steam plant can perform.
Graham-Jilly

wowow that thing revs
MooseMan

Wow Richard!!

That thing really shifts....in fact, I'd be careful letting her freewheel at such revs.....looks like you'll be able to run Topaz on a max of about 2 bars, which means that once up to pressure you can turn the gas right down and get nice, long runs.

There is a very nice modification that allows you to automatically regulate your gas proportional to the boiler pressure....I'll see if I can find the link.

The whistling from the chimney is perfectly normal......it is simply the convection from the hot air turning it into an organ pipe....my "festina" positively howls when stationary, it is in fact a good indication that the gas burner is running properly. Once under sail you'll get a light breeze across the chimney, which will stop the whistling.

Can't wait to see her in action.  
logoman

Forest Classics do a simple and inexpensive one, I'm going to give it a go soon.

http://www.forest-classics.co.uk/bix029.htm
johnreid

kusuchi wrote:
johnreid wrote:
Quote:
Andrew ably demonstrates the ability of this engine to shift from forward to reverse at full throttle.


Essential knowledge in case you encounter an Iceberg.


A constant problem here.  


remember the Boy Scout motto, " Be Prepared "
Les

Poetry in motion, just beautiful.  
Roly Williams

johnreid wrote:
kusuchi wrote:
johnreid wrote:
Quote:
Andrew ably demonstrates the ability of this engine to shift from forward to reverse at full throttle.


Essential knowledge in case you encounter an Iceberg.


A constant problem here.  


remember the Boy Scout motto, " Be Prepared "


You never know when somebody's gonna drop a tray of ice cubes in the pool
alan2525

Ouch - all that reversing at full speed and high rpms...maybe a flash boiler and a steam turbine in the next launch? A stepped hull too?

Bugsy

Not sure about model boats but in full size boats with straight propeller axles sea water acts as a lubricant in the "cutless" bearing at the propeller end of the axle. I didn't see if the propeller was rotating in the movie but the motor was certainly revving!
Phil
kusuchi

MooseMan wrote:
Wow Richard!!

That thing really shifts....in fact, I'd be careful letting her freewheel at such revs.....looks like you'll be able to run Topaz on a max of about 2 bars, which means that once up to pressure you can turn the gas right down and get nice, long runs.

There is a very nice modification that allows you to automatically regulate your gas proportional to the boiler pressure....I'll see if I can find the link.

The whistling from the chimney is perfectly normal......it is simply the convection from the hot air turning it into an organ pipe....my "festina" positively howls when stationary, it is in fact a good indication that the gas burner is running properly. Once under sail you'll get a light breeze across the chimney, which will stop the whistling.

Can't wait to see her in action.  


Thanks Odilon.

Your point about freewheeling at those revs is well taken.  The video doesn't even show it running at 4 bars.

M,H & B recommend 3 bars as an operating pressure, but with the gas on full, steam pressure just continues to rise, even with the throttle fully open.    Although we tried, adjusting the gas flow to the correct level is a really inexact science.

For that reason we were already considering an attenuator.  The 62" launch I just bought has one fitted.  Can't imagine continually trying to adjust the gas flow when the boat is on the water.

Guess the breeze at the end of the video was responsible for the drop in funnel whistling.


logoman wrote:
Forest Classics do a simple and inexpensive one, I'm going to give it a go soon.

http://www.forest-classics.co.uk/bix029.htm


Thanks for the link, Miles.  


Roly Williams wrote:

You never know when somebody's gonna drop a tray of ice cubes in the pool


Happens all the time.   Those damn Banana Daiquiris.


alan2525 wrote:
Ouch - all that reversing at full speed and high rpms...maybe a flash boiler and a steam turbine in the next launch? A stepped hull too?




Always wanted a flash stem tethered hydroplane.....



but Topaz isn't it.  I want this boat to sail at a more stately pace.

Although Andrew was a little over enthusiastic on the controls, the purpose of the video was to convey the power and precision engineering of the Anton Cristal.  I own several fine stationary engines, but nothing performs even close to this.    


logoman wrote:
Thanks Richard, Andrew! a lovely demonstration of just how well a good marine steam plant can perform.


As I was saying.......


Bugsy wrote:
Not sure about model boats but in full size boats with straight propeller axles sea water acts as a lubricant in the "cutless" bearing at the propeller end of the axle. I didn't see if the propeller was rotating in the movie but the motor was certainly revving!
Phil


The propeller was spinning like a Cuisinart, but due to poor lighting in that area I edited that portion of the video.

Don't believe there's a 'cutless' bearing, but as Odilon implied. we'd probably better run her in the water from now on.
superbiker_uk

This may be old news but..

Just purchased the book 'Model Marine Steam' by Stan Bray published in 2006 ISBN 1-85486-245-6

Anyway....on page 138 there is a b&w picture of Topaz. Is there more than one or is this the same boat ('Topaz' Mr J Cowles Model ID No 590)??
Les

superbiker_uk wrote:
This may be old news but..

Just purchased the book 'Model Marine Steam' by Stan Bray published in 2006 ISBN 1-85486-245-6

Anyway....on page 138 there is a b&w picture of Topaz. Is there more than one or is this the same boat ('Topaz' Mr J Cowles Model ID No 590)??


It is a boat kit made by Marten, Howes and Baylis so there are a few of them circulating the world.

http://www.model-steam-boats.co.uk/
superbiker_uk

Thanks Les - that explains it
logoman

Richard, I've just realized that the Forest Classics  attenuator would be inappropriate since I recall that Anton do their own - I can't find their website though - they've the most rediculously bad website, invisible to search engines.
mogogear

logoman wrote:
Richard, I've just realized that the Forest Classics  attenuator would be inappropriate since I recall that Anton do their own - I can't find their website though - they've the most rediculously bad website, invisible to search engines.


Perhaps the Wa La!! No ??



http://fabrice.bretagne.club.fr/Index.htm
kusuchi

Ah. Voila indeed

The 'Vanne coupe gaz autonome'?

Bien Sur!
mogogear

No problemo mi amigo! .....

Buenes Noches
logoman

Richard, do you get much oil spray around the engine? Just wondering how well that's contained. An engine like the Anton will never have too much oil on her, so keep those little oilers topped up.
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