The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum

kusuchi · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 3:33 am Post subject: Intermediate Steam Boat

OK, 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.

_________________
Richard

mogogear · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 4:59 am Post subject:

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!!
_________________
regards,

Mo

This week I are His Most Noble Lord Mo, the Apocalyptic of Old Tonbridge Wafers

MooseMan · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 8:27 am Post subject:

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!

_________________
Stands the glass half empty,
Or stands the glass half full?
Blast your Buddhist mantra, man,
I'll take another pull.

Les · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:53 am Post subject:

If you could get one, go for a Cheddar Proteus Steam plant.

_________________
Les - Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternatives.

www.freewebs.com/lesmarsh

Bogstandard · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:10 am Post subject:

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
_________________
If it looks right and feels right, then it is right.

Nick · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:48 am Post subject:

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 · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 12:11 pm Post subject:

kusuchi · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 3:30 pm Post subject:

kusuchi · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 4:51 pm Post subject:

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..
_________________
Richard

Les · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 5:03 pm Post subject:

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/
_________________
Les - Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternatives.

www.freewebs.com/lesmarsh

mogogear · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

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..
_________________
regards,

Mo

This week I are His Most Noble Lord Mo, the Apocalyptic of Old Tonbridge Wafers

kusuchi · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 10:38 pm Post subject:

Thanks Mo and Les,

You've kept me very busy

_________________
Richard

Les · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:39 pm Post subject:

Have you made a short short list?

_________________
Les - Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternatives.

www.freewebs.com/lesmarsh

mogogear · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:50 pm Post subject:

Oh yes Richard -

check this place out for boats also- they feature SAITO steam engines from Japan and boats!!

http://www.loyalhannadockyard.com/
_________________
regards,

Mo

This week I are His Most Noble Lord Mo, the Apocalyptic of Old Tonbridge Wafers

kusuchi · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:04 am Post subject: