steam powered boat

[biggles]

I am new to boat modelling and need advise on steam engines for model boats
can you use a single cylinder steam engine in a boat? if you can how do you
restart it without flicking the prop to get it turning or is it once it's
going do not stop it and how can you make it go astern

[John O. Kopf]

Your suggestions are correct. The only way to restart it would be to
have some sort of auxiliary power (e.g., a small electric motor and
clutch) to "bar over" the flywheel when it's stopped. If you can do
that, you cna also create a linkage so that it will work in reverse, and
then bar it over in the other direction.

2 cylinders is really much simpler operation! :>{

JK


biggles wrote:
>
> I am new to boat modelling and need advise on steam engines for model boats
> can you use a single cylinder steam engine in a boat? if you can how do you
> restart it without flicking the prop to get it turning or is it once it's
> going do not stop it and how can you make it go astern

[biggles]

so if I have two cylinders it will restart and reverse with a change over
valve? can you recommend a book that covers basic boat modelling I have been
building and designing RC model aircraft for 25 years but it a first for
boats also is there a book/s for beginners to steam because I think I have a
lot to learn about both.

[Duncan]

When I started on model steam boats I found very little information so
as I make discoveries I am adding to my web pages so that others can
share what I am learning, I think you will find some useful
information and links at:
http://www.astbury.org/models/mdmain.htm

For a 'self starting' engine go for two cyclinders (and not a
compound) - you need one of the cyclinders to not be at top or bottom
dead centre (TDC / BDC) in order to start off. So with two cyclinders
at different postions one of them will go.

For reverse an oscillating engine has a simple rotating valve which
just swaps the steam inlet / outlet. Otherwise on slide valve engines
you can reverse with something like a Stephensons link.

Take a look at somewhere like Cheddars web site,
http://www.modelsteam.co.uk/, to see the range of typical options.

Duncan.


On Wed, 15 Sep 2004 09:46:52 +0100, "biggles" <pstainton1@lineone.net>
wrote:

>so if I have two cylinders it will restart and reverse with a change over
>valve? can you recommend a book that covers basic boat modelling I have been
>building and designing RC model aircraft for 25 years but it a first for
>boats also is there a book/s for beginners to steam because I think I have a
>lot to learn about both.
>

[biggles]

"Duncan"
I have looked at your site wow! it is very good and well done just what I
was looking for.
the steam engines are a tad expensive are they not. do you have experience
of Wilesco steam engines as they are selling at less than half the cost of
some other makes and on the face they look to be good value.

[Duncan]

You are right about some of the prices being on the high side, I
agree. I went for Cheddar as the quality is good and the instructions
and diagrams are good. My Puffin is one of their cheaper engine and
boiler combinations but it still did cost me a bit
(you will find a break out of what I have spent so far on the whole
model at http://www.astbury.org/models/puffin/mdpuffin.htm#costs )

I am still a little new to model steam myself and do not have any
direct experience of the Wilesco engines but would think that
something like the D48 or D49 would be worth considering (I suggest
that you avoid the D52 as it will not be self starting).

Another option for a low cost engine would be the USE or Unit Steam
Engine - these are simple engines which can be constructed in
multiples so you could have a pair of them. I have seen them on Ebay
but you can also get them from specialists such as Forest, try:

http://www.forest-classics.co.uk/Unit%20Steam.htm

Stour Valley Steam is another option but they do not have a web site
so I am not sure on current prices, contact details can be found at

http://www.kingstonmouldings.co.uk/SteamPower/WhichSteamEngine.htm

[Bernard Scott]

I have used the Wilesco D48 in a steam powered Minesweeper...
Go here www.marine-modelling.co.uk to have a look at what I've done.
e-mail me if you want any other info.

Scottie

On Thu, 16 Sep 2004 18:29:17 GMT, Duncan <ad@nospam.hotmail.com>
wrote:

>
>You are right about some of the prices being on the high side, I
>agree. I went for Cheddar as the quality is good and the instructions
>and diagrams are good. My Puffin is one of their cheaper engine and
>boiler combinations but it still did cost me a bit
>(you will find a break out of what I have spent so far on the whole
>model at http://www.astbury.org/models/puffin/mdpuffin.htm#costs )
>
>I am still a little new to model steam myself and do not have any
>direct experience of the Wilesco engines but would think that
>something like the D48 or D49 would be worth considering (I suggest
>that you avoid the D52 as it will not be self starting).
>
>Another option for a low cost engine would be the USE or Unit Steam
>Engine - these are simple engines which can be constructed in
>multiples so you could have a pair of them. I have seen them on Ebay
>but you can also get them from specialists such as Forest, try:
>
>http://www.forest-classics.co.uk/Unit%20Steam.htm
>
>Stour Valley Steam is another option but they do not have a web site
>so I am not sure on current prices, contact details can be found at
>
>http://www.kingstonmouldings.co.uk/SteamPower/WhichSteamEngine.htm
>
>
>

[Ladonna]

Has anyone tried Midwest's Model IV or Heritage engine?

[tater schuld]

yes, but nothing else so I cannot compare them to anything else.

they work. no idea if they are working well.

--
Tater
President of MARS Club (NAR #660)
www.mars-rocketry.com
KC9ESF
NAR #79654 L1
AMA #747769
EAA #703312
remove spam spelled backwards to reply


"Ladonna" <simplyme@poncacity.net> wrote in message
news:eJ6dnYqPu4Xqxh_cRVn-vg@poncacity.net...
> Has anyone tried Midwest's Model IV or Heritage engine?
>
>

[Us]

Does the Midwest engine use steam oil such as the others? And if so, do
they include a way to separate it from the steam after it's spent from the
engine?

Travis
"tater schuld" <taters1@maps.charter.net> wrote in message
news:10o4sqd9o3l3l12@corp.supernews.com...
> yes, but nothing else so I cannot compare them to anything else.
>
> they work. no idea if they are working well.
>
> --
> Tater
> President of MARS Club (NAR #660)
> www.mars-rocketry.com
> KC9ESF
> NAR #79654 L1
> AMA #747769
> EAA #703312
> remove spam spelled backwards to reply
>
>
> "Ladonna" <simplyme@poncacity.net> wrote in message
> news:eJ6dnYqPu4Xqxh_cRVn-vg@poncacity.net...
>> Has anyone tried Midwest's Model IV or Heritage engine?
>>
>>
>
>

[tater schuld]

"Us" <simplyme@poncacity.net> wrote in message
news:wMWdneNLkKF-hz_cRVn-jg@poncacity.net...
> Does the Midwest engine use steam oil such as the others? And if so, do
> they include a way to separate it from the steam after it's spent from the
> engine?

nope, just use any ol oil on them, although I am assuming they would be more
efficient if using steam oil.


> Travis
> "tater schuld" <taters1@maps.charter.net> wrote in message
> news:10o4sqd9o3l3l12@corp.supernews.com...
> > yes, but nothing else so I cannot compare them to anything else.
> >
> > they work. no idea if they are working well.
> >
> > --
> > Tater
> > President of MARS Club (NAR #660)
> > www.mars-rocketry.com
> > KC9ESF
> > NAR #79654 L1
> > AMA #747769
> > EAA #703312
> > remove spam spelled backwards to reply
> >
> >
> > "Ladonna" <simplyme@poncacity.net> wrote in message
> > news:eJ6dnYqPu4Xqxh_cRVn-vg@poncacity.net...
> >> Has anyone tried Midwest's Model IV or Heritage engine?
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>