Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Water Models / December 2004

Hello Duncan,
   So sorry for the delay in responding to your post. The holidays here
have         kept me very busy.

   Yes, I found that out a few weeeks ago, when I called them about  a new
steam engine. Too bad, as they produced a fine piece of machinery.
   However, Cheddar also has some nice pieces. I am thinking of looking
into     one of their "boiler kits". At least the machine work will be done
(hopefully).

   Sovereign is no longer in business, I believe the owner had been taken
ill         and was closing down his operation. I purchased the kit through
the                 Westbourne Model Center in the UK. It was originally
supplied with a             "dummy" steam plant and I decided to use live
steam. I do have pictures of     it completed, as well as under
construction. If you let me know what you         are interested in seeing,
I will try and scan them and put them on a website      somewhere, then send
you the link. Will probably be something like Sony         Imagestation or
Picture Trail. If you'd prefer them sent directly, let me             know.

   Well, Thank you, however this was my first venture into steam, and I was
fortunate enough to meet a retired steam engineer from General Electric. He
is also a boatmodeler, but only so he has something to put his steamplants
into. He scratch builds everything, down  to his hex head bolts. His fleet,
includes a tug, two launches and a beautiful Clyde Puffer, with operating
steam powered winch!!  He was one of the people that designed and
installed some of the fist steam turbines on ships such as the battleship
USS     Massachusetts, etc.
   I did not build a boiler to save money, I did it because when I
mentioned to     this gentleman that I was going to purchase a boiler, a
look of horror came     over his face. He was a machinist before he became
an engineer, and had an     outstandingly well equipped shop at his house.
This is how my boiler came     to be. He instructed and I worked. And
although I have a fairly well                 equipped shop (although much
smaller), it pales by comparison. I will             probably be purchasing
my next boiler. I also have pictures of the boiler.         Components,
construction and  completed. We had it tested to 100psi, and     run it
between 30-40psi. As far as I know, there are no test or certification
requirements for model use. I know that some garden railway steam
engines are available ASME certified, if you want to buy them that way. You
can also buy them uncertified, I believe. I'm not 100% sure about that,
someone please correct me if I'm wrong (won't be the first time).
   And you are correct, I am in the US, In New England out near Cape Cod,
Massachusetts.
   It's nice meeting some who shares an interest in "live" stema powered
boats.If there's anything I forgot, just ask...  Ken

Duncan Wrote:

I have just aquired a lady sarah and would like to fit my puffin stea
plant to this model. Anyone done this and if so how did you hide th
gas can.

Bo

--
nexusbo

Duncan,

I was thinking of Midwest's Heritage engine due to simplicity and minimal
initial cost.  But I'd love to dive in with one of Cheddar's line as the
manufacturing looks of high quality (as is stated of by others as well).  I
know little of Wilesco and other manufacturers though.  I've noticed that
there aren't a lot of vendors stateside for marine live steam.  Well, live
steam in general.  Though railfans have a few more options to turn to.  I
lack the space for a railway, and actually prefer the water, so... back to
marine based engines.

Travis
"Duncan" <ad@nospam.hotmail.com> wrote in message