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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Water Models / November 2004steam powered boat
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 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 > 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 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. 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. >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" 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. 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 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 >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 [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > >http://www.kingstonmouldings.co.uk/SteamPower/WhichSteamEngine.htm Has anyone tried Midwest's Model IV or Heritage engine? yes, but nothing else so I cannot compare them to anything else. they work. no idea if they are working well.  SignatureTater President of MARS Club (NAR #660) www.mars-rocketry.com KC9ESF NAR #79654 L1 AMA #747769 EAA #703312 remove spam spelled backwards to reply > Has anyone tried Midwest's Model IV or Heritage engine? 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 > yes, but nothing else so I cannot compare them to anything else. > > they work. no idea if they are working well. > >> Has anyone tried Midwest's Model IV or Heritage engine? > 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 > > yes, but nothing else so I cannot compare them to anything else. > > > > they work. no idea if they are working well. > > > >> Has anyone tried Midwest's Model IV or Heritage engine? |
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