The steam engine and boiler for the Puffer have been borrowed from my Topaz (Edwardian) Steam Launch a static model with no radio gear installed. Consequently, despite the age of the steam plant, it has never been fired up as such either in anger or otherwise. Cheddar in their time made some really well-engineered engines and the Gemini is a shining example of that era. The boiler which measures 3" x 6" is none conventual as the chimney and burner are both at the same end, as opposed to the normal center flue with burner and chimney at opposite ends. So having positioned the boiler on its base plate to line up with the engine housing chimney, and with the burner at the back end. A short prop shaft was fitted and the rudder also. The problem is to get the propshaft to run around the boiler and connect to the engine. this was done using sprockets, chains, shafts and bearings from Micromold. To be perfectly honest this actually works rather well, and much better than I expected. I think the photos are hopefully self-explanatory, there are two chains one from the propshaft to the drive shaft which is fastened to the hull and runs the length of the boiler, this terminates at a second chain which is coupled to the engine. There is also a few photos of the steam plant and engine. I still have some modifications to make to the steam plant to make better access to control valves. I need to finish the steam plant work and fit it into the hull, then make sure everything works alright before I fasten the decks down, I have been thinking along the lines of a visit to the boating lake also before the decking and finishing. that is about it for this one, I will try and answer questions and comments. Regards, Gary.

Having thought about doing a blog on this build for some time I have finally decided to give it a go and see how I get on. First and foremost this is a kit by Mountfleet, and it really does leave a little to be desired as in the quality of the fiberglass mouldings and the white metal fittings. It is not by any stretch of the imagination the company it used to be before the major fire they suffered some years ago. I have always liked the Clyde Puffers as great little working boats full of character and nostalgia, plus there is still one or two still working around the Islands on the west coast of Scotland. I think they are more involved these days with tourists and sightseers than carrying freight, although I dare say they still carry some occasionally. My personal preference is to build working boats from the 30s and 40s that were powered by steam engines. The reason I have left it this long is the very unconventional layout with the boiler and steam engine both at the back end of the boat. Then I had this idea with regard to using sprockets chains and shafts, not forgetting the bearings, to run the propshaft around the boiler and position the engine in front of the boiler. I think you will need to check the photos to see where I am coming from on that one. These first photos are from the kit brochure and I think the weathering has been somewhat over-done. It looks like it needs a good wash down. Any comments or suggestions I will gladly take on board, as I am making this up as I go and I am hoping this works out, time will tell. Regards, Gary.