Hi Alessandro, working model steam is quite addictive, and once smitten there is no going back, although I will admit to the fact it is very expensive, although I did manage to buy both the engine and boiler from eBay at reasonable prices. I have both open launches and working boats, (Puffer, Tug, Drifter. etc.) Working boats take much longer to get onto the water, as you have a superstructure and rigging to remove and then replace, prior to oiling and firing up the boiler. With an open launch there is nothing to remove, plus you can have lots of shiny brass and copper on display. Plus I don't have any plans for this boat, so I will incorporate numerous features from several Edwardian Victorian type open launches which I like, as per the steam kettle feature. Regards, Gary.

Hi Gary, the world of steam-powered model ships (with real steam engines) is always fascinating and little-known to me.
I'd love to see more images of this model of yours.

A question, if I may: Will you leave the engine exposed without a deck covering? If so, why did you choose this option?

I have finally managed to make a little progress on the building front, of what eventually will be an open steam launch. If anyone out there in the ether is struggling with the problem of fitting the forward and reverse servo. This set up works really well, mind it did take a little while to perfect, using a standard size servo wrapped in a full metal jacket of aluminium. As per the photos, which also show the 6mm steel chain, as the prop-shaft and crank-shaft are on different levels.