Hi All,

Note your comments on the Vapourising Steam generators. I have fitted the one by Colin Graham as advertised in most Model Boats issues recently. it can be clearly seen in my Streamlinia articles (Sept and Oct issues Model Boats) and is a fantastic product, works instantly and reliably. Only 200ml of cold tap water so there is no trace of oily fall-out on your model.
The 3D printed casing, with its sloping top, I had a small input with this design and it does make a difference, channeling a good amount of 'steam' up wards also being a one-piece unit there is no risk of seams or joints coming apart, because there aren't any!, a real bargain at about£50 all up. it also features in a forthcoming model tug build article (Rhonnda..in Model Boats early in 2017, I hope)

Cheers..........Ron Rees.

Okay, stability issue resolved I presume I could have one unit to service the two funnels?

This is the smoke unit in Imara. Standard toilet type overflow pipe. Unfortunately to get to the funnel it requires a long length which may cause some "smoke" to condense on warm days. But cold days its quite effective. "Model smoke effect.com. The case for the unit is 3D printed apparently (useless information I know) 😎

Trillium only using the top half is down right lazy you should arrange to use the bottom half first on alternate voyages so as to even out the wear!!!!!! grins

I use the"yellow" one from eBay. "Model smoke effect.com. it's in my large Caldercraft "Imara" operated from transmitter via micro switch and servo.
Bit of mesh over the tunnel to dissipate the smoke. Says to use cold water.

I have seen reports that the units using oil (or "distillate") leaves deposits, although I have not experienced that problem. They also smell. Glycol is used in the fog units you see in theatrical shows, so I don't think they will leave a deposit.
I have not experienced a stability problem. The SMU unit will hold about 350ml of water, but can only use about half of it (the top half :-). So the weight reduces but the centre of gravity also lowers.

looking around I found this

https://www.modelboatsmoke.com/

The unit I checked on uses 200ml of water

that will weigh app 200gms or just over 7 oz.

Looking at the size of the unit provided your stable with the unit full using the water will only lower the CofG so making your model more stable.

I was looking on ebay (Model Boat Smoke Effect Unit V1 12v - Uses Water (No Oil / Smoke Fluid)

I do not know if it is glycol but these use a "distillate"

http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/model_electronics.html

Many thanks for both replies, I was looking at the water version - I have been told the Glycol version leaves deposits on the superstructure. The real question was stability, if you have a full take of water - Possible irrelevant as the tank is small would it affect the stability of the ship?

The Steam Master Unit uses water which is vaporised by an ultrasonic nebuliser. it looks very effective and draws a reasonably low current. For both of my models, I built my own tank from styrene to suit the size and shape of my model. it comes supplied with 20mm dia discharge piping. One of my models had a 13mm dia funnel discharge. This cuts down on the flow (but still looks effective) but also requires a conical reducer from 20 to 13mm to make it work.
Another model has the Harbor Models oil-filled smoke unit. it has a 1/2" discharge, a small tank, and draws 3A.
I have not come across a unit which uses glycol, but would be interested to learn about one.
Roy

Hi
I thought that smoke generators worked by dripping glycol onto a heating element. if I'm right you shouldn't get water in the funnel.
Good luck
Edward