what did you do to this site

😆hello

Hi Gary, thanks for the info, I will have a read of the thread.
Cheers,
Stephen.

Hi Marky, you are probably right.

Hi Stephen, and thank you for answering my query, I now understand exactly what you did and why you did it, and of course it gives you an amazing amount of room inside the hull with no obstructions. You must have the patience of Jobe or even St. Stephen, and I really admire you for that as a normal plank of frame build takes long enough, but your method must have taken forever, literally. LT 53 has a TVR 1/2" bore twin side valve, 3 1/2" x 6" boiler, that is a fibre glass hull a kit from Mountfleet. The other drifter is a plank on frame Marvon Models kit, and I installed a 6.5cc Four Stroke an OS engine, it ran on tick over with a very good silencer on it, plus it was in the seventies which means I am knocking on a bit. When you have time read being sociable from the beginning, it will make you smile I promise. Regards, Gary.

Not being rude ,would this not be better in build blogs👍

Hi mturpin013,
Thanks for your comments.
Cheers,
Stephen.

Hi Gary,
Thanks for the comments.
The ribs or frames are of "bent" construction, steamed then bent around former's, left for a week then the laminates glued together, a method that with the benefit of hindsight i would not do again, however it does produce a very light and strong hull, add to that I decided to make the entire deck + bulwarks including the last few strakes removable in one piece. This was not initially planned and turned out to be very frustrating, though I am now happy that I made the effort. Please find attached photo's.
I have a copy of Tree to Sea and it is brilliant.
I have looked at photo's of the excellent John Hemmings kit.
Your trawlers look great, are they steam powered?
Cheers,
Stephen.

Steve, skills in abundance, really nice work both in metal and wood really nice.

Excellent work Gary 👍
Love the detailing, esp the plating and riveting 👍👍
A LOT of time and effort has obviously gone into these
'A labour of love'!
All they need now is some crew😉
All the best, Doug 😎

Hi Steve, thanks for the photos and info, as this just happens to be a boat I really love as in North Sea Drifters. I am really interested in how you managed to cut the ribs down to such a small profile, making the hull look canoe-like. If you are interested in the history of Formidable LT100 there is a book called From Tree to Sea, written by the master carpenter who worked on this boat with lots of diagrams photos and information. Plus check out John Hemmings Steam engineer he has a Formidable kit at around the £2000 mark, plus a couple of photos of my two Drifters, it could be his brother LT53. Regards, Gary.

Know the feeling Stephen 🤔
But we get there in the end - don't we? Quality takes it's time😉
Happy steaming,
Doug

Thanks for your comments Doug,
Hadn't thought of powering the work boat....
Sea trial video may be years away, this build moves at a Glacial pace.
Cheers,
Stephen.

Beautiful work Steve, with wood as well as metal(s) 👍👍👍
As a dumb electronics man I'm envious of your skills.
The clinkering is superb.
Does this mean that the oarsman is steam powered? Novel!😉
I've been doing some research on a rowing mechanism using a small electric motor.
Would take me two months of Sundays and bin fulls of false starts to get anywhere near an engine as sweet looking as yours. Hat off Sir👍
Looking forward very much to the sea trial video .
How about a build blog? As inspiration / instruction to we lesser mortals!
Wishing you always a full head of steam, Cheers, Doug 😎

Hi Gary,
My apologies for not seeing your post earlier, I don't log on very regularly, preferring to spend as much of my spare time in the work shop.
I am interested in marine steam as well and currently I am building a model of Formidable, LT 100 from John Pottinger plans enlarged to 1:24th scale. I have built a double acting, twin cylinder oscillator, steam is to be supplied using a steam generator otherwise known as a mono-tube boiler. Control being done using a Taranis 9xd programmable radio, quite untested at this stage.
I have added a couple of photo's.

Cheers,
Stephen.

Light the blue touch paper and retire a safe distance.😎

Have fun Michael, don't blow yourself up. 😮 I'd miss your blogs 😉
Very generous of Gary, hat off to him 👍👍
Would still like to see his promised refutes to my queries though.
Cheers, Doug 😎

Sounds great Michael,

Can't wait to see your new acquired steam engine!👍
That was very generous of Gary!
Now you will be bitten by the steam bug...…

Cheers, Ed

Well Gary was true to his word and gave me a Microcosm Micro Scale M2B Twin Cylinder Marine Steam Engine, what a generous man and a true enthusiast for steam. He has a number of boats which are of excellent quality and a workshop which is second to none. Gary also made another gift which I hope to be able to let you see in time and yes its powered by steam.
Gary once again many thanks for your encouragement and generosity. I will be in touch by email please confirm your email address, you already have mine so drop me a note.

Gary many thanks for your offer, I will send you a PM
Regards Michael

I have two steam boats, an Alexandra and a Tug which was destined for the bin, until my friend suggested that he may know someone who wanted it. I refurbished the boat and the steam plant went to Clevedon Steam who stripped it, reset the burner etc and added a few new bits, glass water gauge etc.
The rudder is controlled by an electric motor, NOT a servo, so you have to return the motor to central after a manouevre, so you have to think well ahead of where you are, and where you want to be!!

As the Thread title is Being Sociable and believe me I am on a good day, I have a suggestion to make if you are interested. As you are in the Leeds area and I am only say ninety minutes drive away, would you care to pay me a social call? I would like to help you get started in your S***m quest, I have a few engines here which are new or home-made and not used, and I am willing to part with one of them for free. This could be the Answer to Question 1 Cost. Let me know if you are interested. Regards, GARY.

Gary many thanks for your response, firstly may I congratulate you on your models, they are really to be admired.
I have yet to check out your web suggestions but I am keen to look and hopefully find something of interest. I will share with you my only dealing with steam, As a boy of 13yrs I transformed a Mamod static engine (SE1) to fit in a 36" yacht hull, needless to say it wasn't a pretty sight but it did work, in a fashion.
All the best Michael

Just thought I would add this as an after-thought. Concentrate your search on China as that is definitely where the bargains are. The biggest problem with this is they expect you to buy in bulk as a dealer, and the minimum purchase seems to be TEN pieces, do you have nine like-minded friends who need engines. the thought has crossed my mind about buying ten and putting say eight of them on eBay. Regards, Gary.

To Michael, as I can't really ignore your question although that does not apply to all comments, I am hoping this information helps you to find what you are looking for, and gets you involved with boiled water vapour. Just a little apprehensive about using that word now, (S**m.) Google: Paddleducks, then click on Links, then click on S**m Engines. you will hopefully be pleasantly surprised and that is only half of it. Check out USE an oscillating single acting engine assembled and machined at £38.00, you would need to couple two together to make it self starting. Boilers, more expensive than engines, your best bet would be, buy it in kit form and find a good gas welder to put it together for you, a DIY type gas torch won't do it, and it requires silver soldering and an awful lot of heat. Hoping this helps. Regards, Gary.

Come on Gary tell us the solution to the six points, and keep it nice and sociable. I am seriously keen to do steam maybe second hand plants are available within your groups of acquaintances?
All the best Michael

Hallo Gary,
Your curious response to my post prompted me to look back at your history.
In your very first post on the site four years ago I ran across this about a tug project of yours -
"My reason for trying to build this particular kit in the first place, is it is 39 inches in length with a beam of 10 inches, with a one piece large superstructure making it ideal for a steam engine."
All very fine but it underlines the snag many of us have, especially naval modellers with 10to1 LoA / Beam ratio, that we simply don't have the beam and superstructure height necessary for steam power plants.
Regards, Doug.

My Dear Gary,
If you wish to start a Steamer thread then why not title it as such?
In no way did I wish to be AntiSocial.
I simply responded to your somewhat provocative question, which I quoted in my previous post, as did several others on the site in similar vein.
Whilst I admire those who can build steam engines, and I have done that on this site, I simply listed in my response to your (perhaps rhetorical question?) the obstacles that most modellers are faced with when it comes to steam power in models.
Perhaps I should have added number 7. -
For most of us the SHIP is the main objective and not the power plant which in the vast majority of cases is hidden under deck.
If steam is your THING - GREAT I have no problem with that. More power to your boiler 😊
It just won't work in my ships and boats. Esp. my subs 😉
And I don't have the patience for all the faffing about necessary to get going at the lake - one of my six points mentioned above.
And I suspect that goes for many other contributors to this site.
My post simply consolidated several similar responses from other members.
You write; "I could correct all six points that you felt you had to share ..."
I would be MOST interested to read your refuting of ALL my six points if you have some valid arguments.
Throughout my professional engineering life I have always been open to alternative ideas and solutions. So prove me wrong and uncross my wires please. I look forward to your point by point refutation.
BTW; as an experienced electronics engineer I always carefully double check my circuits before applying power - so crossed wires are not normally a problem with me. Similar principle also applies to my considered response to your posts.
Regards, Doug 😎
PS: did you build your steam engines or buy them?
There are some guys on this site whom I admire very much, but can not emulate, who build their own.
PPS: Quote "In the fifty years or so I have been involved in this hobby I have NEVER ever installed an electric motor in a boat."
Fine, if that's your THING, does come across as a little fanatical though.🤔

Doug, the Thread Title on my post is Being Sociable, and not how to be AntiSocial. Thank you for retyping my words of wisdom, did that catch a nerve or rub you the wrong way or something. if you feel you must comment then kindly do a little research and get your facts right. I could correct all six points that you felt you had to share, but there would be no point as per water off a duck's back. I am a fan of steam but not a fanatic, and I won't get steamed up and unlike you, I didn't get my wires crossed.

"Why go to all that trouble of adding artificial engine sounds and smokers, when you can have it all and more, by installing a gas boiler and steam engine. When I think of the problems involved to find plans and scratch build a boat, why not go for the authentic look and fit a steam engine."

1. Cost.
2. Space available in the model.
3. Complexity of the engine and difficulty of control.
4. Fire risk, and not just to the model.😲
5. Shorter run times, longer 'steam up' times.
6. Unsuitabilty for many types of ships / boats. I.e. originals weren't steamers.

If I read above posts correctly I thought you had already found at least two kindred spirits here.
I'm sure that if you take the time to cull throught the hundreds Build Blogs and technical Posts here you will find others. Try using the Search function. See the panel on the left of the Home page.
Good luck,😎
BTW: Nobody likes a fanatic! Don't get steamed up 😁

I would have loved to put a steam plant in Tug Brooklyn.
But, one is cost the other would be.
The Brooklyn is all Plastic!

Now really have you looked at the prices!
Talk about sticker shock!

And for that reason.
I use electric motors!

But for those fortunate to be able to get steam engines.
Enjoy!

I have the same issue...cost / budget. I enjoy mechanical devices and have though about steam for years. But cost is high and I do not have machinist quality tools to scratch build. Are there low cost solutions out there!
Joe

Not everybody can afford the investment in steam, I would love to build a model with steam power if only I could pick up a steam plant for around £40 -£50.The unit you show I think would come in at something more than that. so I suspect there are other admirers of steam but out of reach because of cost.
Just a quick search sees prices of a complete installations in the region of £1500 -£2000

I have only built static ships /boats so am probably not the best person to comment but one of the main factors that I can see are if you are young and just starting out saving pocket money or older and living on a limited budget. is the cost differential between a basic electric motor and a basic steam plant I may be wrong just my opinion.
Cheers Marky👍

I really can't believe that considering all the members that use this website, that no one is interested in steam engines and what steam has to offer. Why go to all that trouble of adding artificial engine sounds and smokers, when you can have it all and more, by installing a gas boiler and steam engine. When I think of the problems involved to find plans and scratch build a boat, why not go for the authentic look and fit a steam engine. in the fifty years or so I have been involved in this hobby I have NEVER ever installed an electric motor in a boat. if anyone out there in the ether shares my passion for steam, kindly get in touch, I would appreciate not being completely on my OWN.

Hi Gary
It is snowing here and I'm hold up thinking of what I will need for my steam engine assembly.
Pipe sizes and fittings and thread sizes and the one thing I forgot to order was the fly wheel so I'm going to order from the site I got the engine from do you know of another spot I might look to get a fly wheel .
Rick

Morning Rick, well it is morning here and bloody cold also, on the basis that a picture is worth a thousand words, we're going to have to get you into photography, I would love to see some photos of what you are up to, and plan to stick more pictures on here in the very near future. Regards, Gary.

Hi Gary
Good to hear from you the bench work is still on and yes it will run longer on the bench than on the water but for now it's good to see the plant run.
Your idea on the shut-off is good I'm still researching.
Regards Rick

Hello to Rick and Peejay, Rick this bit is for you, Good to hear you have a steam engine fitted, and are contemplating a bench run to see how long it will run on a boiler full of water. it will bench run longer than on the water as the engine has no loading, I would recommend you fit a gas cut off valve to be on the safe side. I once years ago ran out of water and had to watch the boiler turn its wooden lagging to charcoal. No major damage was done but it did smell a bit for some time. Peejay may I suggest that you Google the likes of Microcosm and other Chinese manufacturers of model steam engines, there is an awful lot out there you will be surprised, try for a twin double acting side valve as they are very efficient, and will run on only 20 - 30 PSI, plus a 1/2" bore twin cylinder will easily power a one metre length hull. Regards to you both, Gary.

Hi Peejay,
You kick started my memory as well!👍
A few years ago I was astounded to find some repros, also made from Coke tins and the like, in a flea market. So I bought a few. Gave most away as presents and just spent half an hour fruitlessly looking for mine. 🤔 Guess it'll turn up when I'm looking for something totally different.
It used slow burning tablets about 2cm diameter as I recall. I have no idea where I can get such things these days.
I'm currently trying to sort my stash of kits and materials to reorganise the workshop so I can find 'stuff' quickly and get some projects finished at last!!
TOO MUCH STUFF😲
Cheers, Doug

My memory is kicking in, now. My first little steamer was a "Putt-Putt Boat," NOT a "Pop-Pop" boat. These had a little boiler over a candle or a heat tab that directed the steam out a little underwater pipe in the back of the boat. The boiler would make a "putt-putt" sound, which gave them there name. The one I have now is a tinplate reproduction toy. it is designed to run like the old ones did -- I just haven't done it yet.

I have also seen a larger one of these in a 1940s book like "The Boy Mechanic," where copper tubing was used for the "boiler." The two ends of the tubing were directed aft at a shallow angle, just like stuffing boxes, and the middle of the tubing was would in a coil with three to four turns and supported so that a can of "canned heat," used for keeping chafing dishes hot, could be inserted under the coil to generate the steam. if I recall correctly, the two ends (steam pipes) have to be bent so they are both a little higher than the bottom of the coil to avoid having all the water drain out immediately. if I find that book I will post any drawings they have.

Good Morning, Gary: (It's Morning somewhere!)

I have been interested in steam for a considerable time, and even have an article stashed away on making a turbine for a model of the SS Savannah, which is, after all, a steamship with a nuclear powered boiler.

My own work has been limited (mostly by budget) to the Midwest Models single cylinder steam engine, and I have a "Fantail Launch" kit ready for some upgrades and installation of the steam engine. Stay with us, as I am sure, as already stated by others, that there are interested members of the forum, and you will pick up more when they see you are not just talking about a little pop-pop boat running in circles. (I do have one of those, as well. I had one when I was much younger, but it is little more than a memory these days.)

Hello to Gary
Wanted to up-date you on the puffer build the steam plant came in and is now mounted in the puffer everything seems to work so far needs water testing to see how it will run.
Rick

Hi Gary Thanks for thinking of the up load it's nice to hear from people on this site I started the build of the Puffer frames are cut and mounted on my building board looking good so far now that I have it set up I'm looking at bow and stern to see how to proceed will try and up date but I'm bad I don't do pictures .
Rick

Hi Rick, I am going to try to post you a bit of video of the steam plant in my latest not completed as yet tug, the Lady Jane from Mobile Marine, I don't really rate the kit, it is more of a scratch build using their hull. I don,t know what this websites M.byte limit is so maybe I'll be unlucky, mind a really nice steam plant using a TVR engine which is very efficient and runs well at 30PSI. Regards. (Sorry it won't allow me to upload it.)

Hi Gary nice to hear from you as well yes the Clyde Puffer will be a challenge but I'm scaling up the project to close to 1/20 making the boat around 30" and I've sourced a steam plant to fit and will build a funnel to come out of the right spot I hope LOL .
Rick

Hi Rick and good to hear from you, I also have a soft spot for Clyde Puffers a great little working boat, you have definitely chosen the most difficult boat to fit a stem plant into, as the boiler and chimney are right on the back end, with the prop shaft running underneath them. A 1930s Tug or Drifter would be less of a headache, and easier to remove the complete steam plant if necessary, let me know how you get on. Thanks for the info on Keith Appleton he has a lot of stuff on youtube. Regards.

Hi Gary I to am interested in steam and have been researching the ins and outs of steam and I'm in the process of building a Clyde Puffer with a steam plant if your interested in seeing and finding out more look for Keith Appleton's steam videos.
Rick