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Lieutenant Commander)
Fleet Admiral)
Admiral)
Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Commander)
Rear Admiral)
Liked How to do it in the good old days 23 minutes ago
United Kingdom
Recent Posts
💬 Re: Stripping the hull
2 days ago by GaryLC (
Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Hi Graham, a very interesting project from day one, and the excitement builds as your project progresses, especially now that we can see the Kayak taking shape before our eyes. Definitely, some rather cunning and devious thinking on the problem-solving front, mind, well worth all the effort as the end result is bordering on absolutely brilliant, a master class in robotics and invention. Keep up the good work on this mind-boggling project. Regards, Gary.
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👀 23 Views
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💬 Re: Mechanism Mk 3
19 days ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Absolutely love this project along with the thought and sheer determination that went into it. I think your achievement is incredible bordering on genius. Your oarsman (Kev the kayak) has a very determined look about him and determination is what it is all about. Keep up the good work as a very interesting project if ever there was. Regards, Gary.
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👀 119 Views
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💬 Re: Mechanism Mk 2
22 days ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Yes, Kayak Kevin sounds about right, and Kev for the shortened version. I think your mark 2 version is bordering on genius, all those different movements from one servo motor, I wouldn't have believed that was possible. Please keep up the good work on this very interesting project of yours. Regards, Gary.
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👀 138 Views
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💬 Re: Mechanism
27 days ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
I really very much admire your patience and ability to fathom out the exact movement you are looking for, and not for the faint-hearted like myself. It seems to be going well in these early trials and looks very promising. As my electronic skill is zilch I am not in a position to offer advice or anything else, mind I am very interested in your project so please keep us all informed of your progress on this venture. (Please refit his head so he can see where he is going?) Regards,Gary.
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👀 147 Views
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💬 Re: Engine removal, strip and clean
1 month ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Yes, Taplin's and Gannets are definitely worth a few bob, as is an OS 61 four-stroke fitted with a clutch and starter motor. Regards Gary.
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👀 89 Views
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💬 Re: Engine removal, strip and clean
1 month ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
With regard to IC engines and blasts from the past, a couple of my engines both of which are pleasantly clean. A 4 stroke OS 61, and a 2 stroke SC 75. Regards, Gary.
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👀 89 Views
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💬 Re: Engine removal, strip and clean
1 month ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
A beautiful Taplin Twin, a blast from the past, fit a really good silencer to the engine and try and convince the jobsworths it's an electric sound card and smoker. As a crying shame not to restore it as it was with its original power source. Regards, GARY. (Please post a photo or two when the engine is cleaned up and reassembled.) As a few more IC ENGINES would not go amiss on here.
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👀 89 Views
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💬 Re: The Hood
1 month ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Great photographs and very realistic looking, a lot of hard work and a beautiful end result, well done you. Regards, Gary.
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👀 40 Views
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💬 Re: Modified Vivacity with Home built engine
1 month ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
All a question of the right saw blade in a clamping type handle, if stuck there is always the option of making something to suit, as per grinding down a hack-saw blade tapered to a point, and a couple of inches long, will suffice rather nicely. Of course, there is always the internet option of finding the right tool for the job at hand. Regards, Gary.
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👀 28 Views
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💬 Re: ANOTHER GO AT A LAUNCHING VIDEO
2 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Brilliant bit of maneuvering and multi-tasking, the video is great and your own personal launching ramp and jetty, can't be bad, and I admire the dedication and effort and hope you are getting enough sleep. Regards, Gary.
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👀 232 Views
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💬 Re: Dumas Mt Washington
2 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
How about heat shrink, it works out well for me, and a damn sight less fiddly than binding wire, plus when correctly measured they look identical. Regards, Gary.
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👀 61 Views
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💬 Re: Dumas Mt Washington
2 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Definitely, a bit of artistic flair coming through there on those paddle box covers, and at the end of the day, it's the fine detail that makes all the difference. Well done you, great job. Gary.
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👀 70 Views
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💬 Re: Rigging Finished
3 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Hi Trev, and that really is a great side-wheeler that you have just completed, the paint job and side wheel covers are a work of art. Out of curiosity does the Walking Beam move did you motorise it? Plus if the general consensus of opinion is that it is difficult to fit a steam engine into, that would be reason enough for me to have a go. Mind, I reckon a stern-wheeler would be less of a problem on the installation front. Anyway, you are doing a great job and seem to have an assembly line set up considering the speed of your builds. Thanks for the compliments on my harbour and boats, yes they are all steam and it is very addictive, once you have built and sailed a few you are on the hook. Regards, Gary.
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👀 36 Views
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💬 Re: Coal Bunker Lids Continued.
3 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Hi Stephen, the cross-hatch pattern is definitely the way to go and it looks spot on. Regards.
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👀 102 Views
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💬 Re: Marian Belle' Empire class tug (Mobile Marine.)
3 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Hi Trev, yes the TVR engine had a lot going for it at a very reasonable price, excellent machining, and ball race bearings on the crank-shaft. Also a good size for hulls from 30"ish, to 48"ish. If I had only known the company was in trouble, I would have bought a few engines as a very wise investment. We do have a few companies here in the U/K if you are looking for a twin-cylinder slide valve engine at a reasonable price. Regards, Gary.
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👀 30 Views
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💬 Re: Marian Belle' Empire class tug (Mobile Marine.)
3 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Hi Ken, and the answer is a definite YES, as I have just checked their website. Mind, a damn site more expensive than when I bought mine about five years ago. The company you want is Mobile Marine (Tugs,) and it is a pretty comprehensive kit including the running gear with two choices, either standard or turbo, and lighting. This can be bought in installments, with Packs one to five as you will see on their website. Her real name is Lady Jan, which you have to admit doesn't sound very exciting. The reason I went for this one is a large superstructure allowing for good access to its steam engine and boiler. A few more details built on the River Humber during 1941 and 1945 second World War, a Warrior class Empire Tug, scale 1:32, OAL 40" Beam 11". There you have it, let me know how you get on? Regards Gary.
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👀 34 Views
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💬 Re: Coal Bunker Rings & Lids.
3 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Hi Stephen, and always good to see a little progress on the Drifter front. Sorry to hear that you have had to come out of semi-retirement, mind I dare say it was good while it lasted, and a taste of things to come. Great photos as always especially the last one which looks familiar, and a really neat bit of machining especially on the lid covers which look spot on. With regard to a non-slip surface, a simple solution would be to use 0.5 mm plastic checker-plate which can be easily cut with a sharp blade. A lot less complicated than using a knurling wheel, or another suggestion would be, what about using a thread cutting tool, to make a spiral cut from the edge to the center, or cut a series of rings using the same tool. Whatever you decide to go with, I am sure the result will be absolutely spot on and perfect, as is everything else on this work of art you are building. Stay safe, regards.
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👀 113 Views
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💬 Re: At Last Deck Planking is Done (well nearly).
4 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Well done and congratulations, a huge milestone on the progress front and a good choice of method, which looks great and has an element of realism. The base for the front mast sits right across the arrowhead in the middle of your center plank, plus a bollard and a ventilator for good measure, so keep up the good work as it is all coming together nicely. Great stuff, and what is next on the building front? Regards, Gary.
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👀 149 Views
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📝 SOMETHING DIFFERENT,- A 98KM RUN TO THE HOBBY SHOP AND BACK IN AUCKLAND. ( IN 9 PARTS)
4 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Wow, and well done you, greater love hath no man than this. I hope you for-warned the shop of your visit and received the Red Carpet treatment, failing that, I hope it was all worthwhile and you managed a carrier bag or two of goodies. Much the same as everywhere these days, the local model shops close and everything is done online, which is a crying shame as the only two shops which I very much enjoy, or used to enjoy are model and hardware shops. Considering all that effort and driving, you forgot to mention the outcome, a bit like a pilgrimage really? Regards, Gary.
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👀 42 Views
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💬 Re: Cabin structure nears completion…
4 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Perfection in plastic, a wonderful job of sticking that lot together, and loving the rivets for a very realistic touch, and a great paint job into the bargain. I love the sheer complexity of all the different angles on that super-structure. Well done, a really great bit of plastic engineering. Regards, Gary.
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👀 90 Views
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💬 Re: Yet More Deck Planking.
5 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Hi Stephen, and good to see you back on here and making progress, hopefully, you are fully recovered and firing on all cylinders as per the P5? On the deck planking front why make it more difficult than it needs to be, go for a more simple solution and cut a long vee section that buts together on the centerline to give a herringbone look? Remembering the fact of course that it was herring they were going for when fishing. Plus you have the front mast base, a ventilator, and a bollard all on that same centerline, so some of the join will be covered. Considering your build so far and all of the problems encountered on that journey, you will sort this to your satisfaction and not be led astray. Remembering the song"He did it his way". Regards, Gary.
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👀 165 Views
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💬 Re: Fort Valley
5 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Exceptionally good build, very realistic and convincing with lots of fine detail, which sets it apart from the majority of others. A really great-looking tug and I love the last photo with the lights on, and very complex-looking electronics. I think personally that such a fine build deserves a steam engine as the motive power source, and I really appreciate the fact they are expensive, but there again isn't everything these days. A model boat as good as this one deserves a power source as per the real thing. Besides that fact a beautiful build, and well done you. Regards, Gary.
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👀 88 Views
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💬 Re: Belated video
5 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Hi Mike, and well done that looks incredibly realistic on the water, and a joy to watch it go through its paces, great stuff, and a job well done and the exhaust smoke and water is a nice touch and adds a little extra realism. Regards, Gary.
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👀 64 Views
💬 Re: Finishing the basic deck and starting cabin structure
5 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
I very much appreciate the fact it is not funny, but I do admire the person who likes to be different and gets away from the normal problems associated with super glue.
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👀 117 Views
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💬 Re: As requested some More Rudder pics.
5 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Hi Stephen, and really sorry to hear that, and being laid up for a week sounds pretty damn serious. Keep the Oracle by the bedside and do a bit of future planning for when you are back on your feet. Get well soon regards, Gary.
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👀 178 Views
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💬 Re: As requested some More Rudder pics.
5 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Hi Stephen, and very authentic-looking, just like the real thing in miniature. How is the deck planking coming along? Regards, Gary.
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👀 179 Views
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📝 First Post . Paint Advice for 1900s tug
5 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Part Two, there is three tappings, gas in from gas canister, gas out to burner, and boiler steam pressure in from boiler. Hopefully, you have a spare steam tapping on the top of your boiler, if not cut the pipe to the steam engine and fit a tee piece, or fit a small manifold to the existing tapping. If you are running at scale speed with two burners working you are going to blow the pressure valve, which is the last thing you want, and this is where your pressure valve comes in and turns the gas down to a pilot flame. Something to think about anyway. Regards, Gary. (PS. Congratulations on the Stuart Turner three-cylinder compound engine, now that is what I call a project and a very enjoyable one at that.)
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👀 59 Views
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📝 First Post . Paint Advice for 1900s tug
5 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Hi Murlough, I have finally found the information for you, as I had problems trying to remember the name, which is MICROCOSM and you will find them on eBay, there is a load of very well made fittings which you won't find anywhere else, do not be put off by the fact they are Chinese. I have used the gas regulators in three of my working steamboats and they definitely help to conserve both gas and water, and there are two types manual and automatic. I would recommend the manual valve as you can mount this upright and the control knob is at the top, the automatic valve needs to be laid down and the adjustment is in the middle and not easy to get at access-wise. P5 is the auto press. reg. and costs £78.00. P5B is the manual press. reg. and costs £63.00, looking on the bright side the postage is free.
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👀 59 Views
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📝 First Post . Paint Advice for 1900s tug
5 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Hi Murlough, well that was a bit of a surprise and a shock to the system to learn that your engine is ONE INCH bore times two, and a 5" diameter boiler into the bargain. I am now aware that that is not a small bath but it is a large boat, and I am guessing between four to five feet of it? I think you have a reasonable set up there and a very powerful boat into the bargain. It might make a degree of sense to think about fitting an automatic gas regulator that will monitor boiler pressure and switch to a pilot flame say at 40 PSI or whatever setting you chose. This will save on water and improve your running time. I can't see any problem with regard to piping the drain cocks into the separator, you could use silicone tubing with a tee piece between the two cylinders. Looking forward to seeing some more photos of that very interesting engine. Regards, Gary.
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👀 65 Views
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📝 First Post . Paint Advice for 1900s tug
5 months ago by GaryLC ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)
Hi Merlough, and having just consulted your first photos, yes the boiler does look on the small side considering the size of the engine, what size is the engine bore and what are the dimensions of the boiler? I normally run a 1/2" bore twin on a 3 1/2" x 6" boiler and that will run for twenty to twenty-five minutes none stop. You definitely need a gas cut-off valve to be on the safe side in case you do run out of water. A boiler feed pump and a bypass valve is the answer to this problem. Or you could go electronic and fit a water level switch wired up to a battery-powered pump motor. I promise that whatever else happens you will not get bored after ten minutes. Regards, Gary.
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👀 73 Views
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