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[kiwimodeller]

There have been several post lately from people building the Gage TVR1A engine from Graham Industries. Can any of those who have built and run one of these engines please offer some comments on the performance, the size of boiler needed to run one and also what size prop they are capable of turning? Thanks, Ian.

[kno3]

I've built (and cosmetically modified) one, had absolutely no problems and am very pleased with the performance.
It is a strong  and well sealed engine (you can't stop it by holding the crankshaft). Another good sign is that after a little running in it is able to run very slowly too. The reversing gear also works well.

I haven't used it in a boat yet, but I would expect it to be able to turn a fairly large propeller up to 80mm or so?

I have run the engine from both a Cheddar Puffin return flue boiler (which seemed to provide more than enough steam) and from a small Saito B2E boiler (which has less heating surface). The Saito seemed to be able to feed enough steam too, but this was a test without a load on the engine.

[kiwimodeller]

Thanks for that. I have run the single cylinder version of this engine in a boat 920mm long (picture attached) and it goes really well. It is turning a 2 & 1/4 (58mm) three blade prop easily. I am planning my next project which is a River Queen and have the twin cylinder engine ready to put together. I am a bit worried that I will not be able to fit a large enough prop under the stern. Maybe I should put another single in the River Queen and build something a bit larger for the twin. What are the dimensions of the boilers you tried? I have a couple of horizontals available, 6" x 3" and 7" x 4" but might also look at a vertical boiler in the open boat. Cheers, Ian.

[Bernhard]

Hi..Ian,,,i Have a River queen........it take 60mm four blade prop ok.........55mm i think will be the one

regards Bernhard

[Underpressure]

I got mine running on air on the bench today, nice little engine.

Wouldn't have happened without your help Kiwi, thanks 

Next stage, hook it up to some steam 

Neil

[kiwimodeller]

As I posted elsewhere I am more than happy with the little single cylinder engine. Thanks for the info on the prop Berhnard, any suggestions about boiler size for the twin? Thanks, Ian.