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[Underpressure]

Your thoughts on this little single please.

I have a 30" river launch that has been converted to an open steam launch, not really my cup of tea, but I thought the VR1A might push it along nicely.

What sized boiler would I need to get a 20 / 30 minute run?

[kiwimodeller]

Hi, I have a 36" Kingston Mouldings River Queen fitted with the VR1A and a 3" diameter by 5" tall vertical boiler from Model Components in Australia. The engine pushes it along at well over scale speed with a good bow wave and I easily get 20 to 25 minutes steaming from the boiler as long as I do not blow the whistle too many times. You can see the ealy part of the build at http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=24071.msg250398#msg250398. I am more than happy with the engine although of course you cannot rely on it to restart in reverse like the twin does so I used a reversable prop. This works really well and I just wish I could find a larger one for my next project. The only mod I did to the engine was to drill oil feed holes in the main bearing bosses although I think the factory might be supplying them like this now. Let me know if you need any help with the installation. Cheers, Ian.

[HS93 (RIP)]

can I ask why you are going for the single, are you going to use a gear box, have you seen the new twin BB engine.

peter

[Underpressure]

Thanks Ian, that's just the info I was after.

Peter, I have an open launch that I bought from a friend some years ago and I really MUST get it on the water sometime, it needs a certain type of engine to look the part and I thought the VR1A might do the trick.

Just pondering at present, no firm decisions made, I may end up with something completely different and at one point I was going to go electric, with a fake boiler and engine!

Neil