Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: JimW on March 27, 2023, 08:48:47 pm
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Hi to you all from a long retired and disabled model enthusiast having built many, many model aircraft and boats, Model aircraft NO MORE due to having. A prescribed ‘half heart’ now being unable to walk more than 25’ before collapsing at the young age of 86! Today I’ve just had delivery of my recently bought Windermere 49” x 8” steam launch in 99% built condition complete with Cheddar boiler and I believe engine, the chap I bought it from on eBay said he got it as a Deceased Effects item but didn’t know much about it or boats in general so I’ve a few problems to solve. The boat is quite heavy, at least for me with my condition but from a superficial examination it requires a set of vintage figures to man it, also needs handrails, helm, flag staff and ensign and possibly lighting - all of which I’ve already got.
O
The engine’s cylinders have got some feint writing on them so also have to have a look-see here. In [size=78%]all there’s quite a bit of work to do and bigger decisions have to be made re getting rid of our two N gauge railway layouts as they have taken over the house
Hopefully, here are some pics…. If anyone has any ideas of the hull’s design, age or anything else I welcome your input.
Jim
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Hi Jim,
Sadly we cannot see the images. It can be an onerous thing uploading images. I think there is an uploader special to this forum that the Moderators might be able to help with. If you can add links to your images on a reply, I might be able to upload them via my hosting thing.
If you got all the way to eighty six before half your heart retired (how rude of it!) then you have done well Sir.
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never understand why people think it is hard to load up pictures, just use Pixresizer on your pc to resize 1-1000+ at a time.
http://bluefive.pair.com/
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Do we still have a situation where the site requires a new member to have a certain number of posts before it will allow them to upload images ?
PS if the engine has a name plate on top it could be a "Proteus" (jackpot)
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Several options to add photos here: https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,61103.0.html
( Jim, you can email me the pictures, i'll add them for you ) :-))
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Jim's photos:
(https://i.ibb.co/VpcNbz1/image0.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dJwcXVT)
(https://i.ibb.co/t8VSp4S/image9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PwqRGNR)
(https://i.ibb.co/8683rVj/image10.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qk1GNwR)
(https://i.ibb.co/Yd1q3fD/image8.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HPbkVGN)
(https://i.ibb.co/2nTK0zK/image7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GxqPfZP)
(https://i.ibb.co/dcyjH90/image6.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xsQXrvS)
(https://i.ibb.co/JRkLLg1/image5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Y7j99wC)
(https://i.ibb.co/G92NF7b/image1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gdTh6yB)
(https://i.ibb.co/ZzsrGxV/image2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TMXGYtk)
(https://i.ibb.co/twf6k57/image3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GfwDBjK)
(https://i.ibb.co/jwwDhsw/image4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3FFc1QF)
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Very nice, its a Cheddar Models Puffin unit with their horizontal mk 2 boiler with a gas-or gauze burner so it can be lit from the funnel top. Unless you are racing along you should get a good 25 to 30 mins sailing with her.
The mk 1 boiler was return flue whereas the mk 2 is straight through and up so contains about 40% more water than the mk 1. I have both in different models and always get 25 to 30 mins sailing.
As a suggested modification from Clevedon Steam for about £20 you can get a gas cut off valve and piping so you can remotely put the burner out if you catch weed or debris.
These are excellent units and are very reliable and work for decades!!
Good luck, you can't beat steam, the smell of steam, hot oil and burnt fingers!! :}
Cheers
Geoff
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I meant to add, a very nice model!
G
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Hi all, not yet into the launch, well just about - yesterday while looking through on- board gear I removed the r/c gear pn which was marked 27mhz - so as thats been gone for years Im assuming the boat to be at least ten years old.
I’ve read much in ‘mayhem about peoples views on fitting a Gas Attenuator, mostly views against - but I want to fit one and cant get one, Forrest Classics don't sell them any longer saying that their website is old and has been replaced many times but still the advert keeps coming up? my preference is for the simple type which seems to resemble a brass block - anyone with knowledge of where to get one from would be gratefully received.
As there is no paperwork with the boat the boiler will need testing and providing with a certificate so as soon as my body has come to terms of being alive I’ll be removing same to hopefully post it off because I cant drive in my current condition, as for the rest, well I’m slowly learning….. I want to keep in touch with all you wonderful welcoming guys because you are keeking me going!
Oh, and before I can post I’ve got to complete the verification rubbish each time (which is a first for me).
Jim
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Jim,
Much depends on exactly what you mean by a gas attenuator. Some boilers have a complex system which measures both water kevel and boiler temperature so it shuts the flame down to a pilot light until needed. So on a practical basis you can sail the model for say 20 mins then stop and the flame will reduced to a pilot light so no steam is lost. Once you have finished chatting you can then sail some more.
These are complex systems and are the ideal but in practice most of us just sail and experience tells us how long we can sail before before we run out of water or gas. Ideally the gas should run out first.
However we can't always guarantee that so maximum downside is as follows:
Boiler runs out of water before gas - this can be caused by fouling weed and you cant get to the model. Generally no damage done to the boiler albeit it overheats. Cheddar models confirmed this to me when it happened, but in a practical sense the lagging on the boiler will charcoal and possible catch fire and set fire to the model. A single burner cannot generate enough heat to un silver solder a boiler, full stop.
Okay the next step could be the model burns and reaches the gas tank which could possibly explode albeit I think the model would sink before this happens.
Either way its generally sound practice to find a way to remotely turn the burner off. This can be done in a number of ways - firstly with a servo operated gas control valve so if you get stuck you just turn the gas off. The second way (depending on the burner, blow lamp or ceramic) is to use a water jet to put the burner out - not wise with ceramic as it will destroy the burner but better than loosing the model.
Having said all this these circumstances rarely happen so do just enjoy the sailing.
Cheers
Geoff
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Geoff's advice is sound.
Perhaps the simplest method of boiler protection is to use a servo-controlled gas valve. Inexpensive to purchase and technically easier to install and operate.
Check out Clevedon Steam. Jerry can get you sorted.
A model stuck in the middle of a pond (engine problems, weeds, etc) with an active boiler can present a costly problem when the boiler runs dry.
DM
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Bonjour Jim,
Perhaps a question of translation but I can tell you that all my fleet have a gas regulator (also called attenuator) = "régulateur" in French and several have also a gas attenuator (also called regulator) = "détendeur" in French.
Before sharing my videos (sorry again in French), my wording, possibly incorrect, please forgive me in advance :
Regulator : puts the gas at an idle level for a predefined pressure (for me 2 bar - 30 PSI). I much prefer double diaphrams ones.
Attenuator : gives an output constant gas pressure regardless of inlet pressure
Examples :
Different models : https://youtu.be/2tK4TV4wb44
JMC regulator : https://youtu.be/V8ybmqgcNak ==> https://youtu.be/Xk3sH4L2l_A if you say you are a friend of mine, you could negociate a correct refund ok2
Chinese Microcosm regulator : https://youtu.be/Wzb2Y0TZU1U much lrager than the large JMC one : https://youtu.be/FDF7jQmvvRo
JPB attenuator : https://youtu.be/arL10A6wsNo
Combo (Malcolm Beak's plan) : https://youtu.be/48DYwXeRe8c
Of course, I also have RC safety shut off gas valves : https://youtu.be/zCgLBAxieNU or https://youtu.be/mA6uC5dgoiM or https://youtu.be/bvBf1c-lOS0
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Looking at 2.4 Combo deals is getting expensive, just thrown away a so called 4ch combo set as it screamed China and cost about £28! …..
So what do others use bearing in mind extra channels needed for gas attenuator etc..?
Got that wretched Verification to get through again, its the only thing that spoils the wonderful site.
Jim
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Rhavrane, Bonjour to you, its interesting that you use attenuators on all your boats, it seems to me to be the safest way - to come home with a boat instead of a burnt out boat.
I’m still investigating with an open mind.
Jim
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Often I worry that when the time comes to visit my local pond and (heavily guarded by the area’s model Yacht Club) I may be too old to participate fully as I used to many years ago but we wait and see.
Do most of you use dry batteries in your radios or Lipos like I used in my airoplanes before having to give them up besause of my medical condition?
My boat/Launch has been so carefully built that I dread to alter it in any way, but to get the success one hopes to one sometimes has to ‘bite the bullit’ and do just that, as soon as I can get rid of our N gauge model railways I’ll have more room th fully investigate the whole situation thoroughly.
Jim
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Hi Jim
don't get put off by the verification, it's only for I think 10 posts when it stops, so you're halfway there. The initial verification does stop bots from accessing the forum causing havoc.Jim
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I worry about the state of the R/C market today, years back 2.4 sets cost a LOT of money! Today the market has been swamped by unbranded sets and other goods from China, Yesterday I had delivered a 2.4Ghz 4ch Combo set with singlehanded pistol grip that when opened had no manufacturers details and very sparse instructions for use that cost IRO £29, which was to my mind a ridiculously cheap offering.
From the instructions is said: ch1 steering servo, ch2 throttle, ch4 to external battery, ch3 servo to ch3. To my mind that appeared to be a two channel set rather than four channel, Its not a bit like my older Futaba units so I junked it right then.
What do you chaps use (2.4 of course) & how many channels above 2? depending on services needed. I know I'm getting old but my recognition of circuits is not that bad!
One of the things I would like to attach is a ships bell (connected via servo) that sounds when throttle changes are made - rather like the Chadburns Telegraph used when I was at sea.
Have been looking for a low voltage type bell the smallest i’ve found so far is the 2-1/2” dia older type Gents door bell that runs from 3v - 4.5v but until the TX situation is resolved I can’t go much further. Of course I also have to recognise WEIGHT addition but will have to see. Ding Ding! “Finish with Engines”.
Jim
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Jim G, thanks for the advice the problem appears to have stopped after 5 posts, what a relief.
Jim
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JimW
In regards to your 2.4 GHz 4 channel combo purchase, the receiver is likely set up similar to older Futaba 8 channel receivers.
Old school (pre-2.4 GHz) Futaba 8 channel receivers shared the external power supply (BATT) connection with the channel 8 servo. In order to use the #8 channel, a Y harness needed to be inserted before connecting the battery and servo. The battery doesn't have a signal wire (white) and thus does not interfere with the control of the servo (as done via the white wire).
Therefore, I believe your generic 2.4 GHz combo purchase is truly a 4-channel set.
Channel 4 works by adding a Y-harness to the receiver followed by the battery and servo to the dual arm connections, respectively.
FWIW
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Photo explanation in the attached files.
DM
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Jim,
I still use some of my models on 27 because virtually nobody else does. A few sets of crystals means you can change frequency at the pond side so there is rarely a problem on a practicable basis.
2.4 is superior because there is no clash but in my experience they are a little more complex to set up. Essentially you are now dealing with a computer rather than just a radio transmitter!!
I tend to use dry cells for most of my model receivers or a separate lead acid if I can take the weight and never use a BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) because if the voltage should drop too low then the radio shuts off as well. Now if you are using lipo's for motive and BEC because the operating voltage tends to be higher you should be ok but again if used with brushless if the lip voltage drops too low then the speed controller will shut it all down to avoid over discharging the lipo and damaging it.
Nicad rechargeable or the equivalent are also fine for receiver batteries albeit you typically need 5 because they are at 1.4 volts and not 1.5 volts.
Cheers
Geoff
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Jim, from the sound of it you bought a set that may have originaly been intended for a ready to run buggy, as such it has the minimum of channels and instructions as they are intended to be pre setup in the model. Also at he price and source I suspect you were buying from E-BAy or the Chinese equivalent, much better to deal with a UK model shop where you have more chance of finding a suitable set, they may be a bit more expensive but you can talk with the person in the shop.Check out Cornwall Model Boats or Steve Webb Models both of whom I have dealt with with good results, you may have a local shop although they are getting rare. Others might be able to suggest other good supliers.
I personaly dislike the pistol grip type of transmitter as they are more limited in the number of channels offered due to their intended use, the twin joystick boxes are available with from 2 channels upwards at reasonable prices, no need to use the big names such as Spectrum or Futaba. Common makes used by boaters include, Radiolink, Planet and FlySky who all produce decent low cost sets.Basically don't just go for the cheapest, as you found out they tend to be extremely limited.
Jim
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Bonjour,
Personnaly I have several Spektrum DX6 / DX6I and Flysky/Turnigy 9X like this one :
https://hobbyking.com/fr_fr/turnigy-9x-9ch-mode-2-transmitter-w-module-ia8-receiver-afhds-2a-system.html
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Hi Rhavrane, you're on the same lines as I am because I’m now thinking about a Spectrum DX5Combo, I’m thinking of 5 ch to give me room for additions - not that they will all be used but better to have too many than not enough.
Jim
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Bonjour Jim,
Before buying a radio, I would kindly suggest you to define previously your requirements especially if you have several boats because a 5-channels radio has 4 proportional by the sleeves and one all or nothing by a switch, this is why I prefer the chinese 9-channels ones that I can program as I use a minimum of 5/6 channels on my steam boats including the safety gas valve and... the whistle ok2
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Hi Rhavrane, I have several boats with different radios some 9 ch but don't want to get mixed up with this lovely boat so decided to get another set, your inf has now got me worried….I may only use 4 ultimately but was not aware of this ‘all or nothing’ switch. Have to think about that. Just now looking for micro servos to attach goodies to, more anon.
Jim
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Bonjour Jim,
I usually buy my micro servos on Amazon, don't buy the cheapest with plastic sprockets, they are worth nothing, pay a little more to get metal ones.
I bought a lot of ten, they have no torque, five are already dead and a pain to replace at the bottom of the hull, even if I try to kep them accessible.
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Hi Rhavrane, often look on Amazon but have not bought servos from them, I would never ever consider plastic gears especially in a boat, always metal.
Jim
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Bonjour Jim,
https://www.amazon.fr/s?k=mini+servos&crid=2KA8N4TXLXT0&sprefix=mini+servos%2Caps%2C80&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_11
There is some choice :embarrassed:
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Like it or leave it I’ve now bought my radio - a New Futaba T4PM 4ch Pistol grip Combo! For £202, its taken me more than 48 hrs to sort out, but at least I’ll be able to make progress when it arrives, I was going for a SpectrumDX5 unit but on hearing that they change their receivers more times than the weather I abandoned them.
Just for good measure I’ve also ordered a couple of High torque micro servos hoping to free up some space in the hull so that I can put my victorian dollies in, another job in progress is making (or trying) to make a ships telegraph bell, if it doesn't work, well ok, but i’m trying…… (Very)!
But at the moment how my back hurts due to my Heart Failure half-a-heart medical condition. This forum is my lifeline to keep going, I haven't used the car for weeks due to my health problem and have worries when the time comes to visit the pond. But still I want to keep going…..
Jim
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Im still trying to find a model steam servo operated Gas Cut-off, having looked everywhere i have come to conclusion such thing is not made anymore.
Might try adapting a sail winch but I feel its important to save both engine and boat should it get stuck in weeds, i know I'm not going swimming for it at my age but feel its an important consideration that I see has been discussed many times here.
My radio should be here in a few days so ill be able to start messing about with the boat just as soon as I can get rid of our two N gauge railway layouts - most likely to the East Anglian Air Ambulance service to make them a bit of money and help to keep them going.
Jim
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You keep going Jim, sadly I cannot help with your question as my steam boats run at high speed and we don't use radio (free running) or gas, we use vaporising petrol blow lamps (don't try this at home kids without advice)
Keep going, and good luck with your health
Please post pictures of your first outing :-))
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Hi Phil, quite a few years ago when i was a kid i remember your type of craft using my local pond on Sundays, Prince of Wales pond, Blackheath, London, some on lines and some straight running, they were really great but way above my station in life.
Good sailing to you.
Jim
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Ooh Jim
I am the secretary of the Blackheath Model power Club, which was formed by my Grandfather and my great uncle in 1928, although we have only a few members now it is still active (well almost), my late father had also been the secretary until his passing in 2000.
If you are interested I can could send you of pictures of days of yore from the the early days of the regattas we had (well they had really, not there at that time :-) )
PM me who knows you might be in the photo..... :-))
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Phil, What a small world! I spent more than 60 yrs of my life in Blackheath but moved to Fakenham 17 yrs ago but I’ll never return now.
Very best regards….
Jim
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PM me , because I think you will remember the boats (and maybe some of my family members )
Great Days of boating
Of course there is the mayhem weekend {-)
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Hi ftiends,
You're looking g for a Servo driven gas-cutoff?
Here it is:
https://www.regner-dampftechnik.com/product-page/gashahn-rc-regelbar
Regards
Ralf
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Im still trying to find a model steam servo operated Gas Cut-off, having looked everywhere i have come to conclusion such thing is not made anymore.
Might try adapting a sail winch but I feel its important to save both engine and boat should it get stuck in weeds, i know I'm not going swimming for it at my age but feel its an important consideration that I see has been discussed many times here.
My radio should be here in a few days so ill be able to start messing about with the boat just as soon as I can get rid of our two N gauge railway layouts - most likely to the East Anglian Air Ambulance service to make them a bit of money and help to keep them going.
Jim[/size]
Gas servo valve
https://www.clevedonsteam.co.uk/products.html#thumb (https://www.clevedonsteam.co.uk/products.html#thumb)
I have one on my tug :-))
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Good morning all, thank you Ralph for that Regner servo tip, it looks just the job but I can’t read German, i’d like to know more about it particularly what size gas connections it has so that I could get adaptor parts to be able to solder in to my supply pipe;
Like i said earlier I'm new to model Steam boating so need to learn about tube sizes, adaptors and so on so please forgive me for seeming an idiot (although I’m half way there!).
Thanks Mark T for the Clevedon recommendation, I was in touch with them yesterday and have placed an order for their recommended unit, I don't mind doubling up on some orders because parts unsuitable today may be just the job for tomorrow so go into the ‘spares’ box.
Deffo have to follow up that Regner unit because it looks like its made my day! i need to know more about it and what adaptors are needed to be able to solder it into my standard Chedder gas pipe? (‘Dont know the dimensions but standard).
Jim
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Jim you can use Google Translate to convert the german website to english. Paste the URL of the site into the website section of Translate and it will bring up an english version. It may not all translate well as technical German can be very difficult for an automatic translator but should give the basic information.
Jim
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JimW:
The Regner gas tap uses M5 x 0.5 metric fittings. To the best of my knowledge, all of the Regner equipment and fittings are METRIC.
The gas tap can be purchased at Garden Railways Limited:
https://www.gardenrailways.co.uk/regner-50810-rc-gas-tap.html (https://www.gardenrailways.co.uk/regner-50810-rc-gas-tap.html)
Reach out to them for more information.
DM
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Hi chaps, thank you all for your tremendous support, I have a Belgian friend who I chat with of Face-time regularly, he has just mailed me to say he will purchase it for me, he’s a very (20 years) experienced aero modeller and designer, somehow now we will get through this….1/2 hr ago I contacted Regner and tried to purchase the unit but got bogged down with language - but we’re almost there now.
Bless you all.
Jim
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Good luck Jim :-))
I generally use two suppliers in the UK
Jerry at Clevedon as if he doesn't have it he will make it for you based on a fag packet drawing. His work in incredible.
Nigel at Pendle steam - he can make any boiler or burner that you want I would say in pretty much any format too. An amazing steam engineer and all round top bloke.
I recommend them both as they also guarantee their work as they believe in what they do.
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There’s no doubt about it we have some Very, Very experienced engineers in this business doing wonderful work.
Cheers and thanks to them all.
Jim
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Hi Guys, - almost ‘hit the buffers’ with the Regner gas valve purchase, the conpany doesn’t speak English & I no speak German, luckily my friend in Belgium is fluent both ways and is ordering for me (with additional bits and pieces), right now I feel about as powerful as a Peanut so am going back to dreamland for a while, sorry guys but when one gets invaded with medical problems and age it’s the only way out. So in about a week I should get the gas valve…..
Have a Good day you all.
Jim
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Bonjour Jim,
I have a Regner servo pump, very poorly efficient because of its <> 70 RPM and very difficult to prime because of this low rotation speed :(( : https://youtu.be/Xk3sH4L2l_A (https://youtu.be/Xk3sH4L2l_A)
Personally, I also have a Microosm pump on which I will change the 70 RPM engine https://youtu.be/uW7OW941xG0 (https://youtu.be/uW7OW941xG0) for a 280 RPM one thanks to David, member of this forum :-))
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Hi here is a link to the video of the microcosm pump, I changed the electric motor and gearbox to one that did 280rpm, replacement motor and gearbox about 3% from eBay https://youtube.com/shorts/ce9wC4rbnn8?feature=share
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Raphael, (I hope I got that right),
All sorts of bits arriving for my boat almost daily, my Belgian friend has ordered the Regner gas vale for me so it should be here in a few days, I’m still trying to get rid of our two N gauge railway layouts to give me more room to work, a year ago I worked up in my 4 room shed down the garden but my health has dropped so far that I dare not try to go there because I can barely walk 20 ft without collapsing with constant back and chest pains.
I have though joined a club that has a boiler tester gent, he has very kindly offered to give my boiler the full test because I bought the boat without any paperwork which should have included the original boiler & gas tank tests and certificates.
Getting the boiler out is presenting a difficulty because the previous builder laid ((glued)wood decking over it causing entrapment as you can see on one of my photos - look just ahead of the gas tank where the tray should lift out…..
Jim
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Bonjour Jim
Fo my first name :-))
About the pump, I hope you have also ordered a check valve and found the appropriate ferrule or other entry point in the boiler to install it because it is mandatory to have one to let the pump operate correctly and protect the pump of the boiler pressure.
Example : https://youtu.be/5nj5rrTMqZE
Test : https://youtu.be/Xr010co7i94
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Hi, I was just looking at the pictures and have a suggested modification you may like to consider. Both the engine and boiler seem to be in the same brass tray, which is exactly how it comes from Cheddar Models. However oscillating engines are a bit messy and you will get an oil/water slurry which will move under the boiler. It won't do any harm but can soak the lagging which makes it less efficient and it just makes a mess. So, with mine I cut the engine tray off and soft soldered a lip/bulkhead so there is a separate containment tray for the engine which saves a lot of mess.
Also, I can't tell from the pictures but any wood that is nearby should be sealed with varnish or resin as otherwise it will absorb all the splash and mess.
I speak from experience!!
Cheers
Geoff
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Hello Raphael, The gas valve was ordered for me by a friend, he said there are other bits but I don’t know anything about a check valve or where it might go and I can’t see one on my boiler.
So far as I can.see the boat has been steamed before I bought it but out of water, so I presume it’s all there apart from the transmitter, I’ll have to wait until I get rid of my railway layouts before I can get the boat on the table (because I can’t make the 50 metre trip through the garden up to my shed like I used to, it’s rather annoying to be like this but I don’t have any options…..but I do enjoy messing about with the boat (It keeps me sane).
For my guide I refer to one of my new books: Model Marine Steam a well written book that gives much information.
Jim
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Hi Raphael, —- looking again at the boat I see that I have 2 spare outlets on the turret, Could be useful for additions of some sort.
While writing I’m notified that I have other mayhem mail - but it’s missing from here!
Jim
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Some of my mail is going adrift, on one page ive got 21 posts, on the other ive got 17!
Postman works in mysterious ways?
Jim
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Hi Geoff, I can understand the mess problem, now why didn’t Cheddar think of that?
Now I have to think up a way of collecting all the engine’s muck without too much modification, it will be difficult…. especially as my wife has just been taken into hospital on the 6th with a broken leg following a fall on her 89th birthday too, when she comes home - when? She will need all the looking after one can give her - but I need as much as I cant walk any distance or lift anything heavy!
The tray problem seeming so simple may turn out to be a major problem for me because of my immobility darn it but thank you for warning me.
]The engine has been fired (out of the water) I can see but there’s hardly any mess under the boiler or around the engine, if fact it's pretty clean but the boiler has to come out for test anyway so may get a better idea then. In the meantime I’m getting together a set of mini tools to work on it - slightly different to messing with aeroplanes which I can no longer do.
Jim
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Yes, this reply has got separated from the run of posts.
Jim
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Steamboat Phil, I’ll certainly keep you (and everyone) posted when I’m able to do a first run, if my garden would fill with water that would be convenient because it’s just the right size but at the moment it’s a lot of weeds that I used to mow in nice straight lines.
Right now I’m right in the mire after dear wife Catherine fell in the bedroom two nights ago and broke her hip, she was taken to hospital within 2 hrs and had a replacement hip fitted next day!
She is in much pain and not looking forward to learning to walk again at age 89 - it was her birthday too when she fell, our home is empty now but full of too much junk - as if that isn’t enough I’ve just this minute heard that someone in Catherine’s ward has been diagnosed with Covid (and moved into isolation)!!! but Catherine hasn’t got it.
Jim
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Hi Guys & Gals, I’ll be fitting a servo/gas valve to my launch, I’ve got a gas valve from Cliveden Steam, but still waiting for the Regner unit from Germany, I want to mount both valve and servo as an integral unit so that no strain is put on either item, - I’ve looked all over the web but can’t find such a unit, if anyone has knowledge of, or location of such object please let me know.
Things are coming together slowly with parts delivered almost daily, within a week I hope to be in a position to start the mods firstly by fitting new Futaba pistol controlled 4ch tx/rx, replace servo rods with stiffer ones (easier said than done as rear glued deck has to be removed) + fitting gas valve then continuing with unfinished build completion, all of which could take me a considerable while due to my medical predicament.
Also have to remove the boiler and gas tank for pressure test and certification by Richard Simpson after which we’ll be able to get going.
Jim
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Just about all my parts have now arrived including my Futaba 4PM pistol grip 4ch TX/RX and the Regner Gas Valve so within a few days now I should be able to make a start.
Right now I feel well below par due to my heart, my dear wife Catherine remains in hospital with Dementure and a replaced broken hip causing her much pain.
Some clearance guys have come in and started to remove much rubbish before turning their attention to removing our two N gauge railway layouts which when done will give me much more room to work on the boat - as well as providing space for Catherine to move about using her walking frame.
The railway layouts have cost us IRO £5,000 jointly and are best described as a ‘Battleship’ having taken up the whole house with their rolling stock, books, etc which we didn’t think about when we built them - but now what? CLEAR THEM! Because with me at 86 and Catherine at 89 both with medical problems we have to face that we’ve not got too much time left to enjoy ourselves.
Jim
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I’ve now made my choice of a Futaba 4PM 2.4 4ch pistol grip set, I’m wondering about battery voltage both for the tx and rx ie 4v or 6v?,
Advice please…
I just worry about running out of power during use…. I’m not sure if I can use Lipo high power or whatever?
Jim
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Hi Jim, You may not be able to use 6volt for the Rx. 5volts is often specified with a warning about 6 so 4NiMh or 3 Duracell Plus (Other batteries are available) %)
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Bonjour Tony,
I have a lot of old 27, 41 MHz or 2.4 GHz radios and all accept 6V : https://youtu.be/80mZYbYqQZE (https://youtu.be/80mZYbYqQZE) :-))
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Bonjour Raphael,
So have I BUT some of the Futaba ones specify 3AA cells and include the holder. Yes some are fine but some don't like it atall.
https://www.nexusmodels.co.uk/futaba-t4pm-4-channel-2-4ghz-t-fhss-r304sb-combo-p-cb4pm.html
:-))
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Have just checked the specs of the receiver R304SB referred in your link. It has a voltage range of 3.6 to 8.4V so a 6V pack is well within its specs. limiting it to just a 3 cell pack will limit the output power of the servos connected to it as unless you are using specialist micro servos designed for use with a 1S LiPo pack they will all be looking for at least 4.8V and many are happy at 6V.Jim
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Bonjour Tony,
I have never paid 250 € for a radio, I have bought 5 chinese Turnigy 9x for this money :}
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Bonjour Tony,
I have never paid 250 € for a radio, I have bought 5 chinese Turnigy 9x for this money :}
You must have bought the expensive ones!
ok2 Don't worry, that Futaba isn't one of mine!
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Tony, your reply is noted, very interesting, - I’ve just ordered the Futaba T-FHSS Rx for its telemetry aspect + its 7.4v which I intend to be LIPO (for a bit more grunt on the servos). All rather costly but I’m used to making mistakes having bought it from Germany; this time Rx bought from Nexus in UK…..
I’m trying to add a photo but it doesn’t work !
Jim
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Hi Guys & Gals, After more than six months ive finally disposed of our model railway layouts but more problems are in hand…..Dear wife Catherine fell on her birthday breaking her thigh, she was rushed into hospital and had surgery next morning, she was detained in hospital for 4 weeks then transferred to a Care Home in Norwich where she’s been for 4 more weeks, before she can come out i have much more clearing up to do to be able to satisfy Health & Safety requirements which means throwing much more stuff away to provide clear passage for obstruction free movement in her new electric wheel chair.
Meanwhile my own health has deteriorated to the point of not being able to walk any distance….. but as soon as i can I'm looking forward to taking up residence on the dining table with my launch where ill be able to remove the boiler and send it off for testing, and then putting all new gear in to get it running - if I'm spared that long.
Jim
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Jim wishing you and your wife a full and speedy recovery, I know how challenging it is, my father and his partner have just been through almost exactly the same situation. Looking forward to seeing the results of your work on you launch, stay strong.
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DBS88, Thanks for your thoughts…. Im in the position of having done so much in my life to help other people i now find myself looking for a similar kind of return that simply doesn't exist - at least not in my part of the world.
I never thought about age problems until becoming subjected to it, but believe me it hurts to be so bodily dependent while my mind remains very active.
Bless you all and keep up the good work.
Jim
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Hi Jim,
It seams so long since we have heard from you, just wondered if you and your wife are well, please let us know and we can pray for you both.
I know how it can be as I have similar problems , as has my wife but we can still get about with pain killers, Arthritis is the hidden illness as every body thinks that we look so well.
So take care and drop a line if you feel up to it.
Regards
George T
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Ooyah/2 - I’ve sent you a PM.
JIM
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George T - Iv’e PMd you.
Jim
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HI Jim,
Replied via email. check your inbox , spam E.T.C.
Please let me know if you have found it, I have not been notified that my mail has not been sent
George
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Hi George, - have checked but cant find, plse re send to [ use PM ]
Best regards
Jim
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George, OK Got it Thanks
Jim
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Before you jump Jim, I asked a muddy Rator to remove your e-mail address from the posting. Problem is, thanks to t'internet and electronic communications it's too easy for the various reptilian lifeforms to trawl an open door on to you computer. Some scams are Extremely plausible even for the young, let alone us wrinklies and I do classify myself as the latter. O0
Regards Ian.
I did say PLEASE when I requested it be removed.
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Ian, thank you for observing my error, I’ll try to reform.
Jim