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[3838Derrick]

I've been trying to run my TVR1AABB on steam but it stops after about 30 secs. My boiler is a "Heritage Steam" running at about 40 psi. Any help would be appreciated.

[Plastic - RIP]

Does it stop suddenly like a seize or does it slowly run down like it's running out of puff?

[pipercub1772]

Have you tried running on air the engine may require running in, just a thought good luck

[Martin (Admin)]

I don't know anything about steam engines ....... but have you tried running it on compressed air, to eliminate any heat issues?

[SailorGreg]

Sounds like you are having a similar problem to me when I first ran my TVR1A.  I am not sure I can offer an instant solution but if you read my build log (link at the bottom of this message) from reply number 62 then you can see if we seem to be experiencing the same symptoms. If you haven't already done so, I would check your valve timing and make sure all your little screws are done up good and tight.  As asked before, have you run the engine on compressed air to run it in? I know that isn't simple if you don't have a compressor but in my case the engine ran perfectly on air but was initially very reluctant with steam. You do also need a period of bedding in to let all the various sliding and rotating bits settle down.
Good luck and keep persevering.  You'll get there in the end.

Greg

[3838Derrick]

Thanks for all your suggestions. The engine runs a few seconds then gradually slows to a stop. I don't have the facilities to run it on air.  I think the valve timing may be a little out so I'll check that out first.
Derrick.

[SteamboatPhil]

I agree with Greg, it is a pity you cannot check it on air, but as has been suggested that does not always equate to running on steam due to expansion of materials. You made need to run the engine in a little, the easy way is a cordless drill on slow speed connected to the engine, lots of oil, then try on steam.
Phil

[KBIO]

Hello!
Having this lovely engine, I noticed that the Hackworth reversing gears is very "touchy" and have to be reset often. Tricky though.
The linkages are a bit shaky after a while. It ends up by sticking the sliding valve against the wall, with no port for the steam to go = engine stuck!!!
If your engine has run with steam, there is no doubt that it will run with compressed air.
Maybe , someone can help as I have the same problem.
This engine runs good when it runs , but I must say that I lost some confidence.
It will be interesting to know the number of people who are happy with this engine ..... or not!


Regards.

[verithingeoff]

I had a TVR1A for a while, absolute pig to set the timing, but got there in the end. Sold it on a couple of years ago
Here's a vid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmXxDTPKXt8

[3838Derrick]

I think I've just about had enough of this engine. I can get it running sweet for about 1/2 an hour and then have to fiddle with the timing and reversing lever to get up and running again. I'm seriously considering selling it before I turn even greyer!!

[3838Derrick]

Can anyone recommend a simpler engine to install in my 34" open launch.  I realise all steam plants need a bit of fettling but being disabled, I can't be fiddling about by the lakeside too much. I'd like to do all the messing about at home, go to the water, steam her up, and launch & go.  ( or am I asking too much)
Derrick

[Colin Bishop]

Richard Simpson, in his 'Boiler Room' series in Model Boats magazine has just commenced a short series of articles on 'affordable steam' for people who want to get into steam model boats as inexpensively and simply as possible.

The first part is in the May issue currently on sale.
http://www.modelboats.co.uk/news/article/model-boats-may-2017/25002

Worth a look I would think as he is likely to cover the selection of boiler and engine at a fairly early stage.

Colin

[pipercub1772]

Hi you could try and get hold of a cheddar puffin engine although they are a oscillating engine they are pretty much fool proof or a john hemmens richmond engine both excellent and virtually trouble free  ,best of look.

[Kevgarth]

When running a steam engine on air PLEASE make sure the engine is well lubricated beforehand as the oil won't be passing through like it would if it was running on steam.


Regards
Kevin

[Colin Bishop]

However good an installation you have, I do get the impression that steam powered models inevitably involve a degree of fiddling about at the pondside. You will never get the switch on and go facility you have with electric powered models.

Colin

[ooyah/2]

Can anyone recommend a simpler engine to install in my 34" open launch.  I realise all steam plants need a bit of fettling but being disabled, I can't be fiddling about by the lakeside too much. I'd like to do all the messing about at home, go to the water, steam her up, and launch & go.  ( or am I asking too much)
Derrick

Derrick,
I am sure that this engine will satisfy all your needs, it's a very powerful engine operated with 1- servo to control forward, reverse and speed control and will power your launch with power to spare.


I made the engine from a set of Stuart castings and completed it last week and it runs on very low pressure 10 p.s.i. with a max pressure of 25 p.s.i. and the valve at the boiler opened 1 Turn.


You can view the engine on Stuarts web site and it's £275 + V.A.T. for you to assemble.
Engine is 7/16" bore x 7/16" stroke. output shaft is 5/32" dia.


If you are interested P.M. me and I will swap it for your T.V.R.


George.

[steam up]

I have run a TVR for a number of years now and set up four other engines for friends.
Yes the Heckworth gear is a pain to set up but once done should need no further fiddling.
Common issues include the settings changing because the motion bar moves,thread lock is the answer.
A second less common issue (I have seen it twice) is that the retaining block on the valve spindle moves. This is glued in place ( a design fault I feel) It is worth checking this as when the engine warms up it can slip this might explain why it runs  fine then the timing does to hell and a basket. The answer is to carefully silver solder these in place then do the setting up.
Don't give up on this little engine (yet)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8kvElTS8CA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DavyjnH_nM8

[Geoff]

As an observation I've been running a Cheddar models Puffin unit for about 15 years now and it really is "plug and play". Its never let me down other than when there is a blockage in the gas jet which reduces gas flow. Its pretty nearly the ideal engine to start with and it just works every time!


Cheers


Geoff

[xrad]

get one of these:


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Twin-Cylinder-Marine-Steam-Engine-Fully-Machined-Kit-8M-/130436266815?hash=item1e5e9b7b3f:m:mKqa6qSg0IUFTyyu-nizkFQ


Best engine for the money. Super easy to assemble. works very well when hot at most rpm ranges. Does require a bit of steam, so if you have a small boiler, may need to upsize.  I have one in my 40 in steam launch.


Also: Even though I was very careful in building the gear for the TVR, I had it backwards.  Since corrected,  it runs superbly well on  30-40 PSI to start, and then 20 PSI when hot.  I have the BB version, which takes less break-in.   Also, it runs better  in one direction (in my case this is forward) than the other, but both work well enough when hot. 

[steam up]

The Hackworth gear is notorious for set up problems regarding running in reverse but who wants to go full speed astern anyway 

[KBIO]

Hello!
If I understand, the TVR is an excellent engine which needs attention and some adjustments from time to time.
I must say that I find the material a bit thin & soft , and the screws too much : "watch maker type".
Considering what we ask to this engine , which has a surprising good torque by the way, this is may be part of the worries that some of us, have.
I know some people ( on this Forum also) who re-machine some parts. And that is positive. But still, those Hackworth reverse gears are as much delicate as a young lady , and a bit  "tricky" to rely on. Good on train though!


Talking of Cheddar, or some similar engine, I totally agree with Geoff!

Its pretty nearly the ideal engine to start with and it just works every time!
When I am invited at a meeting and for not looking too ridiculous, I sail some boat with Cheddar or Anton, then.
No sweat! I sail all day long! At least, as long as there is some  beer 
But sometime, I still look ridiculous, because I forgot my transmitter.
Thanks for reading.
Regards.

[3838Derrick]

Swapped the TVR with ooyah  (Thanks mate). Had it up and running in a couple of hours!  Perhaps, as a complete beginner. I think the TVR was just a bit too complicated for me.

[steamboatmodel]

I think you got a great deal in the swap. The oscillator may use a bit more steam then the Tvr, but will be more forgiving on setup.
Regards,
Gerald.

[rhavrane]

Bonjour,
The TVR1A is a 8 cm3 and the Cheddar is a 4,31 cm3 ==> it will be less powerful but will use less steam, which is good thing for autonomy with the same boiler 

[steamboatmodel]

Bonjour,
The TVR1A is a 8 cm3 and the Cheddar is a 4,31 cm3 ==> it will be less powerful but will use less steam, which is good thing for autonomy with the same boiler 

For those of us still using the old imperial system
Stuart Twin Oscillator[font=]Engine is 7/16" bore x 7/16" stroke[/font]
The Graham Industries TVR1A is a twin-cylinder, reversing steam engine with 1/2” diameter bore by 5/8” stroke.
Yes the TVR1A is larger in bore and stroke, but I feel that the Oscillator engine will still use more steam. It would be interesting if someone had both to do a comparison.
Gerald.