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[PT Sideshow]

High Speed Marine Steam Engine
with boilers, burner, lubricator etc.
by AA Rayman
copy right©1963 1964
reprint of articles from Model Maker
most likely TEE publishing no other information
included



It is the complete set of articles that appeared in the magazine Model maker in the years 1963, 1964.  They are a little on the information, as to who is publishing it, and as to the ISBN# etc.  But I believe it is put out by TEE publishing.

The engine discussed is based on and uses the cylinder and head of the Stuart Turner # 10 engines and bar stock.  After the engine work he goes into a discussion on valve setting with diagram.  Then moves on to lubrication with the high pressure tank and displacement lubricator. Have very clear drawings from the forming steps of the flanged edges of the brass discs of the  oil tank. To the two types of boilers  and  blow lamp burners for each. One is the Scott Boiler, and the other is the center flue boiler.

It continues with, safety valves, check valves and boiler pumps and talks about adding a bilge pump. And then shows how to build a hand operated pump or crank one.

All in all a very interesting old school steam boat build.

In the states I got it from here  Powells http://www.powells.com/It is one of the new  books on model boats that they have.

[SteamboatPhil]

I can recomend this book to any one who wants to build a high speed steam engine. I not only have an original copy, but I also have several of the steam plants that are featured in his book, that were given to me by Alan Rayman, who is not only a member of my club but still running a steam boat. I will have several of his boats which he has now passed on to me on display at the Warwick boat show

[kiwimodeller]

I have the engine and it runs extremely well. I have used it in different boats with a prop and with paddlewheels. The booklet would be great to have and I will chase it up from Powells unless Phil can suggest a UK supplier? Thanks, Ian.

[SteamboatPhil]

I have asked Tee publishing to run me off a copy when I was at the model engineer exhibition, so I should be able to collect it this weekend for you Ian.
Will PM you when I have it.
Phil

[PT Sideshow]

TEE or MAP or who ever took over Model maker magazine. As these are new ones and not used. so some body in the UK is still printing them.

[PT Sideshow]

Experimental Flash Steam
by  J H Benson, A A Rayman
Map Technical Publication
copyright©1973
ISBN# 0 85242 352 7
Hardcover

Paperback cover
Reprinted in 2000
Copyright© 1973
ISBN# 1 85761 1160
TEE Publishing





 Here are two editions of a great book on Flash steam experiments. It covers the Principals of Flash steam in the opening chapter. Something that is often misunderstood by hobbyists and its use.

Then moving on to full size examples in steam cars and rail. With examples of boilers and engines and performance.

They then head to the home built steam car, equipment and construction, modification of an existing car. And some examples, there are plenty of     
books on steam cars out there if you require more info.

Now to the part that interests us, applications to models. Model boats and Hydroplanes, model locomotives and aircraft.

Starting with a chapter each on model flash boilers, Engines and valve gears, pumps covering what is need to know about them.

They then go into plant layout and hulls for low performance plants.  Air supply problems, engine position placement in racing hydroplanes, water supply, hull shapes, surfacing  propellers and stopping devices.

Another description using the Sun engine and a simple flash boiler and lamps(burner for us stateside) along with a propane alternative.  This is a moderate performance boat.

A racing flash steam plant, full description, and drawings of a complete plant fir a racing hydroplane.

Some early flash steamers, details of the boats and owners.

Some modern flash steamers, including turbine driven craft

It covers the basics, what you need to know to build one and  some history of some boats and their owners. All In all great stuff whether you will build one or not!

[PT Sideshow]

Flash Steam
Its application in model and full-size practice
by  Edgar T Westbury
TEE Publishing
Copyright© 1984 1949
Reprinted 2002
ISBN#0-905100 59 X



From when it was first  published  in 1949 it was an inclusive book on an experimental subject. Bringing together information from the assorted articles in the magazine the Model Engineer. 

Covering the essential factors in sound design of flash steam plants, along with frank statements of the many and conflicting problems which it entails.

For such a short book, and small in size. It is filled with the questions and answers that flash steam boat builders have figured out since the 30’s.  Filled with clear drawings of the  bits and pieces of the engines and steam generators.  Black & white photos, that is clear enough to see the items being pictured.

Not so much builders or shop drawings as there are no dimensions of the parts.  But the  practical information contained in it  will be of immense use to the flash steam experimenter.

Introduction
History and Development
Types of Flash Boilers
Methods of Firing
Types of Flash Steam Engines
Steam Engine Valve Gears
Boiler Feeding
Auxiliaries
Appendix

Each chapter covers the subject well and with the depth that somebody looking to see if the flash plant is for them.

In the US it is available at  Powells book on the web.http://www.powells.com/

[PT Sideshow]

The Model Engineers Handbook 3rd ed
By Tubal Cain
Nexus Special Interests
Argus books 1st ed
Copyright©1981
Paperback
ISBN#1-85486-134-4



A standard must have for the modeler if they, have any interest in the machining, or build up field for steam boilers and engines. Or the custom building of parts or details for modeling.  As with all of Tubal’s book they are a wealth of facts and information that you will find useful in the home shop. 

It is divided into major chapters on subject areas, which he then sub divides into separate items that are discussed.
SI units and metrication, the new standard of the world or it was hoped. To bring everybody inline with one system of weights and measures.  It is a refinement of the systems in use. Along with the conversion factors, Inch/Metric tables and Imperial measures(inch foot for us in the US)

Workshop calculations, all the stuff that now you wish you paid closer attention to in school, rather than the blond by the window!  From the slide rule, (making a come back retro style no batteries), and all the logarithms, angles and graphs tables areas etc. Plus useful formulae and trig.

Standard tapers and collects, all the major ones used on Both sides of the pond.

Screw threads, from screw threads and cutting, tables for BSW, BSF, unified, Whitworth, BA, Metric, and model engineers.

Workshop practices, from cutting tools to cutting speeds, drill points to micro drills, to fits and finish.

Metal joining, properties of materials, from engineering adhesives, soft and hard soldering and brazing. To all the assorted things that go into picking metal as a modeling material.

Steam and the steam engine, air and gases, boiler work, covers the information other books assume that you have when building boilers and the safety and operating considerations

Piston and gland seals,  o-rings and piston rings, Electric memoranda, and finishing with  the general information belt drives, keys and keyways  pipe flanges wood screws and coach screws, thermal expansion and melting points.

In the US it is available at  Nation builder books,http://www.nbbooks.com/  they also have a lot of other books of interest, history, and full size and modeling.

[kiwimodeller]

Phil, thanks for that, let me know a cost including postage to NZ when you get it and I will figure out the best way to get payment to you. I have the Westbury book on Flash Steam but the others look interesting. Do you consider them relevant today? Lord knows when I will get toplay with this but even if it has to wait until I retire one can never have too much learning. Mind you as my dad said during his speech at his 90th birthday party on Sunday "We can all learn something new every day - the problem is recalling what it was tomorrow!". Cheers, Ian.

[SteamboatPhil]

The Experimental Flash steam books books by Alan and John are the same, the lower one is the latest reprint, I will send you a copy of that as well (I can even get Alan and john to sign it for you  ).
Will PM you.
Phil

[PT Sideshow]

The complete book of making Miniatures
Thelma R Newman & Virginia Merrill
Crown Publishers
Trade Paper back
ISBN# 0-517-524600
Copyright© 1975



A very good basic book on the area of miniatures. Whether it be in ship building for static or sailing on the local pond.  Most think of the doll house or room settings. But it is much more, as we try for more detail in the models. Interiors or just deck clutter, sometimes it will make the difference between a ok it’s a toy, or the Oh my! When showing it off to somebody else.

When you start you have to pick what scale you are going to work in. Now that isn’t as hard to do, as if everything in the scene  or room is the same size and not out of the general size with the ship etc. it will work when looking thru the port holes or door ways.

This book talks about miniatures in general, than moves on to planning, color, texture, lighting effects, and other basic things.

It goes into the kind of setting, real, historical or whimsical.  Then moves on to approaches to making miniature furniture, wood, tools, jigs, fixtures, drilling, fastening, and all the other shop type things. Along with finishing, improvising, working with fabrics and paper.

Moving on to all the little bits and pieces of daily life. Using the clay to form items, working with plastics and epoxy putties, liquid or paste plastic solders for casting. RTV silicone caulking, fusible crystals or pellets, mold making and casting, and some lost wax castings. A small amount of metal work,  turning and improvisations with metal

Finishing up making items from other things, from wall candle holders, plain or fancy
From a brass straight pin and an eyelet and other jewelry findings connect with  crazy glue. 

To a Tiffany style lamp shades from section of ping pong balls. It gets to the point were you look at things in a whole new way.

700 B&W photos with some color plates. It will give a good over view of what can be done.

[PT Sideshow]

Scale Model Steamboats
by Phillip Vaughan Williams
Traplet Publications
Copyright©2001
Trade paper back
ISBN# 1-900371 30 8
A UK book



 Another great book for the complete novice, whether they are starting out, or just doing a curious George to find out what its all all about.

Not what any one would call an in depth coverage of the subject, but he gives enough information to make some basic choices of which way to go.

In the introduction it covers safety of the model steam plant, basic’s of steam and the equipment, fuel, burners, lubrication, radio control and pool side tool kit et al.

He does go in to a short history, of the steam ship development, commercial and warship.  Along with Prototype steam plants engines and boilers. Prototype propulsion and steering systems.

He goes over what is commercially available, Ready to steam and the build it your self equipment and accessories.  Selecting and installing model steam plants, and all the things that long time model boaters know but newbie’s don’t even thing about. Seaworthiness, displacement of the hull, stability, and what to do if the model is instable.

Moving on to propulsion, power train and the all important rudder, then sea trials, bench, tank, and pond. Along with building a testing tank.

The last 8 chapters are given over to various classes or types of boats, MiniVap50 Class a couple of examples and some design info. A couple of pages on flash steam turbine and the pulsating water jet engine.
A short introduction to scratch building, and steam model scratch building projects. Along with chapters on Merchantman, Steam Tugs, Steam Fishing Boats, Launches and Pleasure steamers and finishing up with Steam Warships.

The appendix is my only gripe about an otherwise good book for beginners.  It has what they Scratch building a steam plant. In 6 pages of text no pictures or drawings, The V 4 engine, pumps, pipework and valves along with burner, gas tank and burner. It does leave a lot of open space and questions unanswered.

In the US it is available from http://www.powells.com/

[PT Sideshow]

Ship Model Building
by Gene Johnson
Cornell Maritime Press
ISBN# 0-87033-369-0
Copyright© 1943,1953,1961
3rd ed 11th printing 1966



This one appears to be a treasure trove of old school building information. The table of contents is broken down into the individual component, from the hull and cradle/bowsprit, planking, sailing ships layout, Fife, pin rails and belaying pins, rigging and winches to weaving your own rope type fenders. Plus a sections on
Fishing nets, floats. Then covers various type of ships with a few pages and the little things that take a model to the next level. He gives what would be found on the ship and has some drawing and information on how to build the items. From outfitting the deck of a whaling ship, to ferryboats, and guided missile cruisers.


It will be a big help to the new recruit, that knows nothing about sailing ships of today or olden days.  Being the wiki of pre computer days on ship modeling.  It is old school in that he uses all types and manner of materials. Wood, paper, cardboard, metal, tin cans, and threads and strings to buttons and dress makers snaps.

I look forward to going thru this as I just got it in the mail.  It has some B&W photos of models, and hundreds of diagrams and drawing set up in plates to go with the descriptions of making the items.

With 3 editions and 11 printings this one should be one of the easy ones to find.

[PT Sideshow]

Polymer Clay Basics
by Monica Resta
Sterling Publishing Co. NY N Y
Copyright © 2000 US Translation
Published in Italy 1999©
Available in Canada, Sterling
Great Britain and Europe Casell
Australia, Capricorn link
ISBN# 0-8069-7136-3
Hard cover



This is one of those new publishing practice, of republishing craft
and hobby books from their original country and translating it to English and then selling it around the rest of the world.

It does a couple of things the way it was explained to me.  First the author gets some more money up front, but not as much as if it was published in each country. It’s a one time packaged deal, and the only one that wins is the publishers and distributors as the cost of the book is lower so Higher profits.


Polymer clay has been in recent years improved so much that it has become the sole choice of medium of a lot of hobbyist and artists. It is a great material, for the modeler if they do detailed scenes, or details around the model, or even parts of the model. Where other materials are not with in the skill set of the modeler, boat fenders, deck cargo, rolled up traps, clothes and hats, or gear for the back of tanks, rolled up tents, duffle backs or all the other material of day to day life.

This book goes over the basics of working with polymer clay, tools, colors and pigments and then baking so it becomes harden like a cast plastic piece and then can be painted.

It doesn’t get into figure modeling, I have a couple of others for that in the future. But is does give one the experience of working with the clay, and some simple projects. With the holidays coming up the simple bead and jewelry pieces can make a nice hand made gift from the modelers shop.

It is great stuff when nothing else seems to work or  do the job.

[PT Sideshow]

Fantastic Figures
by  Susanna Oroyan
C&T Publishing
ISBN# 0-914881-00-0
Copyright©1994
Trade paperback



 This books cover may not seem like it is a suitable title for the forum.  But since nobody has written anything on using the new clays  for details and accessories.

This makes a good general starting point for expanding the material use horizons.  As it has a good chapter on understanding the new clays, talks about the old clays, and including the paper clays. In addition to toxicity, durability and shelf life.

Starting with an introduction on designing, it moves on to the workspace, surface and tools. Since it was written for large scale figures and scene construction. It has a couple chapters on the head, body, hands and feet. With the type of armatures used and constructing the bodies out of assort material other than clay. And the use considerations that you might need.

It also covers the curing of the various types of clays, and the finishing and painting. For most of the common mediums.
For the large scale figure builders it has clothing and display settings chapter along with some appendices that might prove useful

[PT Sideshow]

1/12 Scale Character Figures
for the doll house
James Carrington
Guild of Master Craftsman Publications
ISBN# 1-86108-161-8
Trade paper back
Copyright © 2000
First published East Sussex



This is an amazing book, and Mr. Carrington’s work is museum  quality standard. This volume was originally published in England. So it should be easier that some of the others to pick up.

Yes they are large scale or doll house scale in the most popular size one inch to the foot or 25mm to the 250mm. But then again ½ to the foot or most of the smaller scales can be done with in reason.

Starting with an introduction and overview, he gets down to the basics. Then setting up a work station, and materials and equipment. What it is and what it does. 
A few pages about observations of people and the surrounding go a long way to improving the realism of the scene.

The body and head proportions can make or break a model, he devotes and covers the subject matter completely.  Then he goes on to the basic body and head forms. Showing the various ways to adjust the positions of the figure from seated to standing and in motion.

He goes lightly in to plaster casting mould making if you, as he does makes more than one figure. As he has a number of basic types and models that can be put together and adjusted  for finishing into various figures.

He devotes a full chapter to the skull and face shapes basics, and then the basic features, hands and feet and then finishing up with facial details and expressions.

As these figures are wire and padded form figures( the non exposed arm, legs and body are wrap with fiber fill and use wire skeletons for movement) are covered in the final chapter from painting and wig work to cloths as his figures are clothed in cloth. 

You may never do anything as detail, but some of the techniques used in getting the hair to stay were it suggests movement can be applied to flags and other cloth based details life boat covers and traps covering hatches etc.

It is filled with drawings and photos to give the complete story of the construction to follow.