Topic: suitable boiler for gemini engine (Read 10713 times)

knoby · « **on:** January 18, 2009, 01:06:54 am »

hi, can anyone suggest a suitable boiler for a cheddar gemini engine? I am converting an empire tug from electric to steam & am restricted for space a little. therefore a vertical or
return flue boiler would be preferable. many thanks for any suggestions

Proteus · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2009, 01:37:34 am »

they came with a type two boiler as Cheddar called them , they where not a big boiler but quite efficient the engine does not req a Massive amount of steam, I would contact the likes of http://www.maccsteam.com/ or www.cheddarvalleysteam.co.uk How small is the hull as I Have seen a Gemini with a type two in a 32" tug with space to spare for tanks etc, any pictures of the space you have.

Proteus

MONAHAN STEAM MODELS · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2009, 04:32:48 am »

Stuart Models has started selling the Puffin Type two horizontal boiler again which is the same boiler Proteus is referring to. Cheddar Models paired this boiler for the Gemini engine. It was a great combination that work well.

knoby · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2009, 07:54:24 am »

Thanks guys. the boat is a 40 inch mounfleet models Empire tug. I know your going to say theres loads of room, & i agree. but the smoke stack is in the middle & i was looking for the easiest solution. I was surprised the engine doesn't require that much steam. I looked at the macsteam 3.5 inch vertical, which would fit nicely, it gives 405 cubic inches/ min & i wasn't sure that would be sufficient.Also this boiler only gives about 1.25 inches clearance to the top of the superstructure & felt that was a bit small.

Proteus · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2009, 08:01:09 am »

Use a cranked chimney tube have a look on Bunkerbarges build , I have made one in the past they are not that hard or I am shore Mack steam would make one , you can separate engine and boiler or turn boiler around.

Proteus

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6094.0

logoman · « **Reply #5 on:** January 20, 2009, 12:08:56 pm »

If you are interested in keeping your steam plant Cheddar I have a spare horizontal boiler:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69998588@N00/sets/72157612333168426/

Proteus · « **Reply #6 on:** January 20, 2009, 03:11:46 pm »

Quote from: logoman on January 20, 2009, 12:08:56 pm

If you are interested in keeping your steam plant Cheddar I have a spare horizontal boiler:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69998588@N00/sets/72157612333168426/

is that a that a Stuart Boiler? I was not aware Cheddar ever used that boiler, ?

Proteus

logoman · « **Reply #7 on:** January 20, 2009, 10:07:19 pm »

Quote from: Proteus on January 20, 2009, 03:11:46 pm

Quote from: logoman on January 20, 2009, 12:08:56 pm
If you are interested in keeping your steam plant Cheddar I have a spare horizontal boiler:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69998588@N00/sets/72157612333168426/

is that a that a Stuart Boiler? I was not aware Cheddar ever used that boiler, ?

Proteus

It's a Cheddar Models 3500, I have the operating instructions for it.

knoby · « **Reply #8 on:** January 22, 2009, 08:05:42 pm »

i am interested in the boiler, any chance of some overall dimensions, to see if its suitable?
thx

logoman · « **Reply #9 on:** January 23, 2009, 09:50:10 am »

I know the boiler tube is 180mm x 90mm, I can take more measurements if you need. I don't have a chimney for it.
Ideally I'd like to swap it for some Aster, Saito or Hemmens stuff, but open to offers.

knoby · « **Reply #10 on:** January 24, 2009, 02:19:00 pm »

Thanks logoman, but i don't think the boiler will be suitable for me.

logoman · « **Reply #11 on:** January 24, 2009, 06:16:09 pm »

no problem.

knoby · « **Reply #12 on:** January 27, 2009, 07:19:24 pm »

many thanks for all your help guys. i have now found a boiler i hope will be suitable. its 3 inch o/d by 6 inch long with a centre flue. i am going to pressure test it this week & hopefully bench run it at the weekend to see what kind of run time it gives me. if all is OK , i then have the not so easy task of fitting it all in to the boat.
before you all send me posts telling me to be careful, i have done this before & am fully aware of the risks. ( i hope) lol. but i may need some more advice when it comes to fitting it to the boat.

Bunkerbarge · « **Reply #13 on:** January 27, 2009, 08:06:33 pm »

Don't forget that the run time you get on the bench will be significantly longer than you will get on the water unless you put a suitable load on the shaft.

knoby · « **Reply #14 on:** January 27, 2009, 09:23:12 pm »

thats a good point. any suggestions how i can load it up a bit? or how much extra run time i will get without load?

Bunkerbarge · « **Reply #15 on:** January 27, 2009, 11:07:28 pm »

If at all possible I would put it together in the hull and do a test actually in a test tank (bath) or on a pond to get a more accurate idea of endurance. This won't be perfect but a lot more accurate than anything else.

My own initial tests were done on the pond with an open hull, the plant all in place and estimated ballast added. Have a look at the Ben Ain build thread to see what I did. When that bit was all proven then I progressed the model and started to put decks on etc.

knoby · « **Reply #16 on:** January 31, 2009, 08:32:07 pm »

I fired the boiler up today, & got a run time of 25 mins before i got grief from 'her' & had to turn it off!!! so i think that will do. I have a Cheddar boiler control system that i intend to use with this plant so i should get a decent run time
many thanks for your help & suggestions on this matter

derekwarner · « **Reply #17 on:** February 01, 2009, 05:37:27 am »

knoby......got grief may be an expression in your mind........but has little meaning in understanding...it is not nautical.....it is not an engineering based term nor related to steam.....

1) do you have a test certificate for your boiler?
2) did you check the functionality of the boiler relief valve during your steam up?

These points may seem 'mundane' but in reality

are very important for the safety of all concerned........Derek

knoby · « **Reply #18 on:** February 01, 2009, 01:34:56 pm »

dear derick, GOT GRIEF is a technical term for the mrs shouting at me.
No i dont have a test certificate for the boiler, i ran it up in the gareden, but if u bothered to read the other parts of this thread , you would have seem that i already said i was going to pressure test it before firing. I do appreciate that steam boilers are dangerous, i been using them for over 20 years.

Bunkerbarge · « **Reply #19 on:** February 01, 2009, 10:17:58 pm »

knoby, I think until it is known what the level of experience of a particular member is as regards use of steam plant it is probably safest to assume less rather than more and so derek's warning is probably worthwhile mentioning under the circumstances and I for one appreciate him taking the time to bother saying something.

We all know the dangers faced by inexperienced modellers and anything we can do to help avoid anything horrible happening is worth while and a responsible approach. I'm sure derek meant well with his caution.

knoby · « **Reply #20 on:** February 02, 2009, 10:57:25 am »

i couldn't agree more bunkerbargs, dericks 2 points about the test & the safety valve were valid. No matter how experienced we are its always worth having a reminder about the inherent dangers of steam plants.
I just wasn't so keen on the patronising bits about the word grief. if i was new to this wonderful hobby, i am not sure such comments would have me rushing down to the lake to meet other steam enthusiasts.
this is a great hobby & we should welcome, encourage & help as many people as we can to enjoy it safely
cheers Glenn

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Author Topic: suitable boiler for gemini engine (Read 10713 times)

knoby

Proteus

MONAHAN STEAM MODELS

knoby

Proteus

logoman

Proteus

logoman

knoby

logoman

knoby

logoman

knoby

Bunkerbarge

knoby

Bunkerbarge

knoby

knoby

Bunkerbarge

knoby