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[tinbum]

Hi all, am I glad I found this site?

I have been looking at steam powered launches for a while and would really like some honest opinions.

My wife has built some models previously, the trickiest being a 100" wingspan rc glider from balsa, and now wants to build a boat. I like the idea of a steam powered launch and have found a Midwest Fantail with a Midwest steam engine for about £150. It seems a bargain, and a sensible place to start for a 1st model, but is it?

If it were you, would you choose a different model, or put a different engine in? If so, what and why?

Thanks in advance 

[Bernhard]

hi...and welcomen........
here take a look...........
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=990399&highlight=steam+launch

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=18891.0

[tinbum]

Thanks for that. I had read those threads (well, the 1st dozen pages or so) but was wondering specifically about the Fantail as opposed to the Elliot Bay, as the fantail is a full wood construction, not plastic. I would like to hear anyones experiences, good or bad with this model or engine.

[Bernhard]

hi.........I just read this   Midwest will stop...

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1134302

[steamboatmodel]

One of each "Fantail as opposed to the Elliot Bay", double the pleasure double the fun.
Regards,
Gerald
PS I have one of the Fantails which I an installing a Kitchen Rudder on thus giving steed and directional control.

[tinbum]

PS I have one of the Fantails which I an installing a Kitchen Rudder on thus giving steed and directional control.

Great stuff, it's good to see good old British inventions being put to good use in the colonies!!

Am I right in assuming the heritage engine is more powerful than the model VI? I know it's pre-assembled, but some pages say it'll power a larger model and give extended run-times.

[tobyker]

I reckon if she's built a glider from balsa, you'll both find the little fantail a trifle simple. I'm sure you could tackle a fully planked hull, and you should be able to find some plans - or if not no doubt fellow Mayhemmers will not be slow to recommend some. There must be somehting with slightly finer lines and plenty of room for standard size radio, which can still be driven by one of the Midwest engines. Good luck, and have fun.

[pwhavens]

The Fantail was my first and I thought it fit my needs very well.  I have had expierence with wood planes and plastic models before and I'm fairly handy with tools, reading plans, etc.  Sooo, the model went together fast, gave me some needed gratification, but was not without some challenges for me.  The model is robust, but will allow you to make some mistakes.  Best of all, I saw what it meant to do the best I could with what I had.  Nothing succeeds like success!
 
P

[tinbum]

Well, thanks for your responses. 
With all the information I have been given and read on this site, I am going to order a Fantail with the slightly more expensive pre-built heritage engine (for the added running time).
This will still come in at under £200, which I consider a bargain to make my own stean driven launch. No doubt, once built, we will move onto bigger and better things, but this seems to fit as a 1st build.
I will continue using the site for advice, and may even post a record of how the build goes for future newbies.

Thanks again