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[tobyker]

My nephew-in-law has asked me for advice about an engine for a 4' long tug his dad has bought - no more details available at present. Would the Graham TVR1A be man enough for the job? At least it seems affordable, whereas the D10 isn't! Any advice gratefully received - my steam experience only runs to little oscillators which definitely would not do.

[Bunkerbarge]

I have a little oscillator in a 4 foot deep draught hull which displaces over 32 lbs and it goes at considerably well over scale speed.  It's a Hemmens Richmond engine of 11mm bore. 

I would say a similar oscillator is well capable of powering this hull and a TVR1A should also have no problem.

[Underpressure]

Cheddar Models used to publish a chart in their catalogues showing which plants were suitable for a variety of kits. The Puffin (oscillator) was shown as suitable for the Caldercraft Marie Felling, which is a substantial 43" long tug.

I don't know the TVR1A (although I am seriously considering buying one), but I agree with Bunkerbarge, I think that at 40 psi steam pressure and a good sized prop, it would push a 40' tug just fine.

Let us know how they get on.

[kiwimodeller]

I have imported in to New Zealand and sold on several TVR1A engines and everyone who has one is happy with it but none have gone in to a tug, most are in open launches. I am sure it will do the job in a boat of that length, you may just have to experiment a little with different sizes and pitch of prop. In general you should use a fairly big prop and load the engine down so it does not rev. This is the most economical on steam. In a tug you will have plenty of room for a good big boiler. I would suggest something like 4" dia by 7" long. Have a look at the Maccsteam range, his website has some good advice on choosing boilers. Another engine that I know works well is the P & M V Twin double acting oscillator, 5/8" bore by 3/4" stroke. It has the advantage of being controllable for speed and direction with one channel and is a little more capacity than the TVR1A. I buy mine from John at The Steam Chest eBay store (http://stores.ebay.com/The-Steam-Chest) because he will do a very good deal on accessories such as lubricators to go with the engine. Hope this helps. Regards, Ian.

[Brooks]

My friend John uses the small Midwest single cylinder, single-acting oscillator in his 4' tramp. The Midwest Heritage package comes with boiler, and is economical; you can having it running on the bench in about an hour.  The tramp moves fine; it uses a custom firing system for boiler, using butane and ceramic burner. However, the tramp hull is more streamlined (L:W ratio) than a tug, so the comparison is not exact. Also, the engine is not self starting, nor is it reversible - these are qualities that a tug owner will desire if he wants to work barges or perform shiphandling (docking assist, etc.). But if your friend wants to get a taste of steam for low expenditure, the Heritage kit is the way to go.

I have a TVR1A, and it runs fine on the bench, have not built a boat for it yet. It is the best bargain I know of for a nicely machined engine. It took me about 13hrs to build mine. The Graham engine uses about 8x the steam as the Midwest engine (bigger motor, double-acting, 2 cylinder). So, if you go for a reversible self-starting engine like the Graham, be prepared to build and fire a bigger boiler than you'd need for a simpler engine.
Tramp thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=717385

[Bernhard]

Hi........Here you can see what there can be don with that graham...and how big a launch it scal be working in
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1082073

Regards Bernhard
here is a J.Hemmens water pump on..

[kiwimodeller]

Bernhard that is a lovely looking version of the Graham engine. What make is the throttle control valve and where can I get one? Thanks, Ian,

[Bernhard]

hi,,ian,,,,,,,i think this place sometimes have it on ebay after what i rember,,,try to contakt them
regards Bernhard 
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/maidstoneengineeringsupplies/m.html?_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A2471&_ipg=&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_pgn=4

[kiwimodeller]

Thanks Bernhard but I have searched their Ebay store and also their main web page http://shop.maidstone-engineering.co.uk/ but have not been able to find a throttle, only a good looking whistle valve. Are you sure the throttle came from Maidstone? I have had small throttle valves from Bruce/Polly Engineering but they are only suitable for small engines using small steam tube. The throttle on your engine looks a bit more solid. Any help appreciated. Thanks, Ian.

[Underpressure]

I have seen the same valve on ebay, but there don't appear to be any listed at present.

I don't think that Maidstone are the supplier, it is another steam related ebay shop.....I just can't remember which one.

I blame Anno Domini 

Neil

[gondolier88]

Mainsteam Models i think....

Greg

[mogogear]

Mainsteam it is -- a slide control for R/C....35 GBP ...I bought a simpler and slightly less expensive throttle valve from Polly

[pipercub1772]

try 21st century steam they sell them on ebay

[Bunkerbarge]

You may be interested to know there is a build article in this months Model Boat Magazine on a TVR1A.