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[livesteam]

Hello!
Has anybody here  built the Topaz Steam Launch by MHB? I am very interested in this model. I do have some experience with livesteam as I built Kricks Anna with a Cheddar Pintail engine and Graupners Glasgow with a Regner oscilator.
Now my questions:
What's the general building level of difficulty of the Kit?
I have a TVR1A engine that waits to be used in a boat. I guess it's a bit to big but still not too bad. What do you think?
Does anybody know what boiler is recommended by MHB? I think it looks just perfect with this...

Thanks a lot!

[HS93 (RIP)]

I think it needs a reasonable level of skill to build one, the kit is very complete but you need skills to Finnish it . it so not a A to B etc to build . the engine  would be to long (probably) as the balance has to be right, the boilers are a custom made by MHB to fit so are the tanks etc. A http://www.monahansteammodels.com/steamengines.aspx steam engine would be ideal as the size and controls are in the right place as the servos are a tight fit as well, have a close look at one or two and speak to the builders, it is a big outlay to not be able to get a return if req.


peter

[Vintage]

I'm in the process of building one & it's not something I'd recommend unless you've plenty of model making experience.  The quality of components, fittings, etc. is absolutely superb but most of the timber work, being supplied just as raw materials, requires considerable patience & the ability to read (occasionally confusing) plans to produce a convincing model.

I think mine is an early kit &, so far as I'm aware, they've made changes to certain aspects now that I think simplify the construction.

I guess any model where you're relying on the natural wood finish, without the ability to fill over those little mistakes, is inevitably going to be more difficult....  They do look beautiful though & well worth the effort imho. 

When I purchased mine they supplied it with a Cheddar Gemini engine & matching boiler - not sure what the options are now though.

I really must get on with it.

Mark

[Vintage]

& another.

[livesteam]

thanks! that's about what I expected...
If it would not be such an expensive kit (I am sure it's worth every penny though!) then I would not hesitate to meet the challenge. Maybe I should try another model with natural wood finish to get a bit more experience with that. The ones of Krick just crossed my mind, but in my opinion, they are a bit too little challenging then...any suggestions?

@vintage: it looks as it's going to be a very nice built model 

[Bunkerbarge]

I think for the money something like a Krick Borkum is ideal to hone your skills before letting yourself go on something as expensive as a MHB model.

You can make it as challenging or as easy as you want.  Mine has been clad on the inside of the hull for instance, which is not usual but it makes for a much more individual model.

[HS93 (RIP)]

you can do all sorts of things with them, saw this at cheddar some years ago.
Peter

[Bernhard]

hi.... here is one from Germany  ,,have don this....
to a Borkum  hull...
                                                                                 http://dampfundmehr.de/bilder/pinasse/pinasse.htm

[benjaml1]

Another jewel... 

[MONAHAN STEAM MODELS]

Vintage,

Very impressive work! You are doing a fantastic job! I love the attention to detail. All the wood fitting and joints look perfect!

[livesteam]

Bernhard, although not the kind of boat I really had in mind: impressive work, congratulations!