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[randy]

Hi All
I am near to competeing a TVR1A steam engine and wondering which boiler/gas burner would be suitable.
I am going to fit it in the steam launch Miranda which i built about 20 yrs ago, which has been in the loft gathering dust.
Not sure on wether to fit a horizontal or verticle boiler and what diameter.Also to be operated remote control what is required for that.
Any suggestions.

Regards Randy.

[kno3]

If it is the Miranda designed by Basil Harley, it was meant to use a horizontal boiler. A vertical boiler, depending on it size, can pose problems with a too high centre of gravity.

As for the boiler size, the 3,5 inch horizontal from Maccsteam is said to be sufficient, or others of similar size. If you want a lighter boiler, check out Regner, which makes them from brass.

[Patternmaker]

Hi Randy, Miranda designed by Basil Hartley who also designed the engine & boiler which I built it is to heavy for the displacement of the hull, the boiler was 2.5”dia X 5” and was impossible to get the waterline correct,  sat far to low in the water 3/4” above the water line. The engine was very steam hungry and needed a larger boiler,
I fitted a much smaller gas tank to save weight, but this reduced steaming time to about 15 minutes. I don't
know the steam consumption of the TVR1A but as kno3 suggested go for lighter boiler.

Mick

[kno3]

I have the Miranda steam engine and boiler and can confirm both are quite large. The Graham TVR1A cylinders are substantially smaller, so the engine should need much less steam than the original Basil Harley design.

[randy]

Hi
Thanks for info, now found plan and can see i need a horizontal boiler.
Looked on the maccsteam site but unsure of diameter boiler that i would need to get a decent run out of.
Also what else is required to control it by remote control

Regards Randy

[kiwimodeller]

I have run the TVR1A on a 6" x 3" horizontal boiler in a slim easily driven hull. You will probably have room in Miranda for the 3 & 1/2" Maccsteam horizontal boiler and in general you should always use the largest boiler you can fit in. Maccsteam boilers have a very good reputation. Have you read the "How Big" page in the information section of their website? I would also suggest you email or phone Mike at Maccsteam for advice, he wont bite! You will need a pressure gauge and a steam valve on the boiler and a lubricator and a throttle valve in the steam line to the engine. You will need a minimum of three radio channels, one for rudder, one for the reversing lever and one for the throttle. If you use a 2.4G radio with extra channels then you could also set up a steam whistle which will make you a firm favorite with any kids who are pondside. I am always being asked to blow the whistle again and again. Hope this helps, Ian.

[randy]

Hi
Thanks for that Ian, have looked on maccsteam site,very nice.
and will call him next week

Regards Randy