Topic: WIDE-A-WAKE LAUNCH FOR STUART TWIN ENGINE (Read 102740 times)

Ted Welding · « **Reply #225 on:** October 07, 2011, 10:24:55 am »

The engine remains connected to the propshaft when the emergency electrics are employed. I had some doubts whether this was practical at development stage, as I was concerned I could be trying to turn a 'locked' engine as well as the propshaft, but it has worked well on test (never had to use it in anger!) The resistance from the steam engine is high, and the electric (geared) motor pulls a lot of amps, which accounts for the short duration of the stand-by battery - but then I only need a minute or so to bring her in.
When running solely on electric, the entire steam plant is removed, so no drag, and the replacement battery pack will run for hours.

The electronic clutch was obtained from a friend who worked in the electronics control industry, and is only about 1.5" diameter. I've looked for a 'spare' just in case, but never found one - the majority appear to be in the 3" upwards range.

kiwimodeller · « **Reply #226 on:** October 07, 2011, 11:07:51 am »

I came across an electronic clutch (as well as a lot of useful sprockets and chains) while dismantling an old photocopier. A friend assures me that it will work on 12v but I have not yet tried it. The recyling centre at our local rubbish dump had several last time I was there. Cheers, Ian.

gondolier88 · « **Reply #227 on:** November 26, 2011, 12:21:16 pm »

Hi Mick,

I'm in the process of looking for scale chequer plate for my picket boat, but can't find anywhere that supplies ali', only brass. Yours appear to be ali', I wondered if you could tell me where you found them, thanks?

Greg

Patternmaker · « **Reply #228 on:** November 26, 2011, 01:31:41 pm »

Hi Greg,

http://modeleng.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1257

Mick

HS93 (RIP) · « **Reply #229 on:** November 26, 2011, 02:39:46 pm »

I got some from Southworth engines they do two patterns, I got some when I bought a 3" vertical boiler pump of them they do a nice casting kit. It Has built in to a really nice pump. they don't do pay pal or credit and it's cheque up front

gondolier88 · « **Reply #230 on:** November 26, 2011, 04:48:40 pm »

Hi Mick, HS93,

Thanks a lot guys.

Greg

Patternmaker · « **Reply #231 on:** December 01, 2011, 03:29:20 pm »

Water tanks, total capacity 1 Litre, steam valve & reverse servos incorporated in the End of the tank casing.
I have also put baffles in the tanks.

KBIO · « **Reply #232 on:** December 01, 2011, 05:44:17 pm »

Thanks Pattern Maker!

gondolier88 · « **Reply #233 on:** December 01, 2011, 05:55:12 pm »

Spectacularly neat and simple- as all the best complicated well designed things are. Well done Mick.

Greg

broger · « **Reply #234 on:** December 03, 2011, 01:24:02 pm »

Hi Mick
Just thought I'd let you know that I'm still here and following your buid.
Love the idea with the water tanks.
I've made a start on Alaska, Frame made Keel made, I'm fabricating the Launch engine from a set of plans sent to me by Stuart.
I'm using a steel base and Bronze bushes.
I'd start a thread but it would be to long between post people would get bored.
Hope you are well and the old back isn't giving you too much trouble.

Alan

Patternmaker · « **Reply #235 on:** December 17, 2011, 02:44:19 pm »

Almost finished, RC installed just pipework from engine to boiler, gas tank to burner, servo links to steam valve and reverse boat hook and tiller arm stowage brackets to make. The gas tank complete with burner will be easily removeable to refill.
This build when completed will have taken almost a year from the start of the engine build.
I have commandeered the side board with of course the wife's permission, its to cold in the workshop, ( cant afford to have the gas fire on)
Wide A Wake weighs 38lbs with full tanks.

Mick

Den the tug · « **Reply #236 on:** December 17, 2011, 07:34:54 pm »

Just fell into this build.
Without doubt this is the best totally scratch built model I have ever seen. I doff my cap to you.
The dedication that you have put into this build is astounding and beyond anything I could ever do, but I will try to get, in time, somewhere near your quality of craftsmanship.
Well done,
Den.

derekwarner · « **Reply #237 on:** December 17, 2011, 08:27:43 pm »

Hi Mick.....just beautiful

.....now lets re-read the rules about nomination to the Master Class Category.....

as I think a water demonstration is required....this will certainly cause some debate....

...Derek

MichaelK · « **Reply #238 on:** December 17, 2011, 10:13:04 pm »

Hi Mick
I've been following your storey since day one, and am continually amazed at the craftmanship.

(Saying that, I am now used to your standards!

)
You say that she weighs 38lb, ready to sail.
Plank on frame, and especially clinker, small boats are notoriously light weight, and at the same time, remarkably rigid and strong, one of the reasons the method of building is popular.
I'm just a little bit curious as to where you are going to hide "X" lbs of lead ballast.

I'm sure we will all find out in due course!

Congratulations
Mick

Patternmaker · « **Reply #239 on:** December 18, 2011, 09:38:03 am »

Thanks for all comments and interest, much appreciated

Mick, from the onset I paid particular attention to make all components removable, to access the bilges.
3 pipe connections, 6 nuts, 1 set screw & 2 servo links the complete Engine can be removed, 4 screws to remove the boiler, 4 thumb screws to remove gas tank & burner.

The floors and chequer plate can be removed, the cockpit seats can be removed and the cockpit floor.

If any ballast is required I would use led flashing rather than pellets to keep the limber holes clear. I don't think she will need much ballast if any.

My problem is I have nothing to float her in, as I fitted a walk in bath a few years ago after my wife had a nasty break in her upper arm, she had to have a titanium coil fitted round the break.

Wide A Wake is to long to fit in the bath, although I have filled her up with water to The stringer level inside, I know she's water tight.

I might consider getting a large cheap paddling pool or wait until my neighbour puts his swimming pool up again.

Regards Mick

MichaelK · « **Reply #240 on:** December 19, 2011, 06:46:36 am »

Hi Mick
The el-cheapo wading pool is a good solution, (subject to Council Aproval, of course!

), and the neighbours swimmiing pool sounds good as well.

I actually thought that from what I've seen of Canvey Island, (via Google) that there would be a suitable, quite, location somewhere close at hand.
Looking foward to her maiden Voyage!

Mick

Bernhard · « **Reply #241 on:** December 19, 2011, 07:44:19 am »

just beautiful

i use a cheap,,kids blow up,,badtop?works ok...

Regards Bernhard

derekwarner · « **Reply #242 on:** December 19, 2011, 11:29:22 am »

Thanks for your PM Mick........

You know in OZ the alternate way to check for water tight integrity.........

Yep...

thats it....fill the inside of the hull with [38 lbs divided by ? = liters/kg of water

] & check for external leakage

......Derek

Patternmaker · « **Reply #243 on:** December 19, 2011, 12:28:00 pm »

Hi Mick

As I have said before my only option is the sea front, which depends on tide, weather conditions and Thames river traffic which has increased with large Container ships which can cause up to a 1 metre swell coming in to the beach.

Although Google might show quite a few creeks and inlets these are tidal mud banks and inaccessible, now if it were pre 1953 before the Canvey Island floods I lived on a house boat all my life until 1957 a converted Thames Lighter in Small Gains creek which was ideal for sailing anything.
After the floods the creek was dammed, and we were left high and dry.
Although its way of topic some may be interested in my story of the 1953 floods. http://canveyisland.org/page_id__319_path__0p2p19p.aspx

Regards Mick

kno3 · « **Reply #244 on:** December 19, 2011, 02:41:15 pm »

The boat turned out marvellous. I'd love to see it on the water (at least in a video).
Besides, your article about the 1953 floods is a very interesting read. I hadn't known about them until now.

Patternmaker · « **Reply #245 on:** December 19, 2011, 10:42:16 pm »

Thanks kno, there will be a video at some time but only in a paddling or swimming pool.

Regards Mick

Reg Hinnant · « **Reply #246 on:** December 22, 2011, 06:06:15 pm »

The launch is lovely Mike. Very very nice!
Thank you for all the build photos and explanations! You set the standard for everyone to strive to.

I'm a bit late with this but another place to get the alum chequer plate in different scales is Polly Engineering.
http://www.pollymodelengineering.co.uk

Christmas greetings
Reg H

Bernhard · « **Reply #247 on:** December 22, 2011, 06:23:34 pm »

Hey Mick....super,,,bot.... can you do a video when it is under steam..

.i will reale like to se it working...

..it dont have to be in the water,,,,

Regards Bernhard,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Patternmaker · « **Reply #248 on:** December 22, 2011, 06:57:17 pm »

Reg, thanks for your comments and interest.

Happy Christmas & 2012

Mick

Patternmaker · « **Reply #249 on:** December 22, 2011, 07:04:56 pm »

Hi Berhard,
I will do a video of the plant running on steam in the near future, thanks for your continual interest and comments.

Best wishes for Christmas & New Year to all members

News:

Author Topic: WIDE-A-WAKE LAUNCH FOR STUART TWIN ENGINE (Read 102740 times)

Ted Welding

Patternmaker

Patternmaker

KBIO

Patternmaker

Den the tug

MichaelK

Patternmaker

MichaelK

Bernhard

Patternmaker

kno3

Patternmaker

Reg Hinnant

Bernhard

Patternmaker

Patternmaker