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[Pondweed]

I have casually referenced my latest model of HMS Velox and thought this may be of interest.

Did you use the Roberts plan? His plans are very good in they are accurate and quite precise.

IIRC, Velox was the plan with the Lyons book on 'The first destroyers', the book contains are few isometric drawings and internal views... also very good.

Actually, his 'Anatomy of..' books are nearly jaw-droppingly good. 3D drawings of boiler and enginerooms?

[Geoff]

Yes, I used the Roberts plans from his book, which is excellent. I added about 4" to the length and 1" to the depth as I felt I would need the extra boyancy due to the weight of the boiler and steam engine. This decision was wise.
 
In practice she "bobs" a little but appears to be quite stable albeit the turning circle is quite large and speed falls of considerably in a turn. This suprised me as the rudder is immediatly behind the props.
 
Sailed her again on Saturday and she went a little better, a bit faster but I still had some trouble with the throttle linkage.
 
I do have some slight issues which are not uncommon with a new model steamer:
 
1) The engine appears to leak rather too much steam/water so I guess my engineering skills aren't quite as good as I had hoped! Neverthe less I still get 25/30 mins continuious sailing. It may improve with further running in.
 
2) Speed. This is fine with a good boiler pressure but soon drops off. I can increase the flame but then find I am running out of gas. I'm having trouble getting a full tank and suspect the valve. On the up side I can sit still and wait for the boiler pressure to build and then do a spurt accross the lake.
 
3) I have a displacement oil lubricator but after runing can see no emulsification of the oil and suspect it's not working but have no idea why - any suggestions?
 
 
Cheers
 
Geoff 
 

[Geoff]

As an update I have done some further sailing and she is performing much better, slightly higher speed and duration max 30 mins.
 
There is a steam fair comming up at Barlylands in Billericay, Essex, in September and Velox will be there on Saturday if anyone interested.
 
If you haven't been to Barlylands before its very much a steam traction engine/farm craft type venue but really quite good. The model club I belong to, Southend Model Power Boat, takes the lead role and assists with orgainsation and there is invariably a large tent with 60 + models from various clubs on display. We sail on the farmers reservoir so they can all be seen in action.
 
Cheers
 
Geoff

[TailUK]

Geoff
   I hope you can get some video, I'd very much like to see her running and there no chance of me getting to Essex.
 
    I hope you won't take this amiss but have you thought about using a darker blue on your crewmen?  It's such a nice model but the crew are a little bright for RN uniforms.  Sorry!

[Geoff]

I agree with the darker blue for the crew. The tin showed it to be dark blue but I agree it's a little too bright!
 
Cheers
 
Geoff