Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: nitro gas on June 19, 2008, 12:05:40 pm
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Hi
I am considering of building my first steam boat
I have done some searching but cant make my mine what to have
The boat i will be useing was a cabin cruiser
Length 29 1/2l"
Beam 9 3/4"
It will have to be converted to fit the steamer which wont be a problem and the deck and hull will be deck planked.
The steamer i am considering is a WILESCO D52 which is on ebay at the moment £65 new
Does anyone know what this steamer is like and is it anygood for my build
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No reason why it wouldn't work, although it's a bit broad in the beam for a steamer and performance is not likely to be sparkling. Can you not lay your hands on something a bit more "period"?
Rick
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I am also watch this one
This is what they say about it
steam plant possibly from a model ship/boat. The copper tray it is in is 20"Long and 6.5"wide, What I believe is the engine(possibly not original) is an enclosed twin cylinder job made from alluminium, the boiler looks to be copper and it all looks to be well made. It has I think a spirit fired burner. I cannot se a makers name but feel it is profesionally built
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you may find the WILESCO D52 a bit disappointing for a few reasons, they are not self starting so you would not be able to stop or go in reverse, it would be a bit small for that hull and meth's burners are a bit troublesome on openlakes as they get blown out, the second choice boiler would have to have a boiler certificate to sail at some clubs, the engine does not look complete and the blowlamp type of heating may not be the best thing for someone new to steam. thats just my opinion.
Hs93
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HS93 is right, you don't really want an engine that's not self-starting in a boat, because you can end up with it stalling in the middle of the pond, and you're in for a swim.
If you want a Wilesco, the D49 is in my opinion the best choice, as it has a self starting V-twin engine and a very usable boiler. It's easy to retrofit it with a gas or alcohol burner and then you can have it running for over 30 minutes. Just check if it fits your boat.
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Totally agree with what has been said so far. You need a twin cylinder, double acting engine to ensure self starting and reversing, it could be in line or a 'V' configuration but the Wilesco you are looking at would be more of a frustration than anything and you are risking loosing it.
The second one you are looking at is almost certainly going to be a pile of trouble for you. It obviously hasn't run for a long time so will almost certainly require stripping down and refurbishing and spares will almost certainly have to be home made. A steam enthusiast will have his work cut out with that one and aluminium does not keep well over time if not looked after.
I'm afraid the bad news is that you are going to be into at least a couple of hundred pounds for the engine and probabaly the same if not more for a compatable boiler. If you keep your eye on eBay they do come up but you need to have an idea of what will be suitable to go together with what. The best deal for someone starting out is a boiler and engine together on a base but a modern unit with readily available spares and proof that the unit at least turns freely and produces steam.
Keep your eye open for a Cheddar unit such as a Pintail, a Hemmens unit such as the Richmond or maybe pick up a similar engine and buy a boiler from Maccsteam in Cheshire.
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Thanks all for the info
I will keep my eyes open for a twin sylinder
Thnks
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check the sales section on this website, there is my hemmens engine and boiler there for sale
:angel: :angel:
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Have a look at this engine , you can get it via there main web site as well. in fact its cheaper on there own web site.
Hs93
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Graupner-twin-cylinder-live-steam-boat-engine-boiler_W0QQitemZ160256389771QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item160256389771&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C65%3A10&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
http://shop.maidstone-engineering.co.uk/?mod=product&cat_id=10&product_id=2378