Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: knoby on January 18, 2009, 01:06:54 am
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hi, can anyone suggest a suitable boiler for a cheddar gemini engine? I am converting an empire tug from electric to steam & am restricted for space a little. therefore a vertical or
return flue boiler would be preferable. many thanks for any suggestions
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they came with a type two boiler as Cheddar called them , they where not a big boiler but quite efficient the engine does not req a Massive amount of steam, I would contact the likes of http://www.maccsteam.com/ or www.cheddarvalleysteam.co.uk How small is the hull as I Have seen a Gemini with a type two in a 32" tug with space to spare for tanks etc, any pictures of the space you have.
Proteus
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Stuart Models has started selling the Puffin Type two horizontal boiler again which is the same boiler Proteus is referring to. Cheddar Models paired this boiler for the Gemini engine. It was a great combination that work well.
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:-)) Thanks guys. the boat is a 40 inch mounfleet models Empire tug. I know your going to say theres loads of room, & i agree. but the smoke stack is in the middle & i was looking for the easiest solution. I was surprised the engine doesn't require that much steam. I looked at the macsteam 3.5 inch vertical, which would fit nicely, it gives 405 cubic inches/ min & i wasn't sure that would be sufficient.Also this boiler only gives about 1.25 inches clearance to the top of the superstructure & felt that was a bit small.
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Use a cranked chimney tube have a look on Bunkerbarges build , I have made one in the past they are not that hard or I am shore Mack steam would make one , you can separate engine and boiler or turn boiler around.
Proteus
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6094.0
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If you are interested in keeping your steam plant Cheddar I have a spare horizontal boiler:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69998588@N00/sets/72157612333168426/
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If you are interested in keeping your steam plant Cheddar I have a spare horizontal boiler:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69998588@N00/sets/72157612333168426/
is that a that a Stuart Boiler? I was not aware Cheddar ever used that boiler, ?
Proteus
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If you are interested in keeping your steam plant Cheddar I have a spare horizontal boiler:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69998588@N00/sets/72157612333168426/
is that a that a Stuart Boiler? I was not aware Cheddar ever used that boiler, ?
Proteus
It's a Cheddar Models 3500, I have the operating instructions for it.
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i am interested in the boiler, any chance of some overall dimensions, to see if its suitable?
thx
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I know the boiler tube is 180mm x 90mm, I can take more measurements if you need. I don't have a chimney for it.
Ideally I'd like to swap it for some Aster, Saito or Hemmens stuff, but open to offers.
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Thanks logoman, but i don't think the boiler will be suitable for me.
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no problem.
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many thanks for all your help guys. i have now found a boiler i hope will be suitable. its 3 inch o/d by 6 inch long with a centre flue. i am going to pressure test it this week & hopefully bench run it at the weekend to see what kind of run time it gives me. if all is OK , i then have the not so easy task of fitting it all in to the boat.
before you all send me posts telling me to be careful, i have done this before & am fully aware of the risks. ( i hope) lol. but i may need some more advice when it comes to fitting it to the boat.
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Don't forget that the run time you get on the bench will be significantly longer than you will get on the water unless you put a suitable load on the shaft.
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thats a good point. any suggestions how i can load it up a bit? or how much extra run time i will get without load?
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If at all possible I would put it together in the hull and do a test actually in a test tank (bath) or on a pond to get a more accurate idea of endurance. This won't be perfect but a lot more accurate than anything else.
My own initial tests were done on the pond with an open hull, the plant all in place and estimated ballast added. Have a look at the Ben Ain build thread to see what I did. When that bit was all proven then I progressed the model and started to put decks on etc.
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I fired the boiler up today, & got a run time of 25 mins before i got grief from 'her' & had to turn it off!!! so i think that will do. I have a Cheddar boiler control system that i intend to use with this plant so i should get a decent run time
many thanks for your help & suggestions on this matter
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knoby......got grief may be an expression in your mind........but has little meaning in understanding...it is not nautical.....it is not an engineering based term nor related to steam.....
1) do you have a test certificate for your boiler?
2) did you check the functionality of the boiler relief valve during your steam up?
These points may seem 'mundane' but in reality :police: are very important for the safety of all concerned........Derek
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dear derick, GOT GRIEF is a technical term for the mrs shouting at me.
No i dont have a test certificate for the boiler, i ran it up in the gareden, but if u bothered to read the other parts of this thread , you would have seem that i already said i was going to pressure test it before firing. I do appreciate that steam boilers are dangerous, i been using them for over 20 years.
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knoby, I think until it is known what the level of experience of a particular member is as regards use of steam plant it is probably safest to assume less rather than more and so derek's warning is probably worthwhile mentioning under the circumstances and I for one appreciate him taking the time to bother saying something.
We all know the dangers faced by inexperienced modellers and anything we can do to help avoid anything horrible happening is worth while and a responsible approach. I'm sure derek meant well with his caution.
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i couldn't agree more bunkerbargs, dericks 2 points about the test & the safety valve were valid. No matter how experienced we are its always worth having a reminder about the inherent dangers of steam plants.
I just wasn't so keen on the patronising bits about the word grief. if i was new to this wonderful hobby, i am not sure such comments would have me rushing down to the lake to meet other steam enthusiasts.
this is a great hobby & we should welcome, encourage & help as many people as we can to enjoy it safely
cheers Glenn