Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: logoman on July 18, 2011, 03:20:14 pm

Title: boiler lagging
Post by: logoman on July 18, 2011, 03:20:14 pm

It's not uncommon to see a lovely model steam boat spoiled by messy boiler lagging. If you can get your hands on a set of wad punches (I bought mine on ebay for £20) it's quite easy.

On this MH&B boiler I decided to do it with Kaowool underneath, making it a little more tricky, but better insulated.

First measure and mark the size and position of the holes that you will need for the fittings/dome/chimney on a piece of paper.
If the funnel is 20mm, draw a hole that is 21mm to make fitting easier later.

Sand the lagging strips on all sides and  slightly mitre their edges inwards so that they will follow the curve of the barrel.
Varnish all faces. Cut the lagging strips to a little over required length, and using double sided sticky tape, make a panel wide enough to accommodate the various holes.
Make sure that the lagging strips are wide face down. Transfer the markings for the holes from the paper to the panel. Make two other lagging panels for each side of the boiler.

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5943815370_8c3d14ec2e_b.jpg)

Using the wad punch on a piece of scrap wood, punch the holes in the panel of lagging. If the holes are a little too small it is very easy to make them larger by wrapping a piece of sandpaper around tube/bar of similar dimension and rotating inside the hole.
This technique can also be used to sharpen up the holes if the wad punch has dented the wood.

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5943816678_054f5c8998_b.jpg)

Use the drawing and wad punches again to cut the holes in the Kaowool. It is a good idea to stain the edges of the Kaowool black for a tidier end result.
A permanent marker will do. Wrap the Kaowool around the boiler and fix underneath with masking tape.

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5943817586_cbf8b4795d_b.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6126/5943818348_31fe275d5f_b.jpg)

Trim the end edges of all three panels to the correct length using a straight edge and a craft knife.

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/5943245191_943ab4b8bf_b.jpg)

To get the correct curvature of the top panel: With the backing still on, place a strip of double sided tape along the side of the boiler, and then carefully lay the panel on to the sticky side.
The holes are blocked with tape now, so cut the holes for the fittings etc through the tape with a craft knife. The old tape on the outside can be peeled of now.

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5943248373_c90191e73a_b.jpg)

Trim off the excess tape and then cut the panel in two down the center line of the fittings, cutting between two lagging strips.
Peel off the backing and carefully place the two pieces around the fittings and press down on to the Kaowool to stick in place.

Repeat this process for the two side panels. I stuck tape directly on to the Kaowool, and then butting the side panel up against the top panel first, attached it to the curve of the boiler.
Attach boiler bands.

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/5943251665_59b4f6f468_b.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/5943252713_960e8dca7f_b.jpg)

Title: Re: boiler lagging
Post by: KBIO on July 18, 2011, 05:29:48 pm

Hello Logoman!
It looks neat as usual! ok2
And a good way to remember for my nexte boiler! :-))
Regards!

Title: Re: boiler lagging
Post by: HS93 (RIP) on July 19, 2011, 12:05:48 am

Very nice   you dont fancy doing my Topaz boiler, where did you get the punches ?

Peter

Title: Re: boiler lagging
Post by: sunworksco on July 19, 2011, 04:14:58 am

You have inspired me to buy a wad punch tool kit!
On this side of the "pond" , MSC tools is a good purchase point.
Kind regards,
Giovanni

Title: Re: boiler lagging
Post by: logoman on July 19, 2011, 08:42:49 am

I have since learned that the best way to keep your wad punches in top order, is to punch into the end grain of a timber block.

Title: Re: boiler lagging
Post by: HS93 (RIP) on July 19, 2011, 11:22:23 am

where did you get the punch set ? as it looks like a nice set in a box so they stay sharp

Thanks

Peter

Title: Re: boiler lagging
Post by: derekwarner on July 19, 2011, 11:47:09 am

Thanks for sharing logoman.........a great endbuild & simple mini tutorial  O0...............especially with the double sided tape & Kaowool  insulation process  :-)) ..........

Vertical boilers do not pose the same challanges as horizontal boilers & my next build will incorporate your insulation design improvements

Far better than my superglue of the timber slats direct on boiler approach <:(........Derek .....

Title: Re: boiler lagging
Post by: logoman on July 19, 2011, 02:37:06 pm

Quote from: HS93 on July 19, 2011, 12:05:48 am

Very nice   you dont fancy doing my Topaz boiler, where did you get the punches ?

Peter

Hi Peter,
I bought mine second hand from ebay.
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=wad+punch+kit

Title: Re: boiler lagging
Post by: HS93 (RIP) on July 19, 2011, 05:12:42 pm

thank you for that


Peter

Title: Re: boiler lagging
Post by: kno3 on July 23, 2011, 11:26:32 pm

Looks nice, Miles