Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: Paul R on November 27, 2011, 04:37:04 pm

Title: Which Steam Plant to Use For 1st Steam Powered Model Boat
Post by: Paul R on November 27, 2011, 04:37:04 pm

Hi...

Thinking of making a steam powered model boat, its got to be simple and straightforward, single cylinder. Been looking at Mamod and Willesco marine steam plants, not sure if they run on fuel tablets or meths, do these power plants make a reasonable steam model, I'm not looking for speed, or complexity, and the cost has got to be kept low, 
Any advice on the above will be appreciated.

thanks..

Title: Re: Which Steam Plant to Use For 1st Steam Powered Model Boat
Post by: john s 2 on November 27, 2011, 05:58:36 pm

All new Mamods now use fuel tablets as do Wilesco.There are also gas conversions. I understand that Mamod changed from meths to solid fuel when an American had a mishap with a meths burner. So in this health and safety age the change was made. Mamod used to make a simple single cylinder marine steam plant.Meths of course.These do come up from time to time on E Bay etc.Wilesco do still make marine plants. Enjoy your adventures into steam Its great fun.John.   

Title: Re: Which Steam Plant to Use For 1st Steam Powered Model Boat
Post by: sinxalot on November 29, 2011, 10:01:24 am

theres a mamod on uk. e bay right now but your probably better off starting with a midwest  heritage ,it's a small vertical boiler and single cylinder oscillator engine, it won't break the bank to buy or operate and can power small models of around 20 inches in length,it runs on sterno or tablets.midwest also have a small fantale launch kit thats easy to build,  many have been built using the heritage engine
I don't know who sells them in the uk. but tower hobbies in the usa have the in stock.Wilesco have three marine steam engines complete with boilers,the d48 is gas (butane)powered with twin cylinders,it will power boats of around 30inches or so and is the most expensive,the d49 is solid fuelled with a vertical boiler and vee twin engine it's also a little cheaper,the smallest is the d52, horizontal boiler and single cylinder,this engine is also solid fuel fired.There is a single cylinder oscillator in kit form , unit engine (u.s.e.) sold in the uk. and on e bay ,but ,you'll still need a suitable boiler.Most other steam units on the market tend to make a hole in the wallet,unless you can sell the wife and kids!  %)that,s the threat I use to keep them out of my shed :}
Cheers Col

Title: Re: Which Steam Plant to Use For 1st Steam Powered Model Boat
Post by: HS93 (RIP) on November 29, 2011, 10:08:06 am

what are you thinking of spending on your steam plant ?

Peter