Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: SailorGreg on January 03, 2013, 10:43:14 pm

Title: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on January 03, 2013, 10:43:14 pm
Hi all,

I have been recording the build of my TVR1A steam plant on another thread here ("Oh no, not another TVR1A!"), and have just embarked on the build of the boat that it will power (I hope!).  I have bought a Solent steam launch hull from Models by Design, and this is what you get when you take it out of the packaging (although the simple stand is my own concoction, not part of the deal).  I should say straight away that my choice of hull was influenced heavily by Andy Wright's lovely build here http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3755.msg49829#msg49829 and if mine turns out half as good as his I'll be well pleased.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/solenthull_zps32c21298.jpg)

You also get a full size drawing of the side and top elevations of the finished boat with some construction suggestions, although the dimensions of the drawing don't exactly match the moulding.  This isn't a particular problem - I find the drawing very useful for planning and doodling, but all measurements need to be taken from the actual hull.  The hull is nominally 1/8 scale, which fits pretty well with my engine and boiler (for example, the boiler is 6" long, which would make it 4 feet at full size - sounds about right for a small boiler).

I decided that I wasn't all that keen on the deck moulding.  Nothing wrong with the moulding itself, but I didn't take to the way the cockpit narrows in the forward part and I have decided to build a wooden deck straight onto the hull.  This also allows me to make more room for the steam plant - the drawing shows a vertical boiler, while I have a horizontal one and this obviously takes up a little more space.

My first alteration was purely cosmetic; with a wood deck, I wanted a wood stem showing above the bow.  This meant removing part of the moulding and inserting a wooden replacement.  This only had to be enough to show above the deck, as the hull will be painted, so I only removed enough to give my wood insert a good gluing surface.  Here's the original bow with my cut lines marked -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/solentbow_zps5586ab24.jpg)

and here's the section cut out -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/bowremoved_zps3c4a1104.jpg)

I am undecided about the exact design of the deck planking at the moment, but the margin board around the gunwhale and the top strake of the hull will be varnished sapele.  That said, I actually used a piece of apple for the insert (just because I like it) and here it is glued in place with a very rough sketch of the final shape on it.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/newbowpiece_zps787315b1.jpg)

All the internal structure is going to be douglas fir, if only because I have plentiful offcuts from a small (but full scale) boat I built a couple of years ago.  It is also easy to work, reasonably light and flexible.   I made up some 10mm square pieces for the major deck beams as well as some temporary hull braces - the hull is quite flexible around the top until some structure is inserted. 

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/hullbraces_zpsbf9f0d85.jpg)

The first real structural parts to be put in place are the floors that will carry the steam plant.  I need to get the position of that fixed before I finalise the details of the surrounding structure.  Shaping the floors to fit the hull is fairly easy if you follow logical steps.  I used some 6mm ply to make patterns, as follows.  First, I marked on the hull where I wanted the floors to be, then I cut a piece of ply to roughly fit into one side of the hull at the first of these positions.  Holding it in place, I spiled the shape of the hull onto this by running a pencil around the inside of the hull.  Take the ply to the disc sander, sand to the pencil line and the piece should fit nicely.  Of course, it doesn't, so have another go until you get it acceptable.  Make a duplicate for the other side of the hull, then clamp the two pieces together  - it is much easier to get the first pass with two halves rather than trying to do a full pattern straight off.  Put the pattern back into the hull and check for fit -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/spilingfloors_zps8dca3e24.jpg)

Assuming you have a reasonable fit, copy the full pattern onto another piece of ply, cut that out and put into place.  I also made sure that the top of the pattern was horizontal with a small spirit level, then spiled the full pattern one more time.  You can see a finished pattern in the background of the picture above, and here are three complete ones -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/floorpatterns_zps7346e2f9.jpg)

These are much higher than I need the finished floors to be, and that leads me to my first question.  The drawing supplied with the hull shows the steam plant mounted fairly high up in the hull.  The hull form does not demand this - it is quite beamy and fairly flat-bottomed so my steam plant can sit quite low in the hull.  Apart from stability issues, the illustrated installation means that the prop shaft has to be installed at quite a steep angle.  The only benefit I can see is that the inboard end of the prop shaft is above the waterline.  I know in full size this is not required, but do models normally require this because otherwise the tubes leak?  (Perhaps I should have mentioned that I've never built a working model boat before   :embarrassed: :o - oh, you'd guessed!)  So can I place my plant low in the hull, make the prop shaft more horizontal and keep away from stability issues, or will I just gradually sink?

And my second question (already posed on the other thread but without any response yet) - in all other steam launches I have seen, the water tank to top up the boiler is a separate moulding or metal construction - and given that most are in the bow, they are not an easy shape to create.  Is there any reason why I cannot simply create a tank within the hull by epoxying in two bulkheads and a floor?  It seems much easier than trying to make or buy a weirdly shaped tank, but nobody (as far as I can see) does it that way.  Any views?

Well that's it for now.  It might be a while before the next episode as I plan to plank the inside of the hull to hide the surface of the moulding so I'll be producing dust with the saw and thickness sander for a little while.  More douglas fir, and if I feel really keen some ash ribs as well.  We'll see how it goes!

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on January 03, 2013, 11:03:34 pm
Hi Greg, Pack the shaft with lithium grease or similar, bur avoid the heavier greases as they will cause drag and waste power, I use lithium grease because I already had some. I cannot see any reason why you could not use the bow compartment as a tank, just make sure all is well waterproofed and you should be ok. There may be an effect on the boats trim as the water is used up, a pint of water weighs about 20 ounces, which is a fair bit of weight. You will also need to make provision for a vent and filling arrangements. However, you could route the flow from the by-pass valve back into the tank instead of loosing it overboard. Good luck with the build,
Regards,
Nick. :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on January 03, 2013, 11:22:48 pm
I was writing a post but Nick beat me to it. I agree with Nick but I use ordinary gp grease with no probs. Ditto your idea for feedwater tank. It works on narrowboats for fresh water. Do you need a tank? Are you going to steam in salt water or very dirty water?  If not then is a tank necessary? I've run for a good long season drawing straight from the lake with no ill effects and BernhardBB has done it for yonks. Unless you are ok working out KG, KB and GM then keep every weight as low as possible. It doesn't matter if she's stiff cos you aren't aboard. Too tender and you risk swamping in a stiff squall. Looking good so far.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on January 04, 2013, 05:44:19 pm
Thanks guys for the reassurance.  I have now ordered a Prop Shop prop and shaft so should be able to start drilling holes in the hull soon.  I must also do some early bath tank testing to make sure I am not going to end up with a badly unbalanced hull.  I don't expect to, given that others have been here before me but it's probably best to check before I glue too much in place.  Suddenly realised I am going to have to get a battery, receiver, servos and so on to get a proper loading in the boat.  Does the spending never end?  {:-{  I feel a visit to the model shop coming on.  :-)

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on January 14, 2013, 12:20:19 pm
Ooooh, snow this morning!  I'm a kid again  %)

Well things have been a bit slow recently, but I have added a little bit of structure to the hull.  Firstly, I glued inwhales around the top of the hull to give some rigidity and something to fit the deck structure to. 

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/inwhalesglued_zpsa5db3327.jpg)

If you look very carefully at the bottom left of the picture you can just make out that I actually made these from two thin strips laminated in place.  This is a lot easier than bending a 10mm square piece around the inside of the hull.  I didn't try and take these round the curved stern area, it seemed much simpler to make up a pattern and cut a piece to shape.  Fortunately I'd just finished a box of Shredded Wheat.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/sternpattern_zps69d68ecb.jpg)

I made a blank to fit the required curve with a couple of lap joints (no, that's not places where you see dodgy dancing....   :o )

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/sternblank_zps37b5dee4.jpg)

then cut it to shape and glued in place.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/sternglued_zps1b724774.jpg)

I have also added a couple of deck beams towards the bow.  These will support bulkheads that will form my water tank.  Here they are in place with the first bulkhead shaped and in position.  When these are glued in place I will seal the inside of the tank with a coat or two of epoxy (these are 6mm marine ply so that if any water does get through a tiny gap in the epoxy it shouldn't matter too much).

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/frontbulkhead_zpsea98a86d.jpg)

The deck beams have a small camber of about 3mm at maximum beam so the deck won't be completely flat.

As I said before, I plan to plank the inside of the hull and have milled the planks for this.  I am fortunate to have a fairly well equipped workshop, and making the planks is straightforward if a bit time consuming.  I prepared some lengths of douglas fir by ripping them to just over 10mm thick then planing them all round to get fair surfaces.  I then ripped a plank off each 10mm edge -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/cuttingplanks_zps61559c88.jpg)

and then planed the sawn surface flat on the planer

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/surfaceplaning_zpsab9f99a5.jpg)

before ripping a couple more planks.  You can actually work on quite small sections of timber with full size tools as long as you keep things sharp and use lots of push sticks  O0 O0 .  I ended up with a whole bunch of 10mm x 2mm planks each with one planed face and one sawn face.  I sanded the sawn face on my home-brewed thickness sander and had my finished planks ready to go. (If you are interested in the thickness sander, it is described here - http://www.modelshipworld.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20982)

My next job is to fair the inside of the hull to give a good surface for the planks to stick to.  Any advice on gluing welcome - contact adhesive?  Super glue?  Something else?  Bearing in mind there will be a steam plant working close by, I don't want anything that might fail if warmed up a bit! 

Snow's all gone now  :((

Greg



Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: KNO3 on January 19, 2013, 10:01:57 am
That's a nice hull, with your wooden details it should make a very nice boat. What length is it?
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on January 19, 2013, 01:05:41 pm
It's 42" long, or 1067mm if you prefer.

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on January 29, 2013, 06:50:58 pm
Been a bit nippy recently hasn't it?  My proposal to move the build onto the dining room table didn't seem to go down too well.  Oh well, the bruises are nearly gone  :}

I have made a bit of progress though.  I have lined the inside of the hull (or at least as much as will be visible) with my douglas fir planks.  I used contact adhesive, and rather wish I hadn't.  It needed some encouragement to keep the planks in place as you can see.  Almost certainly user error, although the bits that are stuck are REALLY stuck!

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/innercladding_zps3038dd65.jpg)

It stayed in place when I took the clamps off, mostly.  A fair bit of superglue on the seams has stabilised the whole lot, but after I had done both sides I came across Bryan Young's espousal of double sided tape and wondered if that might have been better.  Not to worry, a coat of epoxy will soon seal everything in place.

I bought a Prop Shop prop and shaft, the 2.4" diameter, 4" pitch 4-bladed one.  Starting from scratch I would have had little idea of what to buy, but there's a sticky at the top of the Steam page called "TVR1A prop size" - gosh, that's handy!  That and other discussions here pointed me in the right direction.  This size of prop will project below the bottom of the hull as shown rather indistinctly here -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/overlappingprop_zps35a8c3b0.jpg)

and I wanted to make sure it couldn't hit anything when sailing.  I also wanted to provide support for the bottom of the rudder, so I added this piece to the bottom of the hull to both protect the prop and give me a place to fix a rudder support.  This is epoxied in place with a screw through from inside the hull.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/propinfill_zpsc4110dee.jpg)

I also had a go at making a rudder.  Most launches like this seem to have a piece of brass sheet soldered or glued to the rudder shaft but I didn't have any brass sheet while I did have lots of wood.  I drilled a small hole in the rudder shaft to take a short piece of thick copper wire to discourage the shaft from rotating in the blade and then epoxied it all together resulting in this rather messy first attempt.  I'll see what it looks like when profiled and painted (and yes, I did start digging the little trough for the copper wire in the wrong place!)

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/rudder_zpscb7b7b03.jpg)

After this I went back to my integral water tank.  I coated the inside with epoxy and ran an epoxy/microballoon fillet around the joins to make the whole thing watertight. 

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/sealedwatertank_zpse771bf39.jpg)

Right at the bottom you can see the end of the tube that is the water outlet leading to the pump.  At the top is one of two breather tubes so I don't end up with a vacuum in here!  Once the epoxy was dry I filled the tank and left it for a couple of hours.  Perfectly watertight.  :-)) :-))   It holds well over a litre which is more than the boiler capacity, so should be enough for an extended cruise.

Last thing for this episode is the king plank for the foredeck, which is now in place.  The square hole is for the samson post which will go down to the bottom of the hull. 

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/kingplank_zpsf3830a58.jpg)

I made this nice and wide so I can fit a filler for the water tank - on which subject, does anyone know where I can get a nice brass one that would suit?  I haven't looked very hard yet, but if you know of a good one, I'd be happy to hear.

That's all for now.  Hopefully we won't get another freezing spell too soon or I'll have to risk life and limb to get anything done!

Greg


Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on February 03, 2013, 03:01:19 pm
Hi Greg, try one of the model engineering suppliers who do traction engines, I am sure you will find a nice brass filler cap on one of their sites. Have you thought about a coupling yet. I recall you mentioning it on Muleers thread, here is a couple of shots of the one I have just made for my African queen, basically, a Meccano disk wheel, with 2 steel roll pins, (about 20p each from a motor factors) fitted in the flywheel to line up with the holes in the disk wheel. Simple, cheap and effective.
Regards,
Nick.
(http://s18.postimage.org/up18z7etl/Mechano_wheel_coupling.jpg)



(http://s18.postimage.org/ea7bmmwuh/TVR_temporarily_in_place.jpg)
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on February 04, 2013, 07:18:52 pm
Thanks for that Nick - yes, I do plan a prop shaft/engine connection something like that or the one that Muleears has used (now that he seems to have fixed his annoying rattle).  On the filler cap, I have had yet another offer of help from George (ooyah2) who seems to be putting nearly as much into this boat as I am!   :-) :-)

Looking back over the thread, I notice I appear to have completely ignored Jerry's query a while back about whether I need a water tank at all, or could I just take water from the pond?  Sorry Jerry - not intentionally ignoring you.  The answer is that my likely "home waters" is a rather murky pond - it's only a couple of feet deep but you have no chance of seeing the bottom.  It collects a lot of rainwater run-off (at least it has lately!) and the associated detritus and muck.  There is also a chance I will be sailing in salt water occasionally as I live a stone's throw from the sea.  So using pond water is an unknown and possibly dodgy route, hence my incorporation of the water tank. Obviously I will have to do some experimenting with trim to get the best balance of run duration and stability when fully loaded.  Don't want the prop pointing at the sky!  :}

I am progressing quite slowly at the moment, doing lots of little bits and pieces but not really anything worth showing.  I am also being dragged away kicking and screaming to lie on a sunny beach for the next couple of weeks, so the boatyard will fall silent for a bit.  And then it's spring time!  Yippee!   :-)) :-))

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on February 04, 2013, 07:30:36 pm
Our lake at New Brighton contains fresh water from the water main, so is relatively clean. I plan on using a nitro car fuel filter on the suction side of the pump to make sure no bits get into my boiler. A tank would be best if you are sailing in sea water or a very muddy pond. Salt water would cause havoc in your nice copper boiler. Have fun 'abroad', only ever been once myself, did not like it at all, too hot, too noisy and too many drunks flying about for my liking....
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on February 21, 2013, 06:06:52 pm
Back from far flung places.  Gosh, it's cold here isn't it!

One thing I have found on my return is that another forum I frequent has had a major crash (while in the process of upgrading the website) and lost all of its history - many years and many hundreds of posts of some brilliant and complex models, all gone.   <:( <:( This is the site I referred to here -
I sanded the sawn face on my home-brewed thickness sander and had my finished planks ready to go. (If you are interested in the thickness sander, it is described here - http://www.modelshipworld.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20982 (http://www.modelshipworld.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20982))
- so if any of you have any interest in my thickness sander I suggest you PM me.

Came back with a stinking cold (there's always a price for having fun) so staying in the warm for a couple of days.  Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: frog32 on March 29, 2013, 10:03:25 pm
Hi Greg.  Hope your cold is better and you have now got used to the cold weather.
I am missing your blog on constructing the Solent hull.  I have just received my hull and started to lay out things.  I am using the same as you, a Maccsteam boiler with a TVR1A engine. 
I have put my hull in the bath and have reached the same conclusion as you that with the boiler and engine about midships the prop shaft angle is quite steep so I am at present trying to position the engine much closer to the rear of the boiler.  I have also realised that I will have to angle the engine to give the propshaft couplings better alignment.
Hope to see your blog up and running again real soon.  I am a 'first time' boat builder so any information is of great assistance.
I am not the world's most competent computer user but maybe can persuade my whizz kid son to assist me in putting up some pictures of my own!  Regards.  Roger.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on March 30, 2013, 10:34:49 am
Hi Roger, thanks for the nudge.  I am fully recovered although the temperature in the workshop doesn't seem to have improved much!  It's been a bit of two steps forward one step back with the little work I have been able to do, so not much real progress to show.  I am not going to get to the boat this weekend, but will post something next week just to prove I haven't given up completely!

Great to hear that you are embarking on the same build.  Do start a log, and we can swap information and ideas.  One thing I did discover fairly early on is that the hull is not entirely symmetrical, so making anything to fit in the hull needs careful measurement.  I found this especially tricky when putting the rudder in.  Depending on how you measure its position, you can end up with slightly different "central" positions.  This was certainly one of my "one step back" points!  I'll expand a bit more next week.

Good luck with your build.

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: frog32 on March 30, 2013, 02:41:31 pm
Hi Greg.  Yes, there has been a lack of progress this end too as my workshop is not much warmer than the North Pole!
I was interested to hear that you too have a non-symmetrical hull - I did wonder if I had purchased a
Gondola  hull in error!  On my hull there appears to be a discrepancy of about 8mm.  If you take a centre line through the keel and follow it down through the boat it does not converge with the centre line of the curve of the stern.  I therefore intend to instal the rudder post on the centre of the keel from underneath but not bring the rudder post up through the rear deck.  I am doing away with the tiller arm for two reasons. 1. It will not come out centre of the stern and will make planking the rear deck difficult.  2. I am going to have a rear top hatch to enable access to the rudder servo and receiver rather than removing the rear bulkhead as per drawing.
How do I post images? I know how to reduce image size but people seem to use web sites to store their images and down load them from there.  When I use E-bay I just get them from the photo library on my computer; as I said earlier computers are not my best skill!
Looking forward to next week's episode.  Roger

Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: muleears on April 02, 2013, 09:33:48 am
Frog,

Posting images is much the same as for ebay, just select the "Attachments and other options" link below the text window, then select "Browse" and go to your picture location on your computer and select the one(s) you want.  It will place the pic below your text in the text window.

Hope this helps! O0
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on April 04, 2013, 06:10:11 pm
As promised, an update on the painfully slow progress over the last few weeks  :(( .  Just come in from the workshop through flurries of snow.  I had hoped to get some gluing done but I don't want to try it if there's a poor chance of the glue curing properly.  It is going to get warmer, right?  O0 O0

OK, first my appeal for a filler cap for my water tank.  The one below actually came out of the scrap box of a friend, and fitted the bill perfectly - talk about good luck - and good friends!  I have set it into the king plank and will plank around it when I fit the foredeck.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/fillercap_zpsd5632c1d.jpg)

I had a bit of trouble deriving the shape for the rear bulkhead and ended up gluing pieces of card to a piece of ply as shown below to produce a series of points that when joined up give a pretty good shape. 

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/sternframetemplate_zps077ed8f5.jpg)

Here is the finished article.  The cutouts are for wiring from the receiver to servos and from the battery to the receiver - I plan at the moment to put the battery under a seat in the stern area and the servos will be close to the engine with rigid control rods.  At least, that's the plan at the moment!

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/sternbulkhead_zps5cd2ef1f.jpg)

Part of the issue with getting the shape for this part is that the hull is not symmetrical, particularly aft of amidships.  This caused some grief with fitting the rudder tube.  Naively I measured the beam where I wanted the tube to be, divided this by 2 and marked this position on the inside of the hull.  I drilled a pilot hole and then looked underneath.  The hole was nowhere near the centre of the hull as defined by the keel.  After some fruitless attempts to find some compromise I gave up and did as Roger mentions in his message above - put the rudder in line with the keel and accept that the rudder post will not appear central in the stern deck.  I had intended to fit an external tiller, but like Roger I will now abandon that and keep all the workings hidden.  Also like Roger, I plan to have a hatch in the deck rather than a removable section of the bulkhead to get to the steering servo and receiver.  I also had a bit of a slip fitting the rudder as the wood block I fixed inside the hull slipped a little unnoticed by me and ended up too far forward.  Rather than trying to dig it out, I just put another piece behind it and fitted the tube in that.  The block(s) is fixed in place with Plastic Padding Marine Filler which I have used on full size boats and is handy stuff, both for filling scratches and dinks and low-stress gluing jobs.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/rudderblock_zps58bbfbcb.jpg)

The next task was to fit the engine bearers into the hull.  I am going to place the engine and boiler as low as possible in the hull, so these bearers are only deep enough to get the baseplate sitting level in the hull and to take the countersunk bolts that will be set into the bearers to hold the baseplate.  Here are the bearers cut roughly to size and shape.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/enginebearers_zps27e9ba67.jpg)

(A small deviation here - I said in reply to PO Nick a while ago that I intended to connect the engine to the propshaft with a "pin and wheel" arrangement.  You might spot in the photo above a conventional universal joint on the end of the propshaft.  I have decided to give this a go.  I will leave the propshaft tube floating loose until the engine is fitted and then connect the engine and propshaft with this joint.  Only then will I glue the tube in place in the hull.  I hope this will mean that alignment is, if not perfect, at least good enough!  Time will tell.)

Back to the engine bearers.  The two bearers at each end of the baseplate were then fixed to the baseplate using wing nuts.  I had hoped to find some knurled nuts for this but nobody seems to have these any more - I still hope to get them, so if anybody knows of a source of M5 knurled nuts ....?  Anyway, the baseplate with the two bearers attached looks like this from underneath -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/captivebolts_zpsb4a11498.jpg)

and like this from on top -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/baseplatefitting_zps4847d957.jpg)

I balked at paying the earth for a brass base so I have an aluminium one (still with the protective sheet on one side, hence the odd stripe).  I plan to fit some angle down each side to add some rigidity but don't plan to use it as a sump, so the ends will remain open.  When I get in the gluing mood, I will fix the bearers in place while attached to the baseplate.  This will allow me to check the baseplate is level in both directions and then I'll let the glue dry with the baseplate in situ.

That's about it for the moment.  A good mix of epoxy comes next to fix all the bits that are currently loose.  That should leave me with a hull that has the engine and propshaft aligned and in place and the bulkheads and rudder fitted.  Next will be the fixings for the servos and battery and mounting the boiler on the baseplate (the gas tank and oil separator are going to be mounted separately).  At that point I might even be able to raise steam to turn the propeller!

So with a fair helping of good fortune, progress will pick up a bit now!   :-)) :-)) :-))

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on April 04, 2013, 06:25:53 pm
Roger,

Sorry, meant to reply to your query about photo posting.  Cal (muleears) has pointed you in the right direction for attaching pictures directly.  Others use Photobucket or similar image hosting sites to put pictures up here - that is what I do (I use Photobucket).  It removes any worry about picture size and avoids issues that sometimes arise with directly attached images.  I wasn't too keen on the hassle of setting up yet another account on yet another website, but once done it is perfectly straightforward to load images onto the site, copy the address and paste that into your posting here - and lo and behold the picture appears in your message.

(There are some long "pinned" threads in the Chit Chat section here discussing photo sizing, hosting, attaching and so on.  If you have some time to spare you could dip into these, but be aware that much of the information in the earlier posts is out of date in one way or another.)

Hope that helps. 

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: grendel on April 04, 2013, 07:04:05 pm
knurled nuts - like these?
http://www.applegate.co.uk/listings/stock/boneham-and-turner-ltd/kn3ss-knurled-nut-stainless/KN3SS-22406.html
Grendel
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: grendel on April 04, 2013, 07:06:19 pm
or these?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M5-Knurled-Round-Nuts-/151008137120?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Nails_Fixing_MJ&hash=item2328c94fa0
Grendel
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: kiwimodeller on April 05, 2013, 10:20:04 am
Greg, If using a universal type coupling I have found that it is well worthwile making up a dummy solid coupler the same length as the universal joint to help with lining engine up to shaft while gluing the shaft and bearers in place. Also, if there is room I like to use a double universal joint but it is possible to get away with a single joint if things are tight. Cheers, Ian.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Circlip on April 05, 2013, 10:58:31 am
Don't forget, you can also put angled bearers/packers between the baseplate AND the engine baseplate to allow alignment.
 
  Regards  Ian.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on April 05, 2013, 11:47:52 am
Thanks everyone for the advice.

Yes grendel, those are exactly what I want!  Not sure why I didn't think of e-bay   :embarrassed:  Order now placed!

Ian and Ian - I guess I'll have a little play with alignment and positioning of engine and prop shaft before I finally glue things in place.  I might well end up packing the engine a little to tilt it into alignment with the shaft if that looks like a good way to solve the problem.

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on April 16, 2013, 11:38:03 am
I have now fitted the rudder (albeit temporarily) and the rudder servo mount, and begun the framing for the access hatch in the rear deck.  I've been struggling a bit with the rear deck because of the asymmetry of the hull.  Depending on how I assess the centre line I can end up with three different centres at the stern.  In the end I decided to go with making the deck and hatch look as visibly symmetrical as I could, and ignore the fact that it didn't necessarily line up with the centre line I had used to place engine, prop shaft and rudder.  This meant doing a bit of surgery to the framing I had already installed.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/sternframe_zpsdbaf4835.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/sternframe_zpsdbaf4835.jpg.html)

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/rudderfitted_zpsd9707f31.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/rudderfitted_zpsd9707f31.jpg.html)

I've also made a start on the framing at the front of the cockpit -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/frontframing_zps3fc463f7.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/frontframing_zps3fc463f7.jpg.html)

Note the knurled nut on the steam plant base - thanks grendel!

Not too much to show for a lot of thinking, measuring and changing my mind.  And now apparently the garden needs some urgent work.   >:-o >:-o   Sounds like an unwanted distraction to me, but marital harmony is a prerequisite to boat building, so here we go!

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on April 16, 2013, 12:51:20 pm
Looking good Greg, must be getting near time for sea trials....
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on April 26, 2013, 06:06:30 pm
Looking good Greg, must be getting near time for sea trials....

Well, they're closer now than they were a month ago....   :embarrassed:

And a little more progress is made - I've fitted the prop shaft as I planned, with the angle set by connecting it to the engine then stuffing thickened epoxy around the tube.  I made sure I filled the cavity in the keel under the shaft to prevent an inaccessible little cavity where all the grot and muck could gather.  Of course, I'm not actually planning to have any grot and muck in my nice shiny boat, but I rather suspect some will creep in!  O0

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/shaftalign_zps834553ea.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/shaftalign_zps834553ea.jpg.html)

The connection between the prop shaft and the engine is made with a stub of brass rod that is fixed in the flywheel and engages with the universal joint.  I shortened the crankshaft by about 6mm to make room for the rod.  I am sure all the engineers out there will be tutting away as this is clearly not a well thought-out solution and is due to my lack of detailed planning.  Sorry guys, and if it fails on the first outing you can all say I told you so!

I have also fitted the margin plank around the outside of the deck.  This is 2mm thick sapele and is fitted in sections with simple butt joints.  I did briefly contemplate attempting scarph joints but having done some of these at full size I know how difficult it is to get a neat looking join line - mine all ended up wavy or curved to some degree.  So butt joints it is.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/marginplank_zps328aadd6.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/marginplank_zps328aadd6.jpg.html)

Sometimes getting small clamps in place is tricky, so I improvised -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/levers_zps26c0eab0.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/levers_zps26c0eab0.jpg.html)

I hope you are all impressed that I tidy my bench before taking photos!   :embarrassed:   I also fitted the boiler supports to the baseplate so I can now reassemble the steam plant - you can see the boiler and engine in situ in the last but one picture.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/boilersupports_zps8a8c252e.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/boilersupports_zps8a8c252e.jpg.html)

Once I have put the steam plant back together I can get a better idea of the size and shape of the internal "furniture" - floors, benches and so on.  I am rather designing this on the fly, because although I drew out what I wanted I find it difficult to envisage how much space I'm going to need to get my fingers in to fiddle.  So until the plant is in the boat I won't go final on any internals.  That's next week's job, assuming the grass doesn't grow too quickly  <*<

Happy steaming

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on May 12, 2013, 05:22:29 pm
Well, tempus doesn't half fugit when you're having fun!  Can't believe it's over two weeks since my last post, but I have been getting some stuff done.

First off, I have added the plumbing for the pump.  Without the steam plant in place it looks like this.  The black silicon tubing is the feed to the pump and the brass tube is the return from the bypass valve.  The tubing is just pushed over a standard nipple silver soldered to the pipe.  There is also a nut behind it just in case I ever feel the need to replace the silicon with solidly connected brass tube.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/pumpreturn_zps0bac3f73.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/pumpreturn_zps0bac3f73.jpg.html)

Here is the bypass valve in place and everything connected - apart from the actual feed to the boiler which at the moment is the sealed pipe at the top of the picture.  The feed to the boiler will run up to a loop inside the chimney to heat the water, then back down to the valve in the boiler you see at the bottom of the picture.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/bypassvalve_zps7b55e8be.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/bypassvalve_zps7b55e8be.jpg.html)

I then ran the engine on air to check the pump was working and that I had no leaks.  Everything worked just fine!  This is the first test of George's pump which I have had for some months now, and it ran sweet as anything first time.   :-)) :-)) :-))

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/pumpworking_zpsf6e5f481.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/pumpworking_zpsf6e5f481.jpg.html)

The picture shows the return feed operating at full chat.  I should point out that the pipe you see running through the top of the water tank has no function other than ventilation.  The compartment forward of the water tank will be completely sealed once the deck is laid and I have this dislike of completely sealed compartments, so I have put this in to allow a liitle bit of fresh air in.

The next thing I did was to fit the forward floor which will support the gas tank, and veneer the forward bulkhead.  There is a removable panel in the floor that gives access to the joint between the water tank feed pipe and the silicon tube just in case some maintenance is required.  Having allowed for that, it probably won't, but if I sealed it under the floor it undoubtedly would!  O0

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/veneeredbulkhead_zpsb365410c.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/veneeredbulkhead_zpsb365410c.jpg.html)

I have progressed a little more already, but have no photos as yet.  I'll post a further update in less than 3 weeks - I promise! :embarrassed: :embarrassed: :embarrassed: :embarrassed:

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: andywright on May 22, 2013, 09:10:24 pm
Hi Greg, thankyou for your kind comments regarding my launch build, I see you hare getting on well and can see a lot of forward planning and good ideas, look forward to seeing the finished launch.
Regards Andy
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on May 26, 2013, 06:16:16 pm
Hi Andy, thanks for visiting.  As I said right at the beginning, your build helped me a lot to decide what hull to buy, and your finished product looks great.  If you have any tips for decking or finishing, I would love to hear them.

Just a few progress pictures now.  The good(ish) weather has taken me full size sailing so the last few days have been spent getting cold, wet and thoroughly exhilarated!  But the internals are starting to take shape.  This is the rear seat structure and where I plan to locate the batteries -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/rearseatsupport_zps9eab92a3.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/rearseatsupport_zps9eab92a3.jpg.html)

and here's the card template for the rear seat with the parts cut for it -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/rearseatparts_zpsacbe3370.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/rearseatparts_zpsacbe3370.jpg.html)

The seat and what I will call the port side walkway are in place here.  The servo on this side controls the throttle, while the servo on the unfinished starboard side controls forward/reverse.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/throttleservo_zpsb757d7c0.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/throttleservo_zpsb757d7c0.jpg.html)

I haven't fixed the starboard servo in yet as I need to work out exactly how it will operate the forward/reverse lever.  I know there are ways described in threads elsewhere, and I recall someone using a pin from an electrical plug as a lever, so I'll have to do some digging to find that and any other suggestions.  If someone has a simple, reliable mechanism for converting the servo rotary motion into the TVR1A up/down forward /reverse change, please feel free to leave a detailed drawing here!

I guess there is still a way to go before I actually finish, but I am seeing a faint glimmer at the end of the tunnel.  My only problem is having too many other toys (I know, you can't have too many, and he who dies with the most toys, wins!  :} :} ) plus one or two minor obligations like a marriage, a house, a garden, a car, ..... %% %% %% .

More work planned later next week, so hopefully launch date continues to move closer  :-)) :-))

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on May 26, 2013, 08:17:22 pm
Hi Greg. It was me who used the 13amp plug pin. Thread "Jerrys Steam Launch Wear".  Page 5, post #91 including pictures. Still working ok.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: andywright on May 26, 2013, 08:20:35 pm

Hi Greg, have sent pm, but the following should help.


I fitted a new lever to my TRV bent 90 degrees up on the side of the brass block holding the astern and ahead control arm, the servo was a standard one laid on its side and hidden under a 'storage box', the photos hopefully will be self explanatory .


(http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x196/lightshipman/IMAG0076.jpg) (http://s181.photobucket.com/user/lightshipman/media/IMAG0076.jpg.html)


(http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x196/lightshipman/IMAG0077.jpg) (http://s181.photobucket.com/user/lightshipman/media/IMAG0077.jpg.html)


And yes sailing, caravanning and fishing get in the way of modelling!!!!

 Andy
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on May 26, 2013, 10:09:03 pm
Jerry's earth pin from 13amp plug works a treat. I am using it on the African Queen......
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on May 28, 2013, 08:30:57 am
Thanks guys - the pictures are great and make it very clear.  (Strangely, I see Jerry's post 91 on page 3 of his log, not page 5 - do different browsers create different page breaks?)

Now to find an unused plug.  I can see many that I have no use for but that opinion might not be shared by the boss!   %)

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on May 28, 2013, 08:35:51 am
Curling tongs, hairdryers and hair straighteners are a good source of earth pins......
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on May 28, 2013, 08:53:37 am
And she can't punish you with them after. Possible reason for page change is that I have newest post on top?  Still, you found it. Looking good anyway.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on May 28, 2013, 09:23:28 am
Ah yes - I have the posts in chronological order.  That would explain it.

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Norseman on May 28, 2013, 10:05:03 am
Hi Greg

I have just found your build log and have enjoyed the lot - nice job.
I am becoming more and more steam curious every year.

Dave
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: rmaddock on May 28, 2013, 10:58:58 am
I am becoming more and more steam curious every year.

Ha, ha!  "Steam curious."  Nice way to put it and I understand the feeling completely  :embarrassed:

Good build log too! :-))
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on May 28, 2013, 10:59:59 am
Aye, yeh canna wack it!
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on May 30, 2013, 11:07:30 pm
I have a small confession to make.  I am one of those who keeps almost anything because the day might come when it will come in useful.  That is why I have a garage and workshop full of pieces of wood, jars of nuts, bolts, screws and various odd thingummies, various pieces of pipe, plastic and metal - well, you get the picture.   ;)

Well, I was idly sorting through one of my boxes of bits when I found this -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/earthpin_zpsb848c1f6.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/earthpin_zpsb848c1f6.jpg.html)

which after a few minutes with hacksaw and files became this -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/pinlever_zps3b79c9a2.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/pinlever_zps3b79c9a2.jpg.html)

See!  Told you it would come in useful!   {-) {-) {-)   For those who are puzzled by this, it will become the lever that operates the forward/reverse linkage as fitted by Jerry to his engine and referred to a few posts back.  Haven't fitted it to the engine yet, but now I know how I'm going to work that particular function and I have fixed the servo mount in place to do that.  I have also finished the basic structure of the port side walkway and the hump that hides the throttle servo. 

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/portwalkwayunderneath_zps3ae27c51.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/portwalkwayunderneath_zps3ae27c51.jpg.html)

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/portwwayfitted_zpsfd2a6d0c.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/portwwayfitted_zpsfd2a6d0c.jpg.html)

I have started the structure on the starboard side which will hold the forward/reverse servo now that I have fixed its position.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/stbdboxframe_zps3a12fa53.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/stbdboxframe_zps3a12fa53.jpg.html)

All this internal structure is just a matter of deciding what I want, cutting card templates to fit, making the pieces and gluing them together and finding a way to hold them in place (since I will need to remove them to get to the servos).

And I am still "steam curious" since I have never run a steam boat in my life!  But the day will come...... :-)

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on May 30, 2013, 11:19:16 pm
Well, that's odd.  When I tried to post the reply above, there was a worryingly long pause followed by a message telling me there was a connection error, couldn't contact the database, blah blah blah.  >>:-( I've had a few of these when just visiting the site, but this is the first time when posting a reply.

So I swore a little, thinking I'd lost the message and decided to go to bed.  But when I went back to the forum - there was my post!  So the system lied to me.  Grrr!  <*< I think I will copy and save future posts before trying to send them especially if they are quite long.  That way if the system does do the dirty on me I can recover both my composure and composition quite quickly.

Happy sailing!

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: chipchase on May 30, 2013, 11:32:20 pm
You are making a first class job of her Greg;  :-))  never thought of saving pins from old plugs; think of all that usable brass I have binned. {-)
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: derekwarner on May 31, 2013, 01:03:48 am
& Sailorgreg says......... "I have a small confession to make.  I am one of those who keeps almost anything because the day might come when it will come in useful"
I don't think your JC on the cross there Greg...... {-) ...your timber work is looking good too  :-)) ........Derek
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: grendel on May 31, 2013, 09:17:38 am
I do that too, then when you want it, it will be buried under everything else you have kept in case they become useful, I know I have a chop saw -- somewhere.
Grendel
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on June 10, 2013, 11:20:14 am
Thanks to everyone for the interest and comments.  It's encouraging to know that you are following this.  :-))

Progress continues.  I made some floorboards for the areas that might be walked on in a full size boat.  I admit that I did this because it was an easier option than doing a proper decking job for the floor.  I had some holly from a neighbour's tree I took down a little while ago, and made the floorboards out of this.  The construction is pretty obvious from the picture - a simple jig with a couple of cross pieces held in place with double sided tape and the other pieces glued across them, spaced with a spare length.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/buildingfloorboards_zps2824a5c0.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/buildingfloorboards_zps2824a5c0.jpg.html)

Here is the section for the seating area in place -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/aftfloorboards_zpsbfb3d6d7.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/aftfloorboards_zpsbfb3d6d7.jpg.html)

Holly is a lovely smooth white wood and I am tempted to leave them with a clear finish.  However, operating a steam plant next to them will probably mean they get a bit mucky, so I'll grit my teeth and paint them shortly.  Here is a general shot of the boat with the floorboards in place.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/progressearlyJune_zps3e3fa69d.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/progressearlyJune_zps3e3fa69d.jpg.html)

Next I completed the box that hides the forward/reverse servo -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/servocover_zps99126453.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/servocover_zps99126453.jpg.html)

Obviously I still need to cut a slot in this so the connection to the engine can be made.  I am holding most of my removable sections in place with small magnets glued in strategic positions -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/magnetlatch_zps6082c831.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/magnetlatch_zps6082c831.jpg.html)

with a washer or similar spare piece of steel glued to the removable bit in the appropriate place.  I found that if I let the magnet actually contact the steel, it held on very tight and removal was sometimes a struggle.  I positioned the magnets so there was a small air gap (about 1mm or a bit less) between the magnet and the piece when it was in position.  This seems to work well to keep everything in place but allows fairly easy removal.

The next bit was to start thinking about the deck.  I put a thin piece of the holly along the centre of the foredeck (and intend to put some along the gunwhales as well when I get there) and fixed the first planks each side of this.  I then began cutting the other planks to fit.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/firstdecking_zps3b3536cb.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/firstdecking_zps3b3536cb.jpg.html)

As the decking will form the top of my water tank, I had been pondering how I could seal the underside of the deck planks.  Obviously once the deck is laid there is no way I can get inside the tank to seal them.  Instead I superglued the planks to each other but not the deck beams so I ended up with a removable section.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/foredecksection_zps6bdd6acc.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/foredecksection_zps6bdd6acc.jpg.html)

I can now coat the underside of the deck sections and then glue them in place.

Well, that's it for the moment.  Next on my list is some more decking, making the control connections between the servos and the engine and fitting my oil trap/condenser to the steam plant.  I keep thinking I'm getting there, then look at the list of things still to do!  I am coming round to the idea that I will finish the boat functionally, put some minimum protection on the wood then try running it.  I want to do a nice paint job on the hull of course, and add some tiddly brass bits here and there, but my impatience to actually see the boat operating is growing.  A few corners might be cut, at least in the short term!   :} :}

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on June 11, 2013, 09:03:48 am
Reference the finish, I used gloss varnish with 2 or 3 coats of sanding sealer ( shellac) first. In use I've found very little mess from the motor and any I do get just wipes off with kitchen roll and brings back the shine. If you're going the satin finish route the same applies. Every few weeks I remove the plant and just give her a wash inside and out with flash and a paintbrush. Just go easy near the servos and Rx. She's looking great by the way. Wet your finger and wipe it on the wood will tell you what colour she'll be.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on June 11, 2013, 11:17:08 am
Thanks for that Jerry.  I'll certainly try that.  I don't know why I keep thinking there will be mess everywhere - there hasn't been when I have run the engine so far, so why should there be in the boat?  If it works for you I am sure it will work for me!

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on June 17, 2013, 06:58:23 pm
I've been pressing on with the decking.  Now that we are seeing the odd sunny day, I took the opportunity a few days ago to bring the boat outside.  This was the state of play at that time.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/sunnydecks_zpsae9c0424.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/sunnydecks_zpsae9c0424.jpg.html)

The decks are just about finished, with the exception of the two fiddly shaped pieces where the foredeck and side decks meet.  As I put the deck in place, I knew I would end up with these odd-shaped gaps and I had been wondering how I was going to get a piece to fit precisely.  This is how I did it (the pictures show a similar piece towards the stern).  First, I placed a thin piece of paper over the space and ran the side of a pencil lead along the edges of the planks already in place.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/tracing_zps84278864.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/tracing_zps84278864.jpg.html)

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/tracedgap_zps5954713d.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/tracedgap_zps5954713d.jpg.html)

I stuck this tracing to some stout card and cut out the shape.  Once the card piece was trimmed to an acceptable fit I stuck that to a piece of planking and cut that out.  I always erred on the large side, then gradually "crept up" on the final fit by sanding and checking, sanding and checking.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/finalfit_zps277de51a.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/finalfit_zps277de51a.jpg.html)

That bit fits OK, although there is an annoying gap at the left of the picture, and it's not the only one - I guess some filling will be required.

Once the deck was complete I used a Stanley knife blade to scrape the planks to produce a nice smooth, even surface.  Scraping is way better than sanding as it removes material more quickly, doesn't produce nearly as much fine dust, and is also (for me at least) a more satisfying process than rubbing a piece of paper over the wood. 

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/scraping_zps87b72f7a.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/scraping_zps87b72f7a.jpg.html)

I put a wood plug in the water tank filler - the last thing I want is sawdust being fed into my boiler!

I have also fitted the oil trap to the steam plant, which was just a matter of drilling a couple of holes and making up the pipework.  I still need to clad that to match the boiler.  I know there are some who say you shouldn't clad it because you actually want to lose heat there to encourage some steam to condense, but I am going to because I want it to look the part.   O0

Well, that's it for the moment.  The nice thing about getting the decks on is that it now looks like a finished boat.  I know it's not, but I feel I have passed a milestone.   :-) :-)

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: steam up on June 18, 2013, 01:18:44 am
Looking good  :-))
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on June 26, 2013, 01:20:02 pm
The next bit that I had been puzzling about was fitting the coaming around the deck.  I had assumed all along that I would need to steam some wood to get the fairly tight bends at the forward end -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/cockpitfront_zps0768ee38.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/cockpitfront_zps0768ee38.jpg.html)

so I dug out an old deep fat fryer I had been saving for just such an eventuality, made a lid from marine ply and fitted a piece of plastic drainpipe to it.  With the water boiling away and a good supply of steam coming out, I dropped a piece of wood into the pipe and put an old pudding basin over it to keep the steam in.  I didn't try and seal anything, as I wasn't keen on getting up too much pressure  ;) .

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/steamer_zps6cbf8421.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/steamer_zps6cbf8421.jpg.html)

I seemed to remember a rule of thumb for steaming of one hour for each inch of thickness.  My wood was about 1/16" thick, so I reckoned ten minutes should do it.  I had already prepared a mould shaped like the front end of the cockpit so I popped the wood into it and started to push it into shape.  Little splintering sounds gave me a clue that all was not well.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/ooops_zps16377824.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/ooops_zps16377824.jpg.html)

So I tried again and gave it a bit over 20 minutes this time.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/bentwood_zps7b01bbaf.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/bentwood_zps7b01bbaf.jpg.html)

Success!  I know mahogany-type timbers aren't ideal for steam bending, but this went into shape with a little bit of persuasion  <*< <*< .  I should say that the plastic pipe got very soft and I had to support it for a while to prevent it leaning over too far.  Next time (if there is a next time) I will provide some sort of support structure for it - or perhaps make a steam box out of wood.

I have also made up the rear hatch.  Having done it, I feel it is too big for the boat and looks clumsy, but I made it that size so I could get my fingers inside to the rudder workings.  Oh well, next time.....!  :embarrassed: :embarrassed:

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/rearhatch_zps9c5ddcf6.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/rearhatch_zps9c5ddcf6.jpg.html)

And now a question for the steam engineers out there.  When I tried to silver solder a nipple to the inlet of my oil trap, I couldn't get the pipe/nipple hot enough, however long I held the torch on it - the silver solder never ran into the joint.  I put a connector on the outlet with no trouble, but despite several attempts I could not get the solder to flow at the inlet.  The best I got was a lump of solder attached to the nipple.  I am confident the joint was clean and fluxed properly (at least, I did it the same way I have done all the others), so I guess the rest of the metal was acting as a heat sink - but in that case, why did the outlet one go fine?

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/reluctantsolder_zps514cf047.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/reluctantsolder_zps514cf047.jpg.html)

You can see the outlet at the top that appears to have soldered fine, but the inlet just has an ugly lump of solder that won't flow.  The nipple is still loose on the pipe.  Any ideas?  I might just revert to a piece of silicon tubing for this bit if I can't figure it out.

Apart from that little wrinkle, slow but steady progress.  Once the coaming is fitted I need to put some gunwhales round the hull, then that is just about it for the woodwork.  You never, know, I might just get steaming before Christmas!

Greg

Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: southsteyne2 on June 27, 2013, 12:39:25 am
Hi Greg seems to be a case of uneven heating possibly concentrating more heat o the nipple and the pipe not hot enough, the whole joint must be a cherry red glow may need to shut the blinds a bit so you can see and you should be ok also make sure you use the correct flux for your solder
hope this helps
John
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on June 27, 2013, 09:10:51 am
Hi Greg, agree with john, the whole joint must be cherry red. I use Cup Alloys silver solder paste for steam fittings, so easy to use, clean the joint, apply a little paste, push parts together and heat, gently at first, until the job go's cherry red, and you will see a nice silver ring appearing around the joint, job done. There is also the chance that you over heated the job and cooked the flux, preventing it from doing its work. Clean it all up and have another go, you will soon have it right....
Best wishes,
Nick.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on June 28, 2013, 11:52:41 am
Thanks guys for the responses.  I have had another go, with the same result.  I did a simple nipple-on-a-pipe joint at the same time to prove to myself I wasn't doing anything silly.  That one went fine.  However long I held the flame on the parts, I couldn't get it to glow red (unlike the pipe and nipple, which did).  So I conclude that my torch is too small to overcome the heat sink effect of the oil trap - and that my successful joint on the outlet pipe was a fluke!

Anyway, it's not critical to the working of the engine or boat, and I wanted to crack on with the timber cladding, so for the moment I am resorting to a piece of silicon tubing.  I might return to this some time in the future if it continues to bug me, but I am not going to hold everything else up for it.  I want to get steaming!   :-)) :-))

Thanks again for the advice.

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: KNO3 on June 30, 2013, 01:20:37 pm
On parts that aren't subjected to high temperature and pressure steam, like condensers, exhausts etc, you can safely use normal solder, which is also a lot easier and less likely to distort already finished components.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on July 07, 2013, 10:04:07 pm
Of course  - I should have realised that.  I have clad the oil trap with wood now, but the temperature I need for soft solder should allow me to manage a joint without too much trouble.  Thanks for the advice. 

Progress has slowed a bit recently as the better weather has tempted me off to other toys.  The coming week should give me a bit more building time and I still hope to get steaming during the good weather - assuming that lasts longer than the next few days  :-)

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on July 20, 2013, 04:27:33 pm
 Well, it's been a little while since the last update, but I haven't been entirely idle.  Firstly, I soft soldered the fitting to my oil trap without any damage to the wooden cladding – thanks for the nudge KNO3.


I have also fitted the coaming around the cockpit.  The steamed portion I glued in place using the mould as a clamping piece -



(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/coamingclamped_zpse98aa079.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/coamingclamped_zpse98aa079.jpg.html)


I added some straight pieces along the sides to complete the coaming.  Here it is being planed down to its finished height -


(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/planingcoaming_zpsbcb42048.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/planingcoaming_zpsbcb42048.jpg.html)


I am putting a thin strip of holly around the hull which will then be capped with a sapele gunwhale. The trickiest part of this is the curved stern area, and I went back to my steamer to see if I could shape the pieces before applying them.  I put a piece of holly and a piece of sapele in the steam for 20 minutes and tried to bend them.  The holly was fine, just like a piece of rubber, but the sapele snapped.  I left the holly to cool and dry, and thought about doing another piece of sapele.  In the end I decided to laminate some thin strips rather than try steaming a wood that clearly isn't very keen on it.  Here are the strips in the mould just to make sure they weren't going to break as well!


(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/sapelestrips_zps2e6f7b89.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/sapelestrips_zps2e6f7b89.jpg.html)


I glued the holly strip in place around the stern once it had dried out -



(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/hollystern_zpsa6e756d0.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/hollystern_zpsa6e756d0.jpg.html)


and then added further strips along each side.  Unfortunately I didn't have any stock long enough to do each side with a single strip, so there are some joins which I hope won't be too obvious when it's all finished.  At the foredeck I had to be a little inventive to clamp the strips in place while the glue cured.  I made up various pieces that mimicked the shape of the hull as seen here (and in the picture above of the stern) -


(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/clampingholly_zpsd92f09c1.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/clampingholly_zpsd92f09c1.jpg.html)


I also used some very small screws in a couple of places, which I will take out before I add the sapele capping.  Adding that should be a little easier as I will use wood glue rather than epoxy.  (I used epoxy for the holly because it was sticking to both the wood margin plank and the GRP of the hull.)


So progress is slow but steady.  Once the gunwhales are on, that's pretty much all the woodwork done, so it'll be on to varnishing/painting and integrating the steam plant.  That should be in the next update - unless the sun keeps shining and tempting me off to other things! As I think I've said before - too many toys!  :-)) :-)) :-))


Happy sunbathing  8)


Greg



 
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on July 20, 2013, 04:46:20 pm
Nice woodwork! :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on July 20, 2013, 05:32:37 pm
Thanks Nick.  I'm looking forward to getting some finish on it!

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on July 20, 2013, 05:37:27 pm
Puts mine to shame, I call it the 'lived in look' as an excuse for my rough joinery..... %) %) %)
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on July 20, 2013, 06:20:05 pm
It's really tricky, I know. I found I could bend  Sapele  easier than Mahogany but only just. Itching to see some varnish on her.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: muleears on July 22, 2013, 02:34:25 pm
Great looking boat Greg, looking forward to seeing her on the water!
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on July 24, 2013, 05:53:34 pm
Another quick update because I have run into a little "challenge"  {:-{

First, the good news.  All the woodwork is done and sanded - and sanded, and sanded.....  and sanded

Then I put a coat of sanding sealer on all the wood, and the whole thing came to life.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/sealedwood1_zps0c88ad5c.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/sealedwood1_zps0c88ad5c.jpg.html)

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/sealedwood2_zps5dc8a874.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/sealedwood2_zps5dc8a874.jpg.html)

I even had an admirer come to visit.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/admirer_zpsbf2fdaf5.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/admirer_zpsbf2fdaf5.jpg.html)

I am delighted with how she has turned out so far.   :} :} :} :} :} :} :}   Carried away with enthusiasm to get the first coat of varnish on, I sanded the sealer with some fine grade paper, and as it was a lovely day I did it outside.  Just as I was finishing I noticed a strange ridge on the foredeck.  That wasn't there before!    >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-(

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/crackedforedeck_zpsfa2c212f.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/crackedforedeck_zpsfa2c212f.jpg.html)

Obviously the glue joint has let go (or rather, I suspect I didn't make a proper joint in the first place).  I glued the deck planks with superglue, and I'm not sure why this joint has failed.  That said, it's not a glue I have used much at all in the past, and I have tended to use either epoxy or Titebond wood glue everywhere else.  I don't know if superglue has a dislike of sunlight - if it does, I had better get all the deck off now, because I plan to go sailing when the sun is shining!

I walked away when I found that crack and have pondered how to fix it.  Obviously I really don't want to have to start again, and my first attempt at fixing will probably be running more superglue into the joint and pressing it back into place - unless anyone has a better idea?  I cannot get at the underside of the deck, so all mending has to be from above - ideally without messing up my planking!  {:-{ {:-{ (And don't you just hate those close-ups that show every little blemish  O0 O0 )

I'll probably have a go at fixing it tomorrow and see how that goes.  If it refuses to stick, I can't see any alternative to taking the foredeck off and doing it all again  :(( :(( :(( .

Fingers crossed!

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on July 24, 2013, 08:24:56 pm

It's a shame that had to happen Greg.

I'm writing because I feel superglue might not be the best idea, as future water on to the surface may interfere with it and debond it again. I would recommend some alphatic resin wood glue if you can get it runny enough to permeate down inside.

Hope this helps

ken
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on July 24, 2013, 10:24:44 pm
Thanks for the sympathy Ken.  I thought moisture cured superglue rather than debonding it, hence the tendency for fingers to stick before whatever it is you are gluing - or are there different sorts?  The deck's not had any moisture on it (other than the sanding sealer - perhaps there was a reaction?).

Anyway, funny old thing - I went to have another look this evening and the deck is back flat again.  Barely any sign of a broken joint.  I guess it was the heat on the wood that lifted it.  But I still have a broken joint, so I guess it's back out into the sun tomorrow to try and get it to lift again, then glue on the exposed edge and push into place. 

Ken - I am a great fan of aliphatic glues (of which Titebond is my favourite) but the join is actually very tight (it looks perfectly good when closed), and I guess the plank edges have superglue on them, which would reduce the effectiveness of a glue designed to penetrate the wood.  I'll try superglue one more time and keep fingers, toes and everything else crossed.  If that fails I will return to the forum for further advice!

Greg


Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: vnkiwi on July 24, 2013, 10:58:46 pm
By leaving it out in the hot sun, you have altered the mosture content (taken moisture out) on the upper surface, and it has curled.
Overnight, when it has cooled down, the wood has picked up moisture and returned to 'normal'.
I wouldn't take it out into the sun again, but would now ease some liquid superglue into the crack, and allow it to capilary into the joint. Be generous so it can run under the strip as well. Wipe any excess off the surface and leave inside to cure for an hour or more.
This should solve the problem for you.
Then sand and apply your varnish to seal the surface. Remember sanding sealer is porous. And that moisture does cure superglue, but don't go wetting it, tomuch doesn't help. Just breath on it is enough.
Hope this helps
vnkiwi
 
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on July 24, 2013, 11:05:18 pm
I have found that super glue only likes to work once. However I would try clamping the offending plank somehow keeping the joints clear and getatable and wick very thin cyo into the joints. My "wear is almost totally glued with thin cyo. Is your sanding sealer meths based? Do you clean the brush with meths?  That is what I used. 3 or 4 coats rubbed down with fine wire wool between coats then 3/4 coats yacht varnish thinned 10:1 with white spirit, rubbed down same as sealer. Try and get some under the deck where possible. I've run 2 seasons with no probs. best of luck mate.
Jerry.
ps. Kiwi got in before me but I agree also.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: derekwarner on July 25, 2013, 01:52:44 am
Greg.....it's on record that I am not a fan of "super glue" for anything but tacking.......
Having said this, why did one plank lift & not others?...to me discounts a moisture variation.....& suggests a defective original bond joint
Also must agree with Jerry that it is not really advisable to attempt to rebond a previously super glued surface without removing the original failed surface bond material
I do have a nasty story with super glue when a Navy Doctor  <*< was unable to open my left eye which had been sprayed with super glue <:( ........thankfully the Surgeons at the Sydney Eye hospital knew better ......Derek
 
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: vnkiwi on July 25, 2013, 02:07:07 am
Yes Derek, the joint bond had failed on that on strip, however, the fact it bent up was because of the sun driving the moisture from that surface, resulting in the strip bending up. (the stress caused in this may have been the reason the one poor bond failed).
Myself, I use mainly a thicker superglue gel, made in the USA and $27 a small squeeze bottle. Expensive, maybe, but haven't had a failure yet. Thin does have its uses as well, but you have to be very careful re tolerances as it don't have no gap filling capacity at all. Mearly bonds where it touches, which may not be enough, and certainly only a fraction of what you have assumed. Just don't use the elcheepo 'brands' from the pound/dollar shops.
You pays your money, and takes your choice.
cheers
vnkiwi
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on August 01, 2013, 12:41:34 am
I thought I'd post a quick (and late night!) progress report on the mend.  Thanks to all for the comments and advice.  I did consider everything you all said, and in the end I did the following -
I raised the broken seam in the foredeck again with gentle application of a hairdryer (as the sun chose not to shine just when I needed it  <*< ).  I then applied superglue to the raised edges and as far into the joints as I could.  I then pressed the section back into place.

Once I had peeled my thumbs off the deck without losing too much skin, I sanded the foredeck to remove the last vestige of a ridge around the mend and the stain of the superglue.  I then coated the deck (and the inside of the boat) in epoxy to stabilise everything.  Once this had cured, I sanded that to give a key and started applying varnish.  Here is the boat after a couple of coats.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/firstvarnish_zps80f9e802.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/firstvarnish_zps80f9e802.jpg.html)

Of course, the glare has hidden the bit that failed before so you'll have to take my word it looks as smooth as the rest.   O0 O0   I haven't "stress tested" the mend by leaving it in the sun for a while, but I will do that once I have finished the varnishing.  Better it fails then than on the maiden voyage (fingers crossed smiley here!).

I have also fitted my electrical plug pin, otherwise known as the forward/reverse lever, to the engine.  Here it is.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/reverselever_zps0dd53491.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/reverselever_zps0dd53491.jpg.html)

A piece of 1/8" copper tube fitted in the pin hole just fine, and a piece of servo connecting rod (that you get when you buy those clevis things) was just the right size to go through the connector on the engine and the inside diameter of the copper tube.  Pure luck!   :} :}   I glued the whole lot in place in the pin/lever and did the wire clamping screw up really tight as extra insurance.

I have also started insulating my steam pipes.  Here they are with the string added. Top right is a test piece with some household filler added as a coating, as recommended by Jerry - I think I might have overdone the thickness, but I'll see how the real ones turn out as I do them - I can always sand them down a bit if they look a bit too chunky.  (Jerry - I think you said you painted yours as well - what paint did you use?)

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/stringlagging_zpscbdc9dbf.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/stringlagging_zpscbdc9dbf.jpg.html)

That's where we are at the moment.  A couple more coats of varnish should see the end of that then some paint on the hull.  Reassemble the steam plant, test run it, install it, test run the whole thing a couple of times, maiden voyage and Bob's your uncle!  Next Tuesday then  {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) .  OK, maybe the one after that.

Greg

Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: derekwarner on August 01, 2013, 04:04:51 am
Guys......I reckon Greg's selective glare is intentional....... {-) ...but the rest looks great.... :-))
Greg....what brand of steam regulator are you using?....& is that loop the steam dryer in the chimney?.........Derek
 
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on August 01, 2013, 08:49:04 am
That looks lovely, knew it would. On the insulation I used the file that the engine maker told me to buy which I got from Bunnings in Oz. using a file diagonally helps to keep the level even. Finished off with the wife's emery boards. (She believes in fairys now). The first time I painted them with smooth white masonry paint. Worked Perfick. Next rebuild I used cream radiator paint baked for 20 mins at 180°c in the oven(really stinks), also worked Perfick but more glossy. When the oil and hot oily fingers start flying around the latter paint easier to wipe off. For major clean of engine I spray it all over with WD40, let it drain. Wipe off and re-oil. Simples.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on August 02, 2013, 12:11:23 am
Thanks Jerry, I hope the final result is even better!  And thanks for the paint advice.

Derek - the regulator is from Polly Model Engineering - http://www.pollymodelengineering.co.uk (http://www.pollymodelengineering.co.uk) - you have to download the catalogue and it's on page 43.  It is certainly smaller than a lot of other regulators, and does the job, although there isn't much fine control.  That said I haven't actually used it with a servo yet, only with my fat fingers.  The loop does go into the chimney but it is a pre-heater for the water being pumped into the boiler from the water tank.  I am not drying the steam, just pushing it straight to the engine.  And I'll post a photo without the glare soon!

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: KNO3 on August 02, 2013, 08:26:36 pm
Is the regulator steam tight? Many of this type are not, that's why I'm asking.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on August 03, 2013, 09:11:16 am
Is it steam tight?  Yes, it is.  I run at about 35-40 psi and there is no sign of any leakage.  :-))  That said, I haven't left it closed for any length of time, just the occasional stop and start.  When I am running the boat for real I might leave it closed for longer periods, but so far there is no indication of any problem.

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: steam up on August 03, 2013, 09:32:13 am
Just read an early post regarding your problems with silver solder.
One important point is that you use the tip of the flame not the blue section.
Hope this helps
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: kiwimodeller on August 03, 2013, 10:54:43 am
Regarding the Polly steam regulator I have used one on my single cylinder Graham engine (VR1A) for about three years and have not had the slightest problem. I also sold one to a customer with a TVR1A and he just replied to my email question to say he is having no problems with that one either. Price is reasonable (about GPB19 from memory) but they do seem to run out of stock at regular intervals. Hope this helps, Ian.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: KNO3 on August 04, 2013, 10:57:35 am
Thanks.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on August 15, 2013, 01:39:30 pm
Latest instalment - I have completed and installed the insulated pipework along with any remaining bits and pieces on the steam plant, and it is now ready to go into the boat, once I have run it all a couple of times to make sure I haven't forgotten anything.  I rather wish I had had Derek's bright idea about using nylon washers at each end of the insulation to give a guide to thickness (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,43627.0.html), but I didn't so it's a little bit random in places.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/steamplant_zpsbc8f9dc2.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/steamplant_zpsbc8f9dc2.jpg.html)

I have also finished the varnishing of the decks.  My mend of the failed joint in the foredeck seems to have worked fine, although there are signs of similar failures in a couple of other joints.  I am not going to do anything about those now, but will see how they look when I start sailing the boat for real.  If they fail completely then I will have to re-do the foredeck, but at least by then I will have had a few steaming sessions under my belt.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/finisheddecks_zpsff5d1267.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/finisheddecks_zpsff5d1267.jpg.html)

As you can see, I have also got some paint on the hull.  I used Halfords cans throughout, and started with their filler primer for plastic.  When that ran out (those cans don't contain much paint do they?) I put a few coats of grey primer on top, then the top coat (2 cans used! >:-o ).  I haven't done the underwater parts yet, so they are still grey primer.  That will be completed in the next few days, weather permitting (I do my spraying outside).  So this is what she looks like at the moment.  (Reminder to self - got to christen her sometime soon!  O0 )

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/paintedtopsides_zpsfdcdf8b8.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/paintedtopsides_zpsfdcdf8b8.jpg.html)

That's it for the moment.  I am off sailing (full size) next week, so the next update will be a little while coming.  Enjoy the summer everyone - I hope your local lake is in better shape than my home waters - unuseable due to low water level and rampant weed!  It had better be deep and clean by the time I put my final post here!   <*< <*<

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on August 15, 2013, 01:48:53 pm
It looks ok to me.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on August 15, 2013, 02:00:16 pm
Thanks Jerry - not sure if you mean the pipe insulation or the foredeck - they both look fine in the photos but on closer inspection could do with some improvement.  But then I guess that's true of all our models - they are never perfect, are they?  {:-{ {:-{   I'll do better next time!

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on August 15, 2013, 04:39:38 pm
Looking good Greg, Will we see a video of it on the water?
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on August 15, 2013, 05:18:52 pm
Those are the bits only you can see. The camera never seems to flatter perfectionists.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on August 15, 2013, 05:21:28 pm
Those are the bits only you can see. The camera never seems to flatter perfectionists.
Jerry.
I agree..... :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: derekwarner on August 15, 2013, 10:54:48 pm
When are you going to re-paint the top of the de-oiler?...........looks like one of the crew set fire to it.... {-)
That tube lagging looks pretty uniform & smooth from 22,000 km away :-)) .......Derek
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on August 17, 2013, 10:43:16 am
Yes Derek, the crew has been reprimanded for their careless work, endangering the ship and embarrassing the skipper  >:-o <*<

Actually, there is quite a bit of paint touching up to be done as my careless handling (and poor quality painting) means I have a fair number of chips and rubbed corners where bare metal is showing through.  At the moment I am focussing on getting the whole thing afloat and running, so the rather tatty appearance of the engine will have to stay for a while.

Video Nick?  Never done that before, so I guess I'll have to experiment with Youtube to see how that is done.  Not sure how you video and control a boat at the same time - my second pair of hands seems to be absent at the moment!   :} :}

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on August 17, 2013, 10:49:04 am
Take an assistant to do the filming. I would not worry about the tatty apearence of your de oiler, I personally prefer the 'lived in' look rather than having a pristine boat, I have been running my Victoria now for a good 18 months now and have only cleaned the engine bay out once...... :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: steam up on August 17, 2013, 11:05:02 pm
I clean my engine bay after every trip out I enjoy the routine ;D
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Bernhard on August 18, 2013, 07:38:49 am
Great looking Launch...... :-))
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on September 04, 2013, 05:33:37 pm
Thanks for the  :-)) Bernhard, although I've a long way to go to reach your level of skill!

Time slips by, but I haven't been entirely idle.  In fact, I have now reached a major milestone.  She's finished!   :o :o :o

But I'm getting a little ahead of myself.  I really wanted a red ensign at the stern so I made up an ensign staff.  The socket is just a brass washer soldered at an angle around some brass tube, the staff itself is a piece of walnut dowel from heaven knows where, and I made a button for the top by spinning a scrap of sapele on a small bolt in the drill and sanding it round.  The ensign itself is silk and came from The Model Dockyard (http://www.model-dockyard.com (http://www.model-dockyard.com)).

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/ensignstaff_zps1c850054.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/ensignstaff_zps1c850054.jpg.html)

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/ensignflying_zps33eb1dc0.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/ensignflying_zps33eb1dc0.jpg.html)

After that little diversion I completed the painting of the hull (2 more cans of Halford's finest), left the paint to dry for a few days then cut it back and polished it.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/polishedhull_zps2e17d935.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/polishedhull_zps2e17d935.jpg.html)

And that was the hull pretty much done.  I then set about installing the steam plant, getting the servo connections the right length and making sure connections were tight and everything was working smoothly.  Here's the finished article.  I still haven't settled on a name.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/finished4_zpsb5ac46fb.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/finished4_zpsb5ac46fb.jpg.html)

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/finished3_zpsdfe99333.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/finished3_zpsdfe99333.jpg.html)

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/finished2_zps58c75683.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/finished2_zps58c75683.jpg.html)

And what's more, she floats!  :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/shefloats_zpsfc698094.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/shefloats_zpsfc698094.jpg.html)

She sits marginally lower than her painted waterline with an empty boiler and water tank.  However, she has plenty of freeboard, and is plenty stable (at least as far as I can tell with the waves I can generate in the bath!).  I am very happy with her.  I have run the whole thing on air today (and found a leak  :o ).  Tomorrow I plan to raise steam, get out the video camera (I have cracked Youtube  O0 !) and spend some time standing there and enjoying.  Well, that's the plan, but this is a steam engine and who knows what will happen?

The end is in sight, and the getting there has been enormous fun.  A year ago I had just ordered the TVR1A kit with precious little knowledge and zero experience of running a model steam plant.  Since then I have built and run the steam plant (not without a few hiccups along the way), built the boat and met a lot of great folk on this site - thank you all!  I now have a lot more knowledge (courtesy of you lot) and a tiny bit more experience.

I hope tomorrow will bring news of running under steam and a video.  After that it will be a case of finding some local water that isn't clogged with weed.  I live very close to the sea and there are sheltered areas locally that I could use, so that might be the way to go.

Anyway, until tomorrow  :} :} :} :} :}

Happy Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on September 04, 2013, 05:47:36 pm
Superb paint job! Get some fenders sharpish.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: rmaddock on September 04, 2013, 07:00:53 pm
Very nice.  I have to say I love the cream hull; very elegant  :-))
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on September 05, 2013, 10:26:10 pm
Thanks for the compliments guys.  Fenders Jerry?  I'm relying on everybody and everything to get out of my way  %% %% %%   (Actually, I admit to being a bit funny about fenders - on full size boats there is nothing less attractive than a boat sailing along dragging its fenders in the water.  I have a similar view about models, and in particular about those string vest affairs that some people seem to favour.  Yuk!)

Well, Murphy stayed well away today, just to prove that sometimes things really do go to plan.  I had two sessions running the whole shooting match.  For the first time the boiler was topped up from the water tank and the propeller turned under steam power, and the engine ran fine, slow and fast, forward and reverse.  In fact, nothing went wrong  :o :o :o :o and  :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/understeam_zpsb881c94b.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/understeam_zpsb881c94b.jpg.html)

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/oilywater_zps51766292.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/oilywater_zps51766292.jpg.html)

The first session lasted about 25 minutes, the second, with more water in the top-up tank, 35 minutes.  The only issue is that my de-oiler fills up after about 20-25 minutes, so for anything longer than that I will have to bring the boat alongside and drain that off.  Not too difficult - I have a nice long tube on the drain I can hang over the side of the boat into a container. 

I took some videos which are now on Youtube (well, those worth watching are).  The first is the very first running of the engine in the boat - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DJ3mLKaAZ8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DJ3mLKaAZ8) and the second is a little longer and shows the controls in operation - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTE1BzM1T04 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTE1BzM1T04).  (I hope these play a little more smoothly for you than they do for me.)

I also did a flotation test with a full load of everything.  No problems there.  The whole package weighs 19.5 lbs with full tanks (although this was on the bathroom scales which, according to my dear wife, don't tell the truth  %) %) ).  I have also begun adapting an old golf trolley from the local tip to move the boat around -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/boattrolley_zps64ac8feb.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/boattrolley_zps64ac8feb.jpg.html)

I will build a cradle onto the spine of the trolley and add a higher handle at the front so I can wheel it around keeping the boat level.  The front support is just a piece of water pipe epoxied into one of the holes where the golfer keeps his balls  :o , with a Disaronno bottle cap stuck on the bottom (no, I do not drink the stuff!).

So apart from the small matter of actually going sailing, that would appear to be it.  I'll post again when I finally launch the [insert boat's name here] and give her a taste of her natural element.  In the meantime, good sailing to all and here's hoping for an Indian summer  :-)) .

Greg

Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: steam up on September 05, 2013, 10:41:53 pm
Looking really good my compliments :-)) :-)) One question is that the only coupling connecting to the prop shaft?
If the answer is yes I think you will find that this set up demands a great deal more from the engine.Just a thought.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on September 05, 2013, 11:00:29 pm
I understand about the fenders and any Irish pennants for that matter. However needs must. Where I sail frequently have to lie alongside some concrete before I can get bent down to lift her out. When you say the oiler fills up in 30 minutes do you mean all the oil is gone and only water remains? If so that's far to high a consumption. I've run mine continuously on a canal for 3 1/2 hours and not emptied mine. I have the needle open 1/4 turn. Nearly finished my second season. Had a look at the bores and don't even seem fully run in yet, ditto cross head guides. Still showing machining marks. Only place I have wear is the sliders and what they slide in on the reversing gear but she still seems to run better than ever.  Looks terrific anyway. Proper job.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on September 06, 2013, 12:06:39 am
Excellent job! are you talking about the condenser /oil separator tank or the lubricator, as Jerry says, the lubricator should last for ages on one filling, nice work and hope to see on the water video soon..... :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on September 06, 2013, 12:09:43 am
Doh! Sorry mate, missed the de- and read oiler. Disregard my comment.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: derekwarner on September 06, 2013, 01:47:41 am
Yes well done Greg  :-)) ........possibly the issue with the de-oiler is that 1/12 scale crew haven't fixed the damage from the flame job.... %) .
Must agree with Jerry & Nick.......30 minutes to fill the de-oiler does imply a great volume of condensate  >>:-( & from the video you are running @ just over 40 PSI
Looking forward to seeing her on the water  O0 ..............
Just digressing on "wear".........in our OZ steel industry we had great debate of what constituted wear in hydraulic cylinders as a Mechatronics engineering cadet has chosen that same subject for his thesis.....cut a long story short.....we finally agreed that visual polishing of a piston rod or a chromed bore was just that ...a visual......& did not constitute the term of "wear"
From this I am guessing that Jerry is talking of polishing of his engine sliding components which is a natural phenomena with mating mechanical components even when adequately lubricated.......Derek
Derek
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on September 06, 2013, 08:45:24 am
Derek, I had a senior moment and didn't read his post properly and so thought he was consuming too much oil.
On the subject of "wear", I agree about polishing but my hacker gear slides are getting a bit floppy now and I've changed one slider but it only tightened it up a tad. When at Coniston Regatta I saw a full size engine with a similar part that really flopped around. The owner wasn't concerned in the slightest which made me feel a bit better.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on September 06, 2013, 03:34:14 pm
Senior moment Jerry?  Had a few of those myself!  O0   Yes, it was the condenser/oil trap/thingy I was talking about, not the lubricator (which is doing the business just fine).  I guess a boiler full of water plus the water from the tank is a bit much to ask of the size of thingy I have, but as I said a quick drain after 20 mins is no problem, and gives me a chance to check everything else is OK.  I am probably running the whole thing a bit flat out and could probably wind back the gas a little without affecting performance too much (I get to 40 psi in about 7-8 minutes from lighting), but that fine tuning will have to wait until I am getting her wet.

Steam up - yes, that is the only connection between engine and prop shaft.  I did contemplate doing a "pin and wheel" connection as others have used but thought I would try this first.  There is no room in my setup for anything longer than that connector I have or a pin and wheel.  I assume you expect a lot of friction for the engine to overcome, but it doesn't seem to be too bad (I say that based on zero experience of course, never having had a model boat before).  The engine runs smoothly, although it is true that at very low revs it tends to stall.  As with the gas supply and other subtle adjustments, I will have to see how things go when I have run the boat a few times to see if I think it is all working OK.  For now, I am happy that it has all come together and I can plan a few outings.

And I hope I'm a good way from needing to worry about wear on my engine.  It's barely run in!

Happy sailing

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: KNO3 on September 09, 2013, 09:24:39 am
Congratulations, it looks very nice. Have you thought about adding a steering wheel or a tiller for the rudder?
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on September 14, 2013, 12:13:56 pm
Yes, I was going to fit a tiller but the hull is not symmetrical, so if it was connected to the rudder (which is in line with the keel) it would not come out of the deck on the centreline.  This would have looked odd, so I didn't do that.   I plan to fit a wheel on the aft bulkhead (non-working) and have drawn up what I think will suit, but that will have to wait for the first refit.  There are some other tiddly bits I am going to add as well, but getting steaming takes priority at the moment.

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on September 23, 2013, 02:36:55 pm
MAIDEN VOYAGE!   :} :} :} :} :} :} :} :}

In this part of the world, yesterday was overcast, warm, very still - and with high tide in the early afternoon.  On the spur of the moment I decided to take S/L Unnamed for her maiden voyage on the sea.  Very close to where I live is a sheltered inlet which fills at high tide, so I packed up the boat and other bits and pieces and headed seawards.  Everything went pretty smoothly, steam raised in about 9 minutes and off she went, steaming around for 30 minutes or so on a glassy calm sea.  She won't break any speed records, but that's not the point of a boat like this.  The one thing I didn't use was my golf cart boat transporter, as I could park right next to the water and just carried the boat to the edge.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/firstvoyage_zps06d4a072.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/firstvoyage_zps06d4a072.jpg.html)

The water had a bit of scum around the edges, but nothing too mucky.  Also a little bit of floating weed, but I managed to avoid most of that.  She looked great (to my eyes at least) and the half-hour went by in a flash.  I did take some video clips and the best of a poor bunch is here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kjkmzJKplE&feature=youtu.be).  The dirty marks around the hull are from the scum on the water, but try to ignore that!  It's also a bit jerky (I was on my own) but Youtube's stabilisation seems to wreck the resolution of the clip so I've left it alone.

The first of many trips - if I get any better piccies and video I'll post them, but other than that it's just a case now of enjoying  :-)) :-)) - and wondering what project to do next!

And one last big thank-you to everyone who has helped me with this build in whatever way, and I hope if you have been following it you have enjoyed the trip.

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on September 23, 2013, 03:44:00 pm
Three cheers for Greg, 3(hip hip hip   HOORAY!).
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: pettyofficernick on September 23, 2013, 05:23:29 pm
Nice plume of steam from the chimney there Greg, she is crying out for a skipper now. Really nice job, congratulations......
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on September 23, 2013, 07:16:49 pm
Thanks guys!
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on March 15, 2014, 05:57:10 pm
Those who had the patience and fortitude to follow this log as I built the launch will recall the small issue I had with the foredeck lifting.  Although I had a go at fixing it, the mend never really worked, and each time the boat was used the deck seemed to lift a little more.  As winter approached I decided that I would have to replace the deck.  Having made the decision, I - did nothing!   :embarrassed:

That is until just recently, when the promise of some better weather prompted me to get going.  This is a mainly pictorial record of how I did it.  Fortunately I still had enough (just!) of the wood I used for the deck to prepare another foredeck-worth of planks.  Here's what the deck looked like at the start -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/comingloose_zpsddcc619b.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/comingloose_zpsddcc619b.jpg.html)

and here is the first painful breaking out of the deck   <:(

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/breakingfree_zps8653ccab.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/breakingfree_zps8653ccab.jpg.html)

Getting a neat job in the corner took a while - lots of picking away of tiny pieces.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/cornerdetail_zps9dd1aab4.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/cornerdetail_zps9dd1aab4.jpg.html)

Then it's just a matter of being fairly brutal and ripping the deck off piece by piece  :((

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/nearlyoff_zpsd8af1dfa.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/nearlyoff_zpsd8af1dfa.jpg.html)

The old foredeck wasn't really supported well enough (which might have been part of the original problem) so I decided to add another deck beam and put in a ply subdeck before putting the planking back.  Here is the new beam just behind the filler cap -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/newbeam_zps89491b8e.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/newbeam_zps89491b8e.jpg.html)

and here is the paper pattern being traced for the subdeck -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/paperpattern_zps73c8af9d.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/paperpattern_zps73c8af9d.jpg.html)

The pattern is transferred to the ply - 1/32" because that was all the shop had when I went in   %)

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/transferpattern_zps92afe7bf.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/transferpattern_zps92afe7bf.jpg.html)

I though that the ply probably needed a little beefing up over the large unsupported areas, so I added the panels you can see below, then epoxied the underside of the deck.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/reinforcedeck_zps8f9b51ef.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/reinforcedeck_zps8f9b51ef.jpg.html)

The subdeck was then glued in place.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/gluingsubdeck_zps543d656e.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/gluingsubdeck_zps543d656e.jpg.html)

Crikey!  Steve looks happy with it so far  :-))

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/steveshappy_zps576d0d06.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/steveshappy_zps576d0d06.jpg.html)

To get the holly centre strip and the adjacent planks fitted around the filler cap and samson post, I stuck the pieces down to a scrap of wood with double sided tape -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/centresandwich_zpsbdccff7a.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/centresandwich_zpsbdccff7a.jpg.html)

then after some careful measuring (I used digital calipers and made quite a few measurements until I was sure it was right) I dtilled a hole for the filler -

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/fillerhole_zpse52b0890.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/fillerhole_zpse52b0890.jpg.html)

and squared off a hole for the samson post.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/posthole_zpsc8a535bc.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/posthole_zpsc8a535bc.jpg.html)

The pieces were pulled off the tape and were ready for final trimming to shape.  I was pleased and relieved that everything slotted neatly into place  :}

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/readytotrim_zpsa5fcabe8.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/readytotrim_zpsa5fcabe8.jpg.html)

After that, it was just a question of cutting, shaping and gluing, cutting shaping and gluing......

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/deckprogressing_zpsc4c05197.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/deckprogressing_zpsc4c05197.jpg.html)

until the gap was filled.  I then spent a fair while scraping to get the deck flush and smooth.

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/scrapingforedeck_zpsb070c1d0.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/scrapingforedeck_zpsb070c1d0.jpg.html)

Then Steve did some sanding for me.  Eagle eyes will spot that I did need some filler along the margin plank in places - too ham-fisted with the chisel and knife  >:-o

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/sandingforedeck_zpsf8186cd7.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/sandingforedeck_zpsf8186cd7.jpg.html)

Then it was time for some epoxy.  The extra beam and subdeck seem to have done the trick - the deck is solid as a rock  :-))

(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b596/Greggyp99/epoxiedforedeck_zps1cce3cbc.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Greggyp99/media/epoxiedforedeck_zps1cce3cbc.jpg.html)

I haven't put the varnish on just yet - I am hoping that the new planking will darken somewhat to match the old, and I don't want the UV protection the varnish provides to stop that.  I will varnish and polish in a month or so.

Well, that's it.  I was worried I would make a complete mess of this, which is part of the reason it took so long for me to start.  But it has turned out OK, and even the small patches of filler have merged into the background a little.  I am also adding some tiddly bits, like fairleads and cleats, and a wheel, to complete the job.  I'll try to remember to post a picture when she is finally, finally finished.

Good steaming!

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Jerry C on March 15, 2014, 06:22:47 pm
Proper job Greg, that's a good little deckhand you've got there matey.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: derekwarner on March 15, 2014, 09:40:03 pm
Excellent rework Greg..... :-))...you will never regret it....however I would never turn my back on that deckie  <*<

He looks like he is about to sand @ 45 degrees to the grain  {-) .......Derek
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: Bernhard on March 16, 2014, 06:43:26 am
 :-)) Great work,,looks super,,,
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: KNO3 on July 19, 2015, 12:28:00 pm
It's been over a year, have you finished repairing the boat?
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on July 19, 2015, 10:07:33 pm
Yes I did, and have run her a far bit.  Now christened Pegasus (son of Poseidon, god of the sea) she is back in dock for maintenance and the steam plant is out of the boat.  There is also a fair covering of dust over everything at the moment so she isn't looking her best!  {:-{

I could have sworn I had posted a picture or two of the finished areticle, with her wheel, cleats and fairleads in place and the sturdy new foredeck shining with varnish - but I was clearly wrong  :embarrassed: - once everything is back in place (including my posh new cylinder covers for the TVR1A!) and the dust has been brushed away I'll put up some photos.  It will be a few weeks but I'll put a note in my diary so I don't forget again.  :-))

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: KNO3 on April 16, 2017, 08:34:47 pm
Well, it's been a few years and I had mostly forgotten about your build thread.
I see you haven't posted the pictures yet. So how are the boat and steam plant nowadays?
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on July 17, 2017, 06:41:59 pm
When I wrote this log, I hosted most of the pictures on Photobucket and they were displayed here via that site.  Photobucket have now decided they will not allow that unless I pay them $400 a year.  (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/Smileys/Tug/angry2.gif) I am not about to do that, so I can only apologise for the lack of pictures.  If there is a particular aspect of this build you want to follow up, PM me and I will try and send you the relevant pictures.

Sorry - and steer clear of Photobucket!

Greg
Title: Re: Solent steam launch build log
Post by: SailorGreg on August 21, 2020, 04:24:00 pm
In case the steam enthusiasts here don't peruse the Sales section very often, this is to let you know that this boat is now for sale.  Go to the Mayhem Sales section here (https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,65513.0.html).

Greg