Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: MickK on October 31, 2018, 03:43:42 am

Title: Has any-one used a Microcosm engine?
Post by: MickK on October 31, 2018, 03:43:42 am

Hi All,


 It's been a while since i posted here.


 My TVR1A motor has worn out, prematurely I believe, given I don't sail it all that often!, so It has to be replaced.


Has any-one had experience with the Chinese Microcosm range of engines, either the smaller wobblers, or the bigger slide valve engines?


They look well made in the photos, and are reasonably priced as steam things go,


Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated>


Thanks


Mick

Title: Re: Has any-one used a Microcosm engine?
Post by: LJ Crew on October 31, 2018, 08:06:13 am

Hello Mick, I have the smallest of the "wobler" engines. Looks good, well made and turns a 30mm. dia prop in air but not in water. Pretty but gutless. Cheers John.

Title: Re: Has any-one used a Microcosm engine?
Post by: rhavrane on November 01, 2018, 09:28:32 am

Bonjour Mick,
In France, we have two manufacturers, Anton and JMC, I have lot of their machines, they are perfect but expensive. As I always try to enhance my collection of boats, I acquired two Microcosm engines
The 8 cm3 slide valve : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO16806-3pM&t=306s and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOgJV8Xc7qU
The 3,7 cm3 oscillatiing : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vutlswFW4X4
These two steam machines operate quite  well at two bars, whic is good for their autonomy and preservation. 
I also have different accessories like single and double diaphragm gas regulators, pumps, tanks, lubricators,...
For me, Microcosm has an excellent ratio price / quality and I regret Jin does not build cylindrical valve engines to install them in a twin propeller shat hull because they jut need one servo to reverse.
My only concern is about the size of the boiler associated by Jin to his 8 cm3, this is why I have bought a pump to be installed in my tug to increase it autonomy.
And useful for you, less for me, Jin uses imperial measures insted of metric by default.
Last point, Jin offers impeccable and fast after-sales service (tested).

Title: Re: Has any-one used a Microcosm engine?
Post by: KNO3 on November 04, 2018, 10:55:08 am

Quote from: MickK on October 31, 2018, 03:43:42 am

Hi All,

 It's been a while since i posted here.

 My TVR1A motor has worn out, prematurely I believe, given I don't sail it all that often!, so It has to be replaced.
...

Hello, since I have a TVR1A engine too, I'd be very interested to read what parts have worn on yours. Did you install it in a boat? More details would be much appreciated.

Title: Re: Has any-one used a Microcosm engine?
Post by: MickK on November 04, 2018, 09:30:49 pm

Hi
Thank s for the information,


something to think about.


Kno3,


The parts that have worn are all the aluminium levers that control the valves. The eccentric straps are loose on the crank, all the joins have a minute amount of slack in them, which all add up to about 2 mm lack of movement at the valves.


I can move (twist) the crankshaft about 20 degrees each way before the valve slide moves in the valve case.
It still runs, but it's gutless!


I'm a bit disappointed in the motor!


The motor is installed in an open launch, 1 meter long.


There used to be a thread on this forum, under the  title of "It Works", I think


Mick

Title: Re: Has any-one used a Microcosm engine?
Post by: KNO3 on November 09, 2018, 08:24:06 pm

Thanks for the information! how long did your engine run before it got so worn?

By the way, I can't find the topic you mentioned.

Title: Re: Has any-one used a Microcosm engine?
Post by: MickK on November 10, 2018, 12:58:20 am

Hi KNO3.


Not long, maybe a total of 20 hrs, always well lubricated, and also cleaned and re-oiled after every run,


I'm disapointed with the motor.


That post might have been before the big melt-down of a couple of years ago.


Mick