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Propulsion costs - Steam Vs Sparks Vs Sail

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tigertiger:
I am curious as to the range of costs (ball park only) for the bits that make the boats go.

I would like to do a comparison.

between
Sail
Electric-
-fast electric
-tugs
-PT boat
-Warships
Steam
-screw
-paddle

For example,
Sail. The sails are dictated by the plan, so I will not count those.
But additional costs include

-Deck Fairleads - 2 at one pound approx
-sail winch servo - 1 at 30 pounds - 70 pounds
-two channel radio - only two channel needed- 25 pounds
-rudder arm and push rod - 5 pounds (rudder servo comes with Tx)


Electric would need to list BEC ESC if needed for that model
Also the prop and shaft should be included in the price. I know they are on the plan but they are an important additional cost for some models.

Steam
Anything else that is essential but maybe not a major component.

tonyH:
Some of the steam bits that come into the equation are:

Condenser
Refillable gas tank (if the disposable ones don't fit)
Changing pipework
Distilled water (either that or the cost of de-furring the kettle)
Spare sightglass!
Boiler test.
Steam oil
Gas

Of course, on the upside, you may get the situation where the plant appreciates in value so the costs can be offset.
Also, it's enjoyable making the condenser and the pipe runs oneself so do you count them as a cost?

Tony

tigertiger:
So how much for each of these bits (approx) and how much for the boiler and engine?

boatmadman:
Here are some sites to surf, you will get the real info there:
Look here for examples:

http://www.stuartmodels.com/
http://www.model-steam-boats.co.uk/index.htm
http://www.acs-engineering.co.uk/index.htm
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://fabrice.bretagne.club.fr/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dfabrice.bretagne.club.fr%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG
http://www.forest-classics.co.uk/ceramic_burners.htm
http://www.pollymodelengineering.co.uk/index.asp
http://www.pps-steam-models.co.uk/

A lot of the fittings are the same for marine and railway, just size matters! ;D


Steam oil about £4 for 1/2 litre

Hope this helps

Ian

tobyker:
Sail winch servos? Wait until rechargeable (or dry cell) screwdrivers are cheap, couple of microswitches from an old washing machine or whatever, £5 plus a servo to switch them, tops. Fairleads you can make.

But of course you don't have to - perhaps I'm a dinosaur GOG and should go and buy something RTR. Trouble is, I like making them more than playing with them - though sailing is fun. And no running costs at all apart from a bit of battery charging.

Steam is great, but too pricey, though can be OK if you stick to oscillators and meths.

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