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[Ralf]

Hello und merry Christmas,


A friend of mine bought a steam plant kit for the MHB Topaz on Ebay.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/o3kEC9zEqyXSVa1PA

Does anyone have instructions and part list?


Best wishes
Ralf

[rhavrane]

Bonjour Ralf,
This plan is very difficult to find, I already did unsuccessfully.
Besides this, I fear that this steam plant would possibly be too large for this thin launch, here are two examples with a French Anton steam plant :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd0j0xcHEh4 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFDUHE-z80Y&t=16s

[Baldrick]

Not just the size but more so the weight , Topaz is critical regarding freeboard and the ability to cruise on anything rougher than a millpond requires keeping the on board weight to an absolute minimum. I do believe that the original MHB boiler specifically for Topaz was a special lightweight stainless steel fabrication to address the issue. Could I suggest before you go any further you do a bathtub test ( I assume the boat is fully built) and load the engine boiler(filled) oil separator and fuel tank on board , and then just check and see how it floats.   

[Ralf]

Bonjour Rhavrane,
The plant on the photo is the original plant from MHB  for the Topaz. I talked to Jerry Watson and he said that the boiler has endplates of copper and the wrap out of nickel silver, a lightweight boiler from MHB.
The engine is a redesigned PB2 from Peter Baylis.
The plant will sail in a hull from Orion Mouldings.

[Engineman]

Correct Ralf, the mentioned plant - is specially designed for TOPAZ and equipped with Cheddars' GEMINI engine.
GEMINI engine - is a result of cooperation between MH&B and Cheddar Models, while being a 'modification' of PB2 engine with side mounted valve chests...
When Cheddar Models gone - CRISTAL engine by Fabrice Bretagne (ANTON) was used to replace GEMINI...
The boiler itself - could be considered to remain as is for both engines.
Indeed, TOPAZ boiler has a nickel silver barrel with copper ends and heating surface, really a find for those who are going for fast steam boats like torpedo boats etc.

[Ralf]

If someone has instructions and partlist for the Gemini I'm looking forward to get a PM.
What's the standard threadsize for MHB boilers 1/4" x 32 or 1/4" x 40?

[KNO3]

Hi, I have the Gemini instructions as pdf. If you send me your email address by PM, I can send them to you.

[Ralf]

There is a second question:
Is there any good reason to put the gaspipe around the steamdome?
It doesn't looks fine..

[KNO3]

There is a second question:
Is there any good reason to put the gaspipe around the steamdome?
It doesn't looks fine..

No, there is no reason. Besides, the pipework on that steam plant looks bad, it should be replaced.