The Steam Launch

Those following my non-SP model thread at the moment will know I've got something pretty special on the go at the moment. 

A scratchbuilt, balsa hulled, 36'' Edwardian-esque steam launch.  6'' Mamod pot boiler, twin cylinder oscillating engine driving a 40mm brass propellor... what can be more steampunk than proper live steam?!?

So far then....



The hull is being built srake by strake from balsa sheet.  I've got four strakes up right now, there are another six to go.  This weekend instead of adding to the hull I've been sanding down the sheets to get the proper hullform.  I'm now looking at where the boiler and engine fit into the space. 



The Mamod tractione engine boiler.  Originally it was a horrible bilious green colour and had an engine mount fitted.  A week in paint stripper followed by a session of sanding took it back to a lovely brass finish.  The mount I was able to tease off.  I'm now trying to get pop rivets to fit into where the firebox used to attach... an exercise in futility and frustration....

Rivets eventually went on after a bit of a struggle.... have now ordered some more parts:

- safety valve
- whistle
- foot pump valve
- hammerite paint

How is this project going?


Cheers!

Chas.

The firebox has been hammerite'd, a new water gauge purchased.... and not much else I'm afraid! Oh, I've got hold of some copper tube for the steam pipe. This one is a bit of a slow burner, if you'll excuse the pun. A weekend project for sunny days working outside in the backyard... Hopefully I'll be getting the propshaft and the engine mount fitted this weekend, after which I can fit out the engine space and then carry on building up the hull.

That's cool. I will want your advice when I begin my live steam project; if you were on the proper side of the pond, I might even ask your assistance directly.

I am still working on acquisition of the proper hull, but it will be a little larger. I expect the prop to be somewhere in the vicinity of 110 mm... no, that's not right - ah, 110 centimeters. Or a bit bigger, not sure yet. Got to match it to the hull, you know.

Finding the proper steel hull has been the problem.



Cheers!

Chas.