Paddleducks

Paddler Modelling => Construction => Topic started by: Hankwilliams on November 15, 2020, 05:02:19 AM

Title: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on November 15, 2020, 05:02:19 AM
One week ago I started a new project: Blockade runner "Colonel Lamb" in scale 1 : 48. The hull is similar to the blockade runner "Hope", which I build 25 years ago. The boat also will be steamdriven, probably with Regner 12/36 engine. It`s just the beginnig, but frames and keel already came together.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: DamienG on November 15, 2020, 07:43:53 AM
Looking mighty good.  :bravo :bravo :clap :bravo :clap :bravo :clap
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on November 15, 2020, 11:54:16 AM
Thanks Damian!
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Spankbucket on November 15, 2020, 07:21:25 PM
Your ACW ships, like all your projects, have impressed me a lot. I look forward to your progress reports on this one!
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on November 15, 2020, 08:49:04 PM
Thanks a lot. This new model will take time - but in the present situation of lockdowns in many parts of the world - it is one possibility of rich in meaning activitis. In this coincidence I esteem special the building blogs of members like Paddlemex and others. This blogs are really inspiring for us.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on November 15, 2020, 08:54:00 PM
So Thomas, are the Regner 12/36 engines still readily available?........... Derek
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on November 16, 2020, 08:46:39 AM
As far I know the 12/36 engine is still availiable, Derek.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Paddlemex on November 18, 2020, 05:14:51 AM

Great to see that you are joining the active section of the forum again, Thomas.
As you say the lockdown situation should bring more people back to the workbench. Now there is (should be) time available.

Will follow your build closely. The skeleton already looks very promising.

Jurgen

Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on November 22, 2020, 09:05:25 PM
Hull is structural complete - next job will be a cover of resin (Voss Chemie G 4) inside and outside. I don`t know in this state of build, whether I should figure the steel sheets of the hull planking with aluminium sheets or not. The picture also shows the Mc Gregor plan of CSS "Hope", the predecessor of C.L. build also in 1864 of Quiggins shipyard in Liverpool.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on November 23, 2020, 12:21:32 AM
Hullo Thomas......

Not sure what you mean when you say.."figure the steel sheets of the hull planking with aluminium sheets or not"  :whistle... or does this mean that the original vessel had a riveted steel plated hull?

Derek
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Spankbucket on November 23, 2020, 07:20:53 PM
I have used self-adhesive aluminium tape in the past to simulate metal ship plates. If you have the patience, the rivets can be simulated by running a toothed gear/wheel over the sticky back surface.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Steven S on November 24, 2020, 09:43:41 AM
Very nice looking hull Thomas, will you use a layer of cloth or just resin on the outside?
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on November 29, 2020, 04:49:00 AM
The hull will now be covered in - and outside with G 4 resin. I`ve ordered self adversive aluminium tape of 0,12 mm thickness. This is far more than the 0,05 mm tape for car repairs, which is not suitable. I hope with this tape will be possible, to simulate the metal ship plates.
From my experience, with G 4 resin it`s not necessary to laminate the hull outside. The G 4 penetrades into the wood, after one day the wood will be very hard and absolutely watertight.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on November 29, 2020, 04:58:33 AM
G 4 Voss Chemie data.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on December 07, 2020, 02:17:22 AM
Some progress took place last week. The hull first was covered twice in - and outside with G 4 resin. Sanding and joining with filler is a rather unpleasant dusty work we all know. I hope, surface of hull is now even, but we will see when it will be painted. Yesterday I fixed the wheel galleries and today I begin with the deck of obechi wood planks. When this will be finished, hull can be painted light grey above waterline and red below.
The hull is very stabil in spite of thin and light materials (planks 10 x 2 mm pine, frames of plywood 4 mm thick). This is mostly the result of wonderful G 4 resin.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on December 07, 2020, 02:23:49 AM
I forgot: I tried to simulate metal planking with self - adhesive aluminium tape (0,12 mm) but the result wasn`t satisfactory.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Paddlemex on December 08, 2020, 05:41:08 AM

I can believe that the hull is very stable since you used 2mm pine.
On my Morangie Castle I used 2mm balsa and that turned out very solid too, even though I had my doubts in the beginning. So the 2mm pine should be much stronger.
But I used a very thin layer of glass cloth on the outside.

Nice fit of the curved outside of the deck  :D.

Jurgen
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on December 16, 2020, 12:50:24 AM
Paddleboxes nearly finished today, only the steps must be arranged. Next work will be painting of hull and paddleboxes. The paddlewheels with 170 mm diameter are geared, I will use aluminium. Unfortunately all model shops are closed, but I hope, in the net the materials are disposable.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: DamienG on December 16, 2020, 08:35:51 AM
 :clap :bravo :clap :bravo :clap :bravo :clap :bravo
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on December 18, 2020, 10:52:32 PM
I finshed the paddleboxes now - it took some more time than I expected - more than 3 day I worked of the steps. After chrismas hull and paddleboxes will be painted in a light grey tone.
Happy chrismas to all!
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Steven S on December 19, 2020, 04:49:52 AM
Your boat is coming along very nicely.  Very nice job on the steps, they look like you put in three days work on them.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on December 28, 2020, 06:07:31 AM
Thanks Steven. Your boat also!
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on January 12, 2021, 10:17:07 PM
Good morning, dear friends and neighbors,

The model was painted completely in the meantime. There are some other work to do - therefore the progress is rather slow at time. The model shops in Stuttgart and Reutlingen all closed, its difficult to buy materials and fittings. I made the final corrections at my book about steamdriven ship models. So I hope, that the book will be published in February.
Next job at the Colonel Lamb would be building geared paddlewheels or the wooden deckhouses.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Spankbucket on January 13, 2021, 07:59:25 PM
She's looking very impressive already Thomas and I am keen to see the finished project. Thanks for posting all the details.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Paddlemex on January 16, 2021, 06:13:28 AM

Nice to see that much advance, already started with the paint.
The work on the steps is really cool.

Jurgen
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on January 24, 2021, 10:50:56 PM
Building the deckhouses. First the plywood got a thin veneer of walnut wood, the frames and panels are made with thin mahagoni fillets.The deckhouse now is nearly finished and will be covered with varnish. The coloring of the door windows will be adapt to the mahagoni tone. The doorhandles will be made by fine brass nails. The half round deck support will be painted white. In the next days I hope to get an aluminium sheet for base of upper deck - unfortunately all shops except grocery are closed.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: DamienG on January 25, 2021, 08:35:47 AM
 :bravo :clap :bravo :clap :bravo :clap
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on January 28, 2021, 03:27:14 AM
Today I fixed the deckhouses. Some adaptions were necessary, but now I think this work is finished.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: DamienG on January 28, 2021, 09:07:41 AM
 :clap :bravo :clap :bravo :clap :bravo
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Mike on January 29, 2021, 03:33:50 AM


  Lovely work. Great detail.   :clap
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on January 29, 2021, 08:43:54 AM
Hullo

Thomas.....I like the effect you have with the paddle box radial spoke sections.......are they individually tapered? and is it a gold/drown wash you have over the white to make them lifelike?

Derek
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on January 30, 2021, 08:41:37 PM
Hi Derek,

yes, absolutely correct. The radial spokes are sawed and the gold color over the white ground is washed partly away. Today I `ll make the removable upper deck of aluminium with obechi planking.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: DamienG on January 30, 2021, 09:48:43 PM
 :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on January 31, 2021, 09:03:02 PM
Made the upper deck yesterday.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on February 11, 2021, 09:07:13 PM
Some more work is done, in particular skylights and both marked funnels with pipework and steam whistle. For the funnels I used aluminium tubes of 40 mm diameter. The whole model, as it is now, only has a weight of 5,8 kg - that gives much clearance for boiler, engine and R/C. There are many details, which must be made - masts with rigging, boats with davits and of course the geared paddlewheels. I don`t have exact plans of superstructure, only the photos of museum models, the exact plan of predecessor "Hope", which hull is equally and a rought plan of deck..
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Eddy Matthews on February 12, 2021, 04:36:00 AM
It's really starting to look the part now - I'm well impressed, magnificent work!

Regards
Eddy
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on February 12, 2021, 09:38:43 AM
Thanks Eddy!
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Spankbucket on February 13, 2021, 06:55:34 PM
You have achieved much in a very short time. She looks great!
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on February 18, 2021, 08:28:06 PM
Work goes on. The railing now is finished, but I`m unsecure of coloring it - the pictures of the museum models shows a dark colored railing, may be an anthracite, black or dark grey tone. As far I know, in 19. century a nearly black anthracite color for metal parts was common. Or would it be better, not painting the brass?

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: DamienG on February 19, 2021, 08:41:18 AM
 :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on February 20, 2021, 10:29:45 PM
Thanks, Damian. Work in progress. I will paint the railing black. The masts of course will be conical pointed and painted ochre. I`m looking for a suitable steam engine. The Regner 12/36 would be good, but it`s a little bit expensive...
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on February 21, 2021, 08:57:40 AM
As Thomas says......."The Regner 12/36 would be good, but it`s a little bit expensive..." ....

.....but it would be rather  :kiss1 beautiful Thomas, even if hidden inside  :whistle

PS...the kiss is for the engine....not you  :nono

Derek
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on March 06, 2021, 09:48:49 PM
This week in german ebay a Regner 12/36 engine was advertised not very far from our domicile. I bought. It must be a very old 12/36, may be from the 1980-tis. Some parts I renewed last days with my little stock of spare parts, she is now running rather well. The pictures shows the approximate position in the model.
The 4 lifeboats I made from Mantua kits with tiny plank on frame construction. There is still much to do with the C. L. - masts and rigging, some details and of course the geared paddlewheels with 165 mm diameter from aluminium. Because of the lockdown the progress of the model was rather fast. Railings were painted black - probably this is the close to the original.
Now the bike saison starts - there is also some work with my old Kawasaki Drifter...

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on March 07, 2021, 01:18:58 PM
Hullo Thomas....you are truely lucky to find a for sale Regner 12x36 engine........did you actually find two, or did you have a second in your spares box?  :crash

I have spent some time re-reading your earlier twin 12 x 36 engines steam plant [standard vertical exhausts], but did not find many references to condensate issues.......reading on Youtube, about single 12 x 36 engines and a popular problem thread is condensate & water hammer & lock up when cold

My Saito Y2-DR also suffers from cold engine & condensate, so without any cylinder drain valves, I have purchased 2 x 25 square 5 volt pillow fans & plan to pump warming up boiler water through a small 5/32" tube manifold type radiator above the fans & hope to transfer some heat into the cylinders [after the lagging is removed].......[the fit is near prefect ...just held on here with double sided tape for a dummy view]

Mounted under the cylinders, they are unobtrusive as just black bocks ..with tubes to be protruding

I plan to use the existing boiler feed piston pump via a 4 way valve [both Microcosm] for the heatup function, then switch the valving over to boiler feed as required ..all dreams.... :shhh

Sorry to hog your excellent build 

Derek :beer



Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on March 08, 2021, 12:57:01 AM
Hi Derek,

this 12/36 already were two engine units. At first test run the engine was running forward in a quite good manner, but didn`t reverse. After some time with adjusting the piston valves, the engine is running forward with 0,4 bar pressure and backward with 0,5 bar.
Start of the cold engine is not easy, one must drive some times forward and reverse, the pressure should be not less than 1,5 bar. Your solution with the pillow fans sounds good, but is it reliable? I presume, the best possibility to avoid condensing steam in the cylinders, is superheated steam. A copper or steel steamtube throught the flametube or just leaded above the burner should be heat the steam to 180 - 200°C and may avoide starting condensation - I will realize this at the C. L.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on March 08, 2021, 01:31:20 AM
Thomas.......you mention with this new Regner 12x36 build, will incorporate 'geared' paddle wheels

Naturaly I will be very interested to read of your geared wheel reduction, as I understood your earlier 12x36 build to be direct drive.  Your selection of boiler capacity together with anciliries will be similar to the original build, but will be interesting and exciting to see 

{Saito nominate 2 Bar WP for their engines, however many appear to operate without issue at 3.5 Bar, but even at this pressure we are still talking of ~~150 degrees C...so the condensate cold start issue maintains - the proposed heat radiator can only depend on the heat load/mass able to be pumped & transferred to the cylinders + valve bodies}

Looking forward to seeing your new engine plant progress

Derek  :coffee
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on March 09, 2021, 08:57:21 AM
It is possible, to make a direct drive from engine to paddleshaft with this 36 mm stroke. I made it at the big "China" paddler and  at the sternwheeler "Ville des Bruges"with this Regner type. But I must see. Sometimes it`s better to use cogwheels, the engine is very heavy and should be installed deep in the hull.Today I made some improements - there was bearing clearance of the crankshaft, with tiny ball bearings it`s now ok. I also changed two fork type linkages to avoide clearance. The engine runs in a good manner, but the Stepenson reverse gear shows a tendency to jam. Perhaps it is better to reverse the engine through reverse valve.
At the model, the finished liveboats were fixed.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on March 09, 2021, 11:20:15 AM
Hullo Thomas... we see the crankshaft eccentric sheeves appear to be of split construction and retained by M2 brass bolts & nuts

So what are the M2 ? slotted head steel screws protruding into the eccentric sheeve body top halves?  :shhh

The AF flat of the head of the M2 bolt near appears to run in the root diameter of the M2 slotted head screws  :whistle 

Derek
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on March 09, 2021, 11:53:37 AM
Looks like the M2 tappings are for oil cups with a felt lining?.......[as found on another online build....]

Have watched this thread some years ago, so obviously loss of memory  :shoot

We also see a tapping at the 9.00 o'clock position....one bottom sheeve with a screw & nut, & the other with a fail of rag to soak up the oil

Is there an additional slipper bearing ring between the eccentric sheeve bodies and the actual eccentric?
Derek
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on March 11, 2021, 09:36:05 AM
There is a recess in the excenter and the M 2 bolts leads the excenter rod precisly on it. With the horizontal M 2 bolts one is able to make the clearance between excenter and rod a little more or less. There are some clearance at this engine because the bearings and fork type linkage rod are made of brass. But it`s no problem to overhaul the engine with new parts.
The Regner 12/36 is deliverable now for more than 40 years. I think this engine must be made about 1985 with her 4 mm crankshaft. For the "China" model 4 years ago, I bought a new 12/36 with teflon pistons and piston valves, 6 mm crankshaft and some more modified parts. It`s no problem to modernize older engines with new parts if necessary.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on March 13, 2021, 09:46:09 PM
Some detailing continous the build - the bollars, capstan and ships name. Next week I will make the paddlewheels.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on March 26, 2021, 10:47:42 PM
Making the feathered paddlewheels. The wheels are similar of "Hope" plan, which I build 26 years ago. This work take pains. The wheels are a little bit simplified, but very solid. I use aluminium sheet of 2 mm, M 2 thread stakes, M 2 and M 1,4 nuts and bolds. Still the excenter and excenter rods must be made - I`m waiting for more mini screws and nuts. When the making of wheels is finished, only rigging and some minor works must be made.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Paddlemex on March 27, 2021, 05:03:21 AM

Nice work Thomas. Cutting all that aluminum by hand is admirable.
Do you epoxy the parts or do you have material to solder alu? I once bought the Rexin solder and it worked quite well, but after some time the flux dried and is worthless now.

Jurgen
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Steven S on March 27, 2021, 07:49:10 AM
Very impressive progress Thomas.  My next boat will have better wheels than my first two boats have, but now not up to your standard.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on March 27, 2021, 08:23:41 AM
Hi Jürgen and Steven,

the parts were connected with epoxy. I also first tried to solder with rexin, but it was not satisfying - the connection wasn`t solid. Next days I hope to finish the wheels with excenter and rods. I´ve made some feathering paddlewheels from alu and brass, every time it`s large effort. With milling machine this work would be much faster and much more easy - but last not least the result is important.
Steven, your paddlewheels are ok and original, most stern- and quarterwheelers has had rigid paddlewheels.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: optima21 on March 27, 2021, 10:26:54 PM
those paddles are looking pretty impressive to me. I could have them in a display case on their own :)
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on March 30, 2021, 12:06:40 AM
Yes, these ships has had a special elegance , but were plain purpose build. I now watched the video of our member`s Don nice model of blockade runner "Presto". Before I started with the build of Colonel Lamb I considered to make also a model of "Presto". But the C. L. is more suitable for steam propulsing. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XXIOhqwP84.

Today I installed the finished paddlewheels - this was an pleasant and easy job.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Mike on March 30, 2021, 12:45:51 AM


  Lovely wheels, The cutting out must have taken a long time.
  All the build is coming on very nicely .
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on March 30, 2021, 07:58:03 AM
I worked 15 days to make the wheels.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on April 08, 2021, 07:04:57 AM
"Colonel Lamb" as good as finished today. I made the rigging last days, now only some detailing will follow. The Regner 12/36 made some more test runs with reverse valve, because the Stephenson gear sometimes is jaming. It seems, that reversing with the valve is more sufficient, also the reverse can be made instantaneous. The reverse valve belongs to my first live steam builds more than 30 years ago. It was only necessary to tighten it with two new  O -rings.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: DamienG on April 08, 2021, 08:47:08 AM
 :bravo :clap :bravo :clap :bravo :clap :bravo :clap :beer :beer :beer :beer
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Spankbucket on April 08, 2021, 04:54:22 PM
As with all your creations, she looks fantastic.

I reckon you are already thinking ahead to your next project!?
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on April 08, 2021, 06:16:01 PM
my next project? Yes, there is one possibility: The Rhone cargo steamers "Ocean" and "Mediterranee" which has had a lenght of 156 m. Perhaps a build in scale 1 : 50 or 1 : 48 would have 3,12 m lenght and only 13 cm beam. It would be possible, to make the hull in 3 sections for transport. The real boats has had propulsion of - obviously - fixed wheels and a big horizontal single cylinder engine. There is a museum in Tournon sur Rhone with a model of a similar steamer. This could be my next project...

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Spankbucket on April 10, 2021, 05:27:10 PM
That sounds truly challenging...especially making it in sections.

How will you handle that to ensure secure joints and watertightness?
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on April 10, 2021, 07:30:18 PM
It is not difficult to make this long, flat hull in sections. At first the whole hull in one piece should be build. Then two similar strong plywood frames connected with bolts and screws will glued into the hull like in the pictures, between the frames lays a thin plywood pile in the thickness of the saw-blade. As far the construction is fixed, it`s easy to disconnect the frames with saw and two sections are finished.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Spankbucket on April 11, 2021, 05:37:36 PM
That is indeed a cunning plan, which would not have occurred to me!

Can I assume the diagrams come from your book?

A thought...presumably due to he 'compartmentalization' resulting from this method and, assuming the engine and paddles are in the centre section, it will make it very easy to achieve balance on the water?

I look forward to seeing you build one of the type using this method  with great interest!
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on April 13, 2021, 09:16:45 PM
Engine installation. The engine with the couplings for the paddle shaft was a little bit too wide - I had to alter the shaft bearings (bearing clearance of the brass tube) and the part of deckhouse in the field of the couplings. I hope, now it is in the right way, tomorrow I will made a first steam up with engine and paddlewheels.
Spanbucket: The illustrations of the hull in sections are not from my book, they are in german book about building of hulls (Schiffsmodell-Rümpfe by Helmut Drexler).

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on April 15, 2021, 06:24:38 AM
First steam up today!
A few hours ago I did the first steam up with my outside Regner steam plant and silicone tube connection. Engine with direct coupling was running well. My old reversing valve doubtless is the better choice to reverse the engine than the Stephenson gear. Last work will come now: Building and installation of the boiler. I long time considered - one or two boiler? I will make one boiler, but in relative big dimensions: 350 mm lenght with 85 mm diameter, U - shape flame tube with one burner. Tomorrow ist starts!

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on April 15, 2021, 05:56:35 PM
Hullo Thomas.......wow.....

350 x 85 'single firing'?  boiler is a real challenge in heating design  :thinking ..have you ever considered one single boiler, but gas firing from both ends?

I am also unclear, when you say ..." My old reversing valve .......than the Stephenson gear"..??  :porkies

Derek
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on April 15, 2021, 08:22:19 PM
Hi Derek,

the Stephenson gear of the older 12/36 has a tendence to jam and it`s not absolut sufficient. Regner has solved this problem at newer engines with leading the gear throught PTFE bearings. At the beginning of my Live steam passion more than 30 years ago I build a reverse valve with brass piston similar like for the  piston valve engines (for the "Pilat" steamer). It was functionating, but the piston wasn`t really steamtight. Now I remembered for this old part and improved the piston with recess on my lathe and O-rings. Result: Until now, it`s steamtight and ready for use at the 12/36. See picture.
The boiler dimensions are a compromise between parts, which I have still in stock, sufficient water content and the required installation - burner and come out of the flame tube to the funnel must be on the same side of the boiler in front of the engine. When the flame tube with cross tubes has sufficient lenght, the steam production also with one burner will be good. In the "China" paddler with same engine works a boiler of 100 x 200 mm with U - flametube. The steam production is adequate.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on April 20, 2021, 02:10:17 AM
Today I made the last pressure test with warm water for the boiler.  Yesterday two small leaks were dedected, but soldered with siver solder. Today pressure goes up to 6 bar - no leaking. On Saturday the flame tube was tested, it was ok from the first time on with same pressure. I expect, this rather large model boiler will have a sufficient steam production also with only one burner. Dimensions of brass made boiler: Lenght 350 mm, diameter 85 mm, diameter of copper flame tube is 28 mm, 14 cross tubes.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on April 27, 2021, 02:52:49 AM
Again some advance. Boiler is installed, engine is running - but the gas container in the rear must be heated. In nearly every case some minor problems were obvious: Steam regulator was leaking, steam pressure goes down because gas container got cold. But this infancy troubles are normal. I hope to finish the build in one week.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on April 28, 2021, 06:45:14 PM
Engine trouble!
At my test runs it became obviously, that some parts of this old Regner 12/36 were worn and should be changed: The old brass pistons and control pistons. Today this parts are made from teflon and much more tight. Also both brass swing arms, which now are leading by teflon bearings. I `ve ordered this spare parts today and I suppose that power and presentation of engine will be better - also the reversing - with this new parts.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: DamienG on April 28, 2021, 09:38:22 PM
 :bravo :clap :clap :clap :clap :bravo
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on May 04, 2021, 07:52:54 PM
Tightening of the control pistons with two O - rings. I made this before with one Regner 12/36, it seems a good possibility to tighten old contol pistons. I`m still waiting for new teflon working pistons from Regner factory to finish the propulsion.

The build of C. L. is as good as finished except the steam propulsion. In this state it may be interesting to compare the near sister ships "Hope" and "Colonel Lamb". "Hope" I made 26 years ago, 1994 - 1995, she was my first large steamboat model.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on May 04, 2021, 11:21:39 PM
Thomas......

Without me going back & searching your posts, your previous build of PS China I am sure uses the same Regner 12 x 36 twin plant........how does the hull sizing & displacement of China compare to Colonel Lamb?

Memory is fading, but I think your PS Hope used an alternate 14 x18 twin Regner plant??

Derek
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on May 05, 2021, 06:27:50 PM
Hi Derek,

for the "China" I bought in her time a new 12/36 with teflon control - and working pistons and some further improvements. The displacement is a little more than 15 kg. "Hope" with her 14/18 Regner engine with gear reduction of 2,2 : 1 has a displacement of 14 kg and the C. L. will have little more than 11,5 kg, may be 12 kg. "Hope" with her sharp lines is a fast runner and I expect same to C. L. with her equal hull.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on May 05, 2021, 10:35:39 PM
Thanks Thomas

.....& yes it is imteresting as all 3 hulls with not too differing lines/displacement & +/- power would have speeds that could have been relative, but also altered or differing by the paddle/diameter & blade surface area

Having said all this, each is not a racing machine & just a vessel of beauty under steam in the water  :whistle

Derek 
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on May 16, 2021, 08:35:26 PM
I will sell the Regner 12/36 and use another engine for the boat, probably the Graham TVRIA. The Regner with 3,2 kg is very heavy and there are still problems with reversing.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: william stafford on May 19, 2021, 12:36:34 AM
i found the TVR 1 a good engine, we had it in a 1100mm steam tug w centre flue on gas, about 15/25 psi under load, and the 75mm prop threw a rooster tail out the back of the tug!!
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on May 20, 2021, 06:26:44 AM
Yes William, the TVRIA is a reliable engine with sufficient reversing. I have four ones - three in paddlesteamers, one in a steam yacht.
I`ve ordered the ball bearing one.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on May 24, 2021, 09:37:15 PM
While I`m waiting for my ordered Graham engine, the boiler/burner area was improved and finished. The flame will be enlarged or dimished corresponding to steam production with Regner RC gas cock. All is absolutely steam- and gas tight.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on June 08, 2021, 10:15:20 PM
New Graham TVRIA engine finished and converted for paddle use. The weight of this engine is only 650 g - compared with the Regner 12/36 with 3,4 kg. Bore and stroke are 12,6 mm by 15,8 mm - so there must be a gear reduction to paddle shaft by 38 : 15 or 2,6 : 1. The conversion was done in the same way like my 3 further TVRIA in paddlers "Marchioness of Lorne", "Mindon" and "Presto".
Tomorrow I will make a steam up.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on June 09, 2021, 02:09:05 PM
Hi Thomas.......these straight cut spur gears in the 38 tooth to 15 tooth look very interesting

May I ask where these are from, as the Product from SPDI in USA are very, very expensive  :ranting

So in image 3558, we see the generous elongated mounting slot....do you just careful find the appropriate engagement between the gears & lock the engine up?

Again I am guessing,,...what are the gear widths?
------------------

My 9 tooth : 48 tooth provided a 4.76: 1 reduction for my Saito Y2DR which was too high :shoot, so I have ordered a 16 tooth chain pinion  which will then be 16 to 48 = 2.66:1 reduction which I believe will provide a more realistic or lower engine speed

Derek
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on June 15, 2021, 05:43:52 AM
The sun shines a little bridghter, the birds sings a little louder and the life day seems more serene- when the steamboat is functionating well!

Today I made a steam test in water, it was unexpected, but all functions of boiler and engine were ok. Yesterday show some minor problems - untightness of steam regulator, some adjustments of engine gear was nercessary - but no difficult problems. Deplacement of navigable model is only 9350 gramm. But in cause of the heavy boiler the model shows at first bow heavy, so one iron bar of 600 gramm weight was put nearby the stern. Deplacement now is nearly exact 10 kg, which is much less than the "Hope" with her same hull and 14 kg.
Derek - I made an mistake - the two pairs of cogwheels has 48 and 18 teeth, so the gear reduction is 8 : 3. The brass cogwheels are from GHW Modellbauversand, price of all was about 45.- Euro.
Minimum pressure to move the engine in water is 0,9 bar, with a little bit more than 2 bar the power is fantastic, like in the pictures.

Main point of changing the heavy Regner 12/36 to Graham TVRIA wasn`t the weight but the much better and more reliably reversing of Graham engine. The big boiler is a little bit oversized for the Graham, but I presume a running time between 40 - 60 minutes with water content. Dimension of flame can be changed by R/C from minimum until maximum with Regner R/C gas cock.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on June 20, 2021, 06:30:24 PM
Yesterday at the Eisweiher (Ice-pond) in Gernsbach, Blackforest, but with 32°C. A very nice pond of the local ship model club.

First trip of "Colonel Lamb" model. All functions were well - although the engine installation should be stronger. Running time with boiler content is far more than one hour. Speed was about 1,3 m/sec. This projekt is now finished! She is my 16th steam driven paddler.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on June 20, 2021, 07:58:04 PM
Thomas...I love the waterwash with this model.......excellent  :clap ...

What is the approximate turning circle  'at speed' ?

However I have been talking  :gathering with others, and it would appear you must also have the  :no1b for the greatest  number of steam powered model paddlers in this World

Congratulations and thankyou for so many  :kewlpics

regards
Derek
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on June 21, 2021, 06:24:44 AM
Hi Derek,

thanks very much for your congratulations, I esteem them highly.

The turning circle of the ship is rather wide, may be 8 meters, the breadth of the fore part of the pond just was sufficient. It`s a joy, when you write  it may appears, that I have the greatest number of steam powered paddler models - but we don`t know. May be, somewhere in the world, in on old, remote house - there lives an senior model maker in the age of 91 with 66 steam powered paddlers - we can`t know?

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Steven S on June 24, 2021, 03:01:28 AM
This is certainly an impressive boat Thomas.  Thank you for the detailed build log, It has encouraged me to look for a long term very detailed project for my next build, although I won't be able to put a real operating steam engine into it.
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on June 25, 2021, 09:53:13 PM
Thanks, Steven. I just consider: What will be the next build? Probably a Rhone freight steamer of 19. century. This will be of ca. 320 cm lenght in scale        1 : 48. The flat hull must be dividible for transport in 3 parts. I will draw the plans now.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on August 02, 2021, 06:31:07 AM
Painted a new picture "The sea, full moon and steamship". Center and detail of picture is steamer "Colonel Lamb". The tiny C. L. in the picture together with the big model under that.

Thomas
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: DamienG on August 02, 2021, 07:52:52 AM
 :bravo :clap :beer  :bravo :clap :beer
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Spankbucket on August 02, 2021, 04:33:25 PM
Fantastic work Thomas, on both projects. Who knew you had such diverse skills? Lovely.

The painting, along with its title, is positively 'Turneresque'!
Title: Re: Blockade Runner "Colonel Lamb"
Post by: Hankwilliams on August 02, 2021, 06:55:22 PM
Thanks very much, Damian and Spanbucket!