Paddleducks
Paddler Modelling => Construction => Topic started by: Hankwilliams on January 12, 2022, 03:44:02 AM
-
Good evening, dear friends and neighbors,
last week I began a new paddler, the porteur du Rhone "OCEAN" in scale 1 : 48 with 322 cm lengt. A very narrow and flat hull as you see. The hull will be divided in 3 pieces for transport. Building of hull isn`t very difficult, it was possible to make frames and planking with thin plywood until now in 5 days. I consider to make bow and stern section of Forex. Until now I don`t have any experience with this material. May be some of our members was working with Forex? If yes, I would be glad for some advices about the quality and the workmanship of this material.
Thomas
-
WOW! That's lloooonngg!
Wonder what the turning circle is for a vessel of that length?
Looking forward to following the build Thomas...
Regards
Eddy
-
that makes the average skinny destroyer look like a fat old lady! with that length and narrow beam every littie ripple must have made it hog and sag like a long thin reed.Looking forward to seeing it finished. Remember your Willens cigar ship eddy?. now that took half a mile and three days to turn! Did you ever post pictures of it on the site?. That model was a work of genius. regards, Walter.
-
that makes the average skinny destroyer look like a fat old lady! with that length and narrow beam every littie ripple must have made it hog and sag like a long thin reed.Looking forward to seeing it finished. Remember your Willens cigar ship eddy?. now that took half a mile and three days to turn! Did you ever post pictures of it on the site?. That model was a work of genius. regards, Walter.
I did post a few photos about the Cigar Ship a long time ago Walter - You can find them here: http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3776.0
But if anyone is interested, please add to that topic, NOT this one, as I don't want to hijack Thomas's build!
Regards
Eddy
-
Hi Eddy,
I`m also wondering about the turning circle. Bur the surface of rudder will be large: 18 cm in lenght and 2,5 cm height. May be, it`s better to install a bow thruster?
Thomas
-
Hi Thomas - I agree, a bow thruster would make steering your paddler manageable.
-
Hi Eddy,
I`m also wondering about the turning circle. Bur the surface of rudder will be large: 18 cm in lenght and 2,5 cm height. May be, it`s better to install a bow thruster?
Thomas
I'd add a bow thruster as a last resort - See how it handles just using the rudder first. It would be a shame to add a bow thruster if it was incorrect, or unneccesary.
Regards
Eddy
-
Do bow thrusters work when the models underway? I thought they only worked when the boat was stationary, or have I got that wrong?
-
Hi Barry,
it`s correct. The efficiency of bow thrusters is low, when the model is fast underway. But when the model is slow or at a standstill, its a great advance to turn with bow thruster. Without that, steering a paddlesteamer is more difficult than a screw boat. My own experience with a sterwheeler shows, that the effect of rudder was low. In this case a bow thruster was an advance, even when it is not original.
-
Hello Thomas,
Great to see that at least one guy is working so we can sit back and watch. ;D
Regarding Forex, I have not used it and I am not sure if you can get in thick sheets.
But for your bow and stern sections I would recomend Styrodur. That's extruded, closed cell foam, not the "normal" expanded foam. It's also known as RoofMate.
I have built planes from this material and it is very light and easy to work with. Sands great. Covered with light glass and expoxy it is very tough and sturdy.
It is available in sheets from 2 to 10cm thickness.
Regards Jurgen
-
Thanks Jurgen, are you feeling well? Yes, Styrodur seems a good possibility. I will decise between Styrodur, Forex or - the very common light wood - Balsa.
Weight of the incomplete hull now is 1900 g. Deplacement of the finished boat should be not exceed 9 kg.
Thomas
-
Hi Thomas,
Thanks for asking. We are OK, no Covid so far. Since you are building I guess you are OK too.
We are reasonably isolated, but very careful regarding mask, clean hands and alcohol - as gel on the hands of course. Well, a little inside too 8) :angel.
Jurgen
-
Evening Thomas.........
I am not sure about this build :whistle ......but for thruster interest, please confirm the effective available internal beam
Derek
-
Hi Jurgen and Derek,
also we are okay, no covid. Only dark and cold winter days, the right time to build anything.
The hulls breadht is 150 mm and of the bow thruster ca. 154 mm, so that I don`t see any problem to install it. For the bow and stern section I have used balsa, not Forex or Styrodur. After sanding the hulls out- and inside got two paints of Voss G 4 Polyrethan resin. The resin will seal by penetrating the wood, so that the balso will get a really hard surface.
It`s astonishing, how less time this long narrow hull needs until now. But the problems will come later, I`m shure...
-
Work in progress. Now one can imagine, that a paddlesteamer is arising. The essential work of hull is nearly finished. You see the extrem narrow and flat hull with connection frames, bolts and nuts. The in - and outside of hull got three coverings with Voss G 4 resin and will be ready for paining with lacquer after the fixed parts of deck will be build.
To get a even hull with the two connection parts - this wasn`t quite simple. Some corrections at the frames were necessy.
Thomas
-
Wow, it IS long and VEEERY shallow.
The partitions are virtually invisible. Looks great.
What is the square opening in the bottom for? (second to last pucture)
Jurgen
-
It`s for the anchor boom, a speciality of Rhone steam navigation. With the anchor boom it was possible, to fix the boat upstream in low water. Nearly all Rhone Porteurs and remoqueurs, even in later time, has had this instrument.
-
Ohhhh. Interesting. Never heard of this before.
Thanks Thomas.
Jurgen
-
It's coming along well and is really fascinating to watch her take shape!
-
Hi Thomas, I too have not heard of this 'Anchor Boom'.......
1. is it fully lowered thru the hull to bed in the river earth, to provide a pivot point?
2. why is the boom cantered at an angle?
Derek
-
Hi Derek,
the anchor boom was lowered into the mud ground of the river to fix the boat upstreams. I suppose, that the angel was important to avoide gliding off. As far I know, only Rhone steamers has had this anchor boom, I don`t see this speciality at any other steamers.
The second picture is the original plan of the "Pelvoux" type remorqueurs build in the 1890-tis, late Bernard Retif from Lyon draw the simplyfied semi scale plan of "Pilat" from this source.
-
Construction of hull and deck as far are finished, so that today I made a water test of tightness in the tub with the three separate parts. All was ok, so that the hull now should be painted.
Thomas
-
Hull was painted now in red, black and green color. Even when minor improvings should be done, the rough works seems lying behind. Next job will be plating the deck with aluminium sheets (original boat has had an iron deck). I will add some historic pictures of Rhone steamships.
Thomas
-
Great pics of the old days.
Is that water on deck on the 3rd picture? People don't seem to care on getting wet.
Was there a reason to build those ships so narrow and long? At least on the pictures the river seems to pretty wide to require narrow ships.
Jurgen
-
It is always interesting Thomas, to see the world as was in the period of the time of the image taken
We see possibly a round woven cane basket just greater than 1500mm diameter with I assume to be a grain? being carried by a number of ships, or shore workers being loaded to the deck of the Paddler
Understanding the extensive use of manual labour is reinforced in such images, as it was the form of product transport
We also a quantity of green canvas placed over items on deck [deck cargo]
There is also a Chap in jacket & hat & shoulder bag watching procedings...maybe a Tourist to the Jetty/Wharf or just an on-looker?
In another view, we see what I believe is the horizontal boiler casing with a substantial chimney/smokestack just above deck level, and a white mist flowing ...or enveloping the boiler casing, however falling to the deck prior to rising upwards. I can only assume boiler steam, however I have not seen steam flow like this :whistle. One Chap has open shirt sleeves, so this indicates the temperature of the day [or so no extremes in temperature on the day]
Derek
-
I suppose, the mist and steam on the third picture could be caused of rain coming down to the hot boiler case. Yes, Derek, this antique pictures shows a inner poetry of long gone times of hard working people with her simple gladness and also sufferings.
Next days I will cover the deck with aluminium sheets. Question about the railing: It seems, the railing was made of wood - should I made it from thin fillets or better of brass?
Thomas
-
Good morning, dear friends and neighbors,
I was rather busy the last weeks, the adcance is visible, I hope. It seems very impotant to make the model`s details in a accurate manner as the anchor boom with winch, the big tiller with platform, portholes, paddleboxes and so on.
Next job will be the brass railing (ca. 170 supports) and the rigid paddlewheels. Weight of the complete model with 323 cm lenght now is 3460 Gramm - this gives much play for the later steam boiler and engine.
The connection between servo and rudder is a compromis, it wasn`t possible to install the rods below deck.
Brass material for the side by side boilers is ordered. The part after engine area must wait until boilers will be installed.
Thomas
-
Looking GOOD but given the length how will you get it to water?
-
Hi Damian,
for transport the model can be divided in 3 sections, which are connected with bolts. You see one point of intersection at the last picture.
-
✔✔✔✔✔✔
-
Railing was finished with brass stanchions and 0,5 mm steel wire. I`m not shure - should I paint railing in black color or should it be as it is? I`m also considering to paint the deck in a light grey color for better optical effect - even black is very susceptible against dust and dirt.
I haven`t exact plans of the boat. There are many details which are not clear of color and looking. Fortunately I visited museum in Tournon sur Rhone last September and took some pictures about "Missouri" porteur and further models.
Thomas
-
Hi Thomas,
I would paint the railings for two reasons:
1.- looks better and
2.- rust inhibiting.
Great build again.
Regards Jurgen
-
Building and installing the paddlewheels.
I made the rigid paddlewheels of 1 mm aluminium, there are 16 floats per wheel in dimensions 53 x 11 mm. Outside diameter of wheel is 124 mm, weight is very low. Paddle shaft is above deck, the detailing must wait until the engine will be installed. Jürgen - I painted the railing in a gun metal graphite tone, from my impression it looks quite good.
I ´ve ordered three Faller cranes, which seems nice, but must be altered because the scale is a little bit too small.
Thomas
-
I found it interesting seeing the offset paddle floats. Was this common on fixed float wheels? John.
-
:bravo :bravo :bravo
-
John S - I made the paddlewheels like of the model "Mediterranee", the sister ship of "Ocean" in Castle Museum, Tournon sur Rhone, which I visited last year. This model isn`t very well made as you see, but gave some informations about details. I hope, my boat will be close to the original ship. The open paddleboxes were common to Rhone steamboating.
Thomas
-
Morning Thomas.......
With the Ocean de Mediterranee , firstly I wouldn't like to see her in an ocean, nor in the substantial river flood waters you experienced a year or so ago ......however what is in a name? :whistle
The open top 1/2 of the paddle boxes would add to the visual effect by throwing a considerable quantity of water out
The example model in the Museum has one fixed swivel manual rope hoist , but for six hatch/holds!, which I assume on the original would have been sectioned off between each hold?
Still cannot imagine launching and steering the model, but what a ton of fun,,,,,, :41
Two months ago, Covid was still the greatest fear, now other matters of dire consequence and importance.....stay safe
Derek
-
The contrast between the ships names "OCEAN" plus "MEDITERRANEE" and their construction and area of operation can`t be more much. I made the cargo hatches like in the plan - I suppose that between the freight section were bulkheads.
Detailing the model will be important. From Faller factory a very realistic kit of a small loading crane is availiable - but it was too small, made for HO railways modelling. I ordered three cranes, it wasn`t difficult to extend the crane boom with brass tube to scale of approximate 1 : 50. The art of anchor attachment I don`t find in models of castle museum in Tournon, it`s standart
-
Evening Thomas.......
1. are you planning on a simulated Rudder Arm as the principal method of steerage? - would you place a scale Helmsman?
2. the FWD anchor Windlass.....is that a manually rotated arrangement or steam/piston driven?
3. the old Plan indicates some form of Crew accommodation under the stern deck, not sure if any similar accommodation is provided toward of No1 hatch at the forepeak or is it just below deck storage?
4. the manual gear/wire hoists look good, are you installing 1 x hoist per hatch? [I think I see........ 8 x hatches?]
I still find it difficult to understand how these men navigated vessels of such length in the River network :picknose
Derek
-
Hi Derek,
today I saw my answers to your questions were not post. Therefore again my answers:
It`s a good idea to place a helmsman clothed in the dress of mid nineteen century - I will loof for a scale figur.
The models in Tournon museum don`t had anchors and windlasses. I made this parts like common European inland steamers.
Crew accommodation was fore and aft the freight hatches.
There were one crane for two hatches, so I made four cranes, one hatch doesn`t have a crane.
Greetings Thomas
-
Boiler making.
The boat will have two boilers side by side. Now I have made both flame tubes with each 10 cross boiling tubes. When I remember, I`ve made 21 boilers since 1989 - but this time there several leakings of one flametube got obvious, the other one was ok from beginning on. So I had to repair the leaks 4 times one after another. Fortunately now also the first tube is tight.
Pressure test until 6 bar was made with heated water. The tube is filled completely with water and closed. The warmed up water expandes and shows every small leak - no explosion is possible. This is a simple but reliable method for pressure tests of tubes and boilers.
Thomas
-
Hi Thomas,
Those 'extended' Faller cranes suit the ship perfectly. Weinert also has some very nice HO cranes, but they are quite pricey.
Tip for the ropes: if you wet the yarn and let it dry in the position you want it on the crane it will fall perfectly straight and without loops or curling.
Regards Jurgen
-
Thanks Jurgen, I will do so.
Boilers are as good as finished and pressure tested. The two side by side boilers are connected with pressue equalization up and downside. Yesterday I made the pressure test until 6 bar - absolutely no leaking. At the rear end of boilers a rectangular smokebox will be installed, from the mid of this the funnel will be fixed.
l
Fortunately the brass and copper material was still in my stock, our local building marked didn`t have copper tubes - may be the shortage of material has reached Germany.
Thomas
-
Boiler unit now ready. The smoke box carries the collapsible funnel with counterweights. The refillable gas cartridge is very close to the hot smokebox to avoid low pressure of gas. An old Laspe gas - steam regulation will also installed. The whole engine - boiler - and RC unit will be in the middle part of the hull. Weight of hull with boilers and gas cartridge now is just below 6 kg - there will be enough free play for the engine.
Thomas
-
Outstanding Hank. :bravo :clap :bravo :clap :bravo :clap
-
Indeed Thomas...again, an intriguing boiler :whistle :whistle....
1. does the burner flame on external test produce a flame of sufficient length to near match the length of the most distant water tube?
2. what is the purpose of the round spigots with a hole over the top of what would be a smoke box?
3. is the chimney tube aluminium of just painted with a gray primer....the chimney tube in itself with the rivited tubular segments a work of art
4. are you using those 220gm disposable gas containers? [good economic value/heat], or the larger 300 gm cab we see for the external test?.....I don't see lines in the deck to remove so to replace the gas tank?
I look forward to the engine build [will it be a long stroke single cylinder as per that old Drawing?] & installation to this loooooooooooooooong vessel :shhh
Derek
-
Hi Derek,
interesting and profound questions. There are still problems with this boilers, at time I`m make experiments with different burners. The common smokebox of both flame tubes seems a little bit problematic. Only with one flame there isn`t a problem, but as soon as two flames in both tubes arise a dynamic pressure of the hot gases with hinders one flame.
Therefore I drilled some holes on the top of the smokebox to reduce the problem, now it seems, that it is nearly solved. The original boat has had only one funnel, for the model it would be more easy, each boiler with his own chimney. The chimney is an aluminium tube with glued thin sheets (0,2 mm) of alu - from the backside the deepenings of the rivets were made with nails. The chimney was painted with black heat resistence color.
Because hull is very flat (60 mm), so space of gas container is restricted. I made the gas container refillable, 220 gm gas should be enough. All deck parts of the boiler/engine space are removable.
My favorite engine is the Regner 12/36, but not as single cylinder. The engine will need a profound alteration. Because of space limitation it`s not possible to place the cylinders side by side - the cylinders must be one upon another, this will get two crankshafts connected with cogwheels at 90° degrees. The original boat has had a single cylinder engine after French Bourdon system with cylinder and crankshaft on deck level, I will try to make this similar. You see, Derek, this boat with boilers and engine will be a challenge - I hope I will have success!
Many regards Thomas
-
Arrangement with gas cartridge, gas regulation, steam manometer, boilers, collapsible funnel and gas/steam regulation in the hull. The former one way gas container was made refillable with a special valve which also will be the connection to the gas burners.
Thomas
-
I have no experience here Thomas with this style of dual boiler design, except the consideration of a dual balanced exhaust from the smoke box forming a large A into the chimney pipe from each of the holes you have pre drilled into those spigot fittings [similar to model train engine cylinder exhausts into the smoke box in a balanced setup]
Having said this I understand you would be deviating from the Plan at this A would exit above Deck level
With respect to the engine.....again I cannot see any real solution without deviating from the Plan scale appearance, as there appears to ve very little space between the hull and the bottom of the engine and the same height restrictions between under the deck & the top of the engine
As you well know, even producing a larger single cylinder bore & stroke engine, the starting or timing requirements would be problematical.....unless you could produce a servo operated barring device to set the engine in a starting position?
I believe barring gear could certainly be achieved for a model steam engine, the only limitation I see is the time/speed requirement that the cycle is required, then by proximity device, a signal back to the Tx to allow an engine re-start
[The French manufacturer ANTON some years back produced a range of CNC manufactured TYPHOON engines {black & Gold}.... included was a single cylinder engine capable of starting from any position of rest...however the range did not stay on the market for very long...[I suspect they were manufactured by a third CNC party?]
You previously mention this vessel has a beam of ~~150 mm? [6"], so what is the minimum configuration width that you could squeeze a close-coupled pair of 12x36 Regner engines into? [eliminating the center flywheel and modified steam entry ports to 90 degrees above the valve chest]
This Bloke appears to have achieved vertical inlet ports, and that center coupling could be shortened by 10 mm or more?
Derek
-
Yes Derek, I would try to explaine my idea of the engine with cylinders one upon the other. It`s a matter of much as possible can we build close to the original boat. Even the twin boilers you find in the original plan. Of course, it`s not rich in meaning to reduce boiler and engine in line, but ideal there should be an optical impression of close to the original as possible, but even with reliable funktion.
I`ve build two paddlers (Courier and Mount Washington) with single cylinder engines like in the original, even with electric starters. Nevertheless the starting procedure isn`t very reliable, because of the low touring and centrifugal force. When the engine goes slow, you must pay most attention of no stop in dead center. I want to avoide this at the new model.
When I will be succesful to build this twin cylinder engine like my description, the first impression would be " Oh, a single cylinder engine..." because of the visible upper cylinder unit. It`s a compromise, of course - but for me it`s essential, that the optical impression would be close to the original as possible.
When I wrote this down, the clock shows half past twelve in night - exactly 69 years ago I was born in Frankfurt - a rather long live of a model craftsman and I hope, that there will be some 20 more years...
Thomas
-
Well firstly, :birth Youngster :whistle
I have loved each & very one of your builds, and as a fellow Member, it is Paddleduck Group are the ones who have had this privilege over the years
The number of paddlewheel vessels with your built threads and :kewlpics [especially in steam] is amazing
I have always found t interesting to consider potential solutions to questions posed
Looking forward to your progress
Derek
-
Happy birthday from me in Canada Thomas. I'm a bit older than you and am also hoping for a few more years of happy modeling. Enjoy the day.
Steve
-
Derek and Steven - thank you very much for your good wishes. Hope, we all will have some further good years for modeling and of course for other nice things in life.
Thomas
-
Only read your post today, so even if it's late I wish you have had a Happy Birthday.
Many more paddelers to come.
All the best, Jurgen
-
Boiler trouble.
As I wrote some weeks ago, the common smokebox of the twin boilers caused some difficulties. Now I had finished boiler and gas installation - but the dynamic pressure when two burners are lit, is enourmous. If only one flame is lit, all is ok. But the second flame is flickering with tendency to go out.
I will change the whole boiler unit like the boilers of USS "Choctaw" with only one burner. The end of flame tube at rear side will connected with the tube of the other boiler, so the exhaust will be beside burner. This arrangement has had a good function at Choctaw boilers and I suppose the trouble will came to an end.
-
This sounds a good solution Thomas.......
I am sure you will have the required insulation :crash to the U to the fire tube exit in the fired tube, to the inlet which will be the residual heat transferred the fire tube in the No 2 boiler unfired boiler, & hence through the fire tube to the chimney, then to atmosphere :great
Will you need another water pass connection [at mid shell height] between both boiler shells?, and the steam well only on No 1 boiler shell"
Derek
-
Hello Thomas,
Have you considered to change the smoke BOX to 2 individual exits that turn upward and join into a Y just below the funnel hinge?
The square smoke box probably causes incontrollable bouncing shockwaves from the hot gases trying to find the exit to the funnel.
For the Y consider to have a larger diameter for the end pipe than the diameters of the 2 incoming pipes.
On the other hand your solution with just one burner and U-turn for the hot gases will for sure be more efficient.
Regards Jurgen
-
Hi Derek and Jurgen.
the problem seems solved. The boiler was turned by 180°, the rear flame tubes are connected now with rectangular copper tubes. Today I lit the burner, all was tight and after 10 min first steam pressure came up. Before I made some tests with different burners, this very old Regner one was the best. Also the old LASPE gas/steam regulation was ok. It`s still possible to insolate the short tube connection of the two flame tubes, but I presume, the effect will not be great.
The now refillable cartridge only some cm lies beside the burner, the heat is strong enough to compensate the evaporation coldness. The gas contentment was good for one hour.
The engine: It will be difficult to use two Regner 12/36 one upon another by reasons of space and may be nautic stability. I just will make a test of nautic stability of the boat - test tank isn`t possible, the model is much too long. But a improvisation with a flat wooden trough and foil of plastic will do it also.
Thomas
-
Launching the "OCEAN"
with the slightly extended building board, lateral borders and foil of plastic a trough with 3,5 m lenght was made.
First launch today - models weight with boilers and steam installation, but without engine is exactly 7150 g. I was on edge about the nautic stability with this very long and narrow hull. What should I tell? Stability was excellent, draft only 1,5 to 2 cm, at stern more than at bow. As you see, even with 2 kg chamotte plate on deck stability was no more worse. The models deplacement should be about 10 kg for sufficient draft of the paddle wheels.
Now the question for a suitable engine arises - as I wrote, there should be an 2 cylinder slide valve. But it will be difficult to use the Regner 12/36. The good and worth the money Graham TVRIA engines are still no more avaiable. I saw the British Chiltern Model Steam webside, the engines seems good and not too expensive. Perhaps there are some experiences with this engines?
Thomas
-
I just want to finish the "OCEAN" with steam engine - but in moment some problems are actual. I hope, in near future I will glad to post some actual advance and of course some pictures of trip on a lake.
Thomas
-
Hi Thomas......
https://www.chilternmodelsteam.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=83
I too had not noticed the Chiltern Model Steam WEB site :whistle, so spent quite a few hours reviewing both the Drawings and text........ so without repeating any of the components Distributors detail, find the following
1. Excellent design, are these segmented piston assemblies? in certain cases with one piece Teflon piston seals?...says assemble, not cut or use a Teflon sizing tool?
2. The diameter of the crankshaft output shaft for each of the engines is not listed on any of the detailed dimensioned engine Drawings, however the accessory Flywheel Drawings do confirm the corresponding bores are all 6 mm diameter
3. The Distributors WEBsite displays a user friendly and extensive accessory adder for any chosen additions, and an easy to use world wide freight calculator is also included for potential customers to consider
4. The height of the crankshaft output shaft above the floor level is not shown
5. Each engine kit provides a .pdf of an exploded engine assembly CAD view, together with a logical step by step engine assembly procedure document
6. The sealing of steam nipples to valve bodies appear to be via o-ring, however without any consideration to conventional soft sealing cavities
7. The manufacture of all components appears to be of CNC production, which by feature [usually] ensures correct production tolerances
Interestingly, the Distributor provides detailed images and descriptions of the typical model steam boilers we have become accustom to over the years, and offers a Test Certificate for each boiler, however indicates “Due to the nature and operation of model steam boilers no warranty can be offered” :nono [this is listed in the Distributors Terms & Conditions]
8. Having made these points, I would consider investing in a CMS engine
Derek
-
Hi Derek,
doubtless the Chiltern engines are of good workmanship and the mill 2-cylinder engine would be good suited for the boat. Unfortunately there is also a big disadvantage for people who not living in UK: The very high taxes of VAT and mail to EU countries.
So I went another way. I bid in ebay for a new Chinese Microcosm engine, the M 29 with Stephenson gear. Also this engine seems well build and suited for the boat, when she will be altered in some parts. It`s the first time I bid for a Microcomsm and hope, it will be arrive in the beginning June. Normal price of the Microcosm M 29 is 450. - 480.- Euro, but I got for much less money. In the momentary rather insecure situation of world economy this reason was decisive.
So I hope to finish the boat in the mid of June and post some pictures of "OCEAN" in her element steam driven!
Thomas
Thomas
-
Chinese Microcosm 29 M engine arrived. I have altered the engine for a paddle one similar to the Graham TVRIA engines. Today I made a test run. The power of this engine seems extraordinary. Because bore and stroke are 12 x 13 mm the power plant runs fast, but with unexpected strong torque. Also it`s very tight, there is nearly no loss of steam and water. Steam consumption seems rather low. In comparison with other slide geared engines until now I must conclude: This seems the best one, even for the rather low price.
Now I will finish the "OCEAN" within two weeks. gear reduction to paddle shaft will 4,00 : 1,75.
Thomas
-
:bravo :clap :great :terrific :trophy
-
"OCEAN" finished!
Today I made a first test run in a wooden test trough - this one wasn`t really watertight. I can`t use my test tank made of plexiglass, because the model with 322 cm is much too long. Only minor adjustments were necessible - for example the Stephenson gear for ahead and back. Draft is with deplacement of 8,6 kg only 2 cm. It would be better some more draft for deeper diving the rigid paddlewheels in water. The chinese Microcosm engine seems very good - no leaking of steam and water like a good original engine. Gear reduction to nthe paddle shaft is 2,3 : 1, even this seems ok.
Engine needs pressure of 1,0 bar to drive the wheels in water, between 1,6 and 2 bar the power seems good.
I consider to take some ballast for deeper draft of the boat and better efficiency of the paddlewheels.
There were some minor compromises to make this model steam driven. Hull with 150 mm wide is 20 mm more than scale. The front part of the engine house must be much more wide than scale to take in the 2 cylinder engine, the original ship was driven by a very large single cylinder geared by valves similar to the big american single cylinder engines (french system Bourdon).
Now I hope you will enjoy the pictures!
Thomas
-
Good morning, dear friends and neighbors!
First trip of "OCEAN" on the pond "Eisweiher" in Blackforest yesterday. This pond more than 100 km away from our home belongs to a regional ship model club and is very suitable to test a new steamdriven model. Steering of the boat was unexpected well in spite of the very long narrow hull. Speed is about 1 m/sec. But it´s not the first time I recognize the difference between function tests in the workshop and outside in nature. The day was sunny and warm, but rather windy. One time the burner was blowed out, another the gas nozzle was obstruct - caused by liquid gas which came from the low valve of the gas tank.
Not a big problem, when I came back to home in the evening, I changed the gas tank. I hope, now all will be ok. "OCEAN" with a lenght of 323 cm is the longest model I ever made, weight is only 8,6 kg = 19,1 pounds. As you see at the pictures, the nautic stability is very well, draft is only 2 cm.
Thomas
-
Another gastank avoides the problem of obstaction the fine gas nozzle with liquid gas. I will try to post a video of OCEAN at test in water.
Sorry, posting of video not possible!
Thomas
-
Porteur "OCEAN" and blockade runner "HOPE", same scale, in our corridor. Gradual it becomes difficult to place the growing numer of now 25 paddle- and screw steamers. I can`t build a long model anymore - no space. Perhaps the garage will be the last refugium...
Thomas