Propellors and shafts

[Khephre]

I vented my spleen in the Steam Engines topic in the drive systems forum about manufacturers who don't bother to answer inquiries and referred to a certain proprietor of a "prop shop" in the UK who took a month to answer my emailed request. He hasn't responded since to my follow-up email.

So more appropriate for me to continue the thread in the off-topic folder.

Barrie, sounds as if you've struck the same fellow.

It's the second time that I've tried to purchase a bespoke prop and shaft from him and I've decided that it will be the last. I've far better things to do than sit on my hands waiting for a reply. Or worse still send reminder emails asking for a response only to get nothing.

So a couple of questions for the members:

Can anyone tell me what happened to Ted Radestock's prop business when he retired? Didn't someone else take it over? Any contact details?  

Can any members recommend other suppliers of good quality propellers and shafts, who will undertake commissions at reasonable prices?

Email addresses and web-enabled commerce would be ideal as I travel a fair bit and conventional postal services and telephone calls around the world get to be a bit tedious/hit-and-miss at the best of times.

I'm currently looking in particular for two props to test - a 4" and a 4 1/2 " 3 bladed prop, ideally cast in bronze and pitched for steam - along with a prop shaft 1/4" stainless, sintered bronze bearings, oiler cup with spring cover, the shaft, &c., to be about 20 inches in length.

Our local club had a master toolmaker who made all of our props and shafts but sadly he passed away earlier this year leaving us bereft of supplies - so there's potential for more sales opportunities for the right supplier, than just for my own needs.

Many grateful thanks in anticipation.
Tony

[Barrie]

Hi Tony - yes that's the man! I think you have to phone him or catch him at a show if you want to buy from him, but that's not my way nor its not any good for you!

I bought my prop from G T Sitek who apparently bought the Radestock business. I am very happy with his service based on one purchase. Contact details are as follows - not sure if he has the props and shafts you want.

htt://www.gtsitek-props.co.uk e-mail is propsgtsitek@yahoo.com

Barrie

PS My other annoyance is supplieers who never update their web sites, but want you to spend £5 or more every year to buy their new catalogue to find out whats new.

[Red_Hamish]

Hello all, Tony , you might like to try Mobile Marine Models for their range of Propshafts which can be made to your requirements. Their web page is http://www.mobilemarinemodels.com/
The catalogue element is a bit hit and miss but offers a goood range of fittings aimed at the Tug followers interests. I've not had much dealings with them so far but certainly do like what we've done to date. They are definitely going to be in my top 3 suppliers listing.

cheers

Jim

[Barrie]

I just wish they would sort out their web site!

I also know you wont get much out of them for a week or more - they are at Beale Park this weekend and Blackpool next. I wanted to go see them about next years open day, but they said to leave it for the above reason.

Barrie

[Khephre]

Many grateful thanks Jim and Barrie. Much appreciated.
Tony

[kiwimodeller]

Tony, Unfortunately I have found that quite a few British companies are the same, they just seem to not want to reply to overseas email enquiries. Perhaps the idea of shipping is just too hard or something. This does not apply to all but it does seem to be true of the smaller ones. I have even put "Read Receipt Requests" on emails, had acknowledgement that the email has been opened and yet never got a reply. I have been trying for the last three weeks to order a fiberglass paddler hull from a company which has been mentioned on the forum and am yet to get a reply. I am dammed if I am going to phone them or wait for snail mail but I just cannot understand why they bother to have websites and email addresses if they do not want the business! There, now I have let off my bit of steam and feel slightly better, in fact I might even go over to the Model Boats forum and post the question there as to why this happens, if I do that I should feel fine by the time I have finished!

[Barrie]

I don't wish to offer an excuse for these suppliers, and its not only overseas orders they don't seem to want, but it is a busy show season at the moment as I menetioned above.As they ARE small - typically one man and his wife or dog, that means not much time for responding to e-mail. But I do agree that if they can't respond AND keep the web site up to date, then why have them?

Barrie