Introduction

[Vin]

Hi there. I have recently retired and can now devote some time to modeling after a break of many years.  Most of my modeling years ago was RC aircraft, but now I am much more interested in steam powered boats.  I have never built a steam engine or a boiler so I guess I have some learning to do!  I have a lathe or three, but no milling machine.  I guess my first project should be to acquire or build one.
 i am located in the centre of England, and there are quite a few model engineering clubs within a 1/2 hour drive, so I should join one of these too.  they mainly seem to be centred on railway engines though..a subject in which I have little interest.

[kiwimodeller]

Welcome aboard Vin, I am sure others will post links to their previous messages about what type of machinery is best to acquire. My understanding is that it is possible to begin in steam building a simple engine with almost no machinery. I built a small oscillator many years ago just with hand tools. As I still do not have machinery I intend to do the next one from a range of kits available here in New Zealand that come semi machined from billet stock and can be finished off relatively easily but in the meantime I have bought a commercially made engine and one built by another modeller. The biggest problem is that there are so many possible very interesting projects that one wastes time deciding which to do next! I am sure that if you can build an engine (and there are plans available on this site) then it will not be a problem for you to build a paddler to see it working on water. Just ask in the steam section and you will receive some of the best advice known to man! Cheers, Ian.

[scotfriend]

Welcome here at Paddleducks,

if you are interrested in steam engines you should go to the world biggest live steam exhibition at Sinsheim in Germany, there you can see every kind of steam powered things, find book's and much more, there are allways a lot of people from the UK.

Regards scotfriend (Hans)