Full Steam Ahead!

[mjt60a]

The science museum has a couple of turbine yachts (Turbinia and Tarantula) in 1/32 scale, there's quite a large display about Turbinia... http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?txtkeys1=Turbine+Yachts ... unfortunately not many pictures on the site (and some of them seem to be dead links) but as it happens, I'm going there myself in about half an hour so I'll probably take a few photos...   

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's ....thanks Eddy for the additional snaps........& after reading the constructive comments from 'bogstandard'......I also see

a) soft soldered joints & unlagged HP steam inlet's
b) plastic reinforced belt drive to both turbine output shafts ......etc

So...if I were a visitor to to that same Harrogate show ....with near ZERO knowledge of vessels I would have been very impressed by the bright & shiny copper bits fo the model of Turbinia on display.........

MOST important.......Engineman.....finish the Vosper Thornycroft ......leave this TB to the future   .....Derek

[bogstandard]

I have to agree with you Derek, he is trying to make it look a lot more complicated than it should be, maybe just someone who hasn't much of a clue about steam systems, with a fetish for metal polish and wasting money.

There is way too much of it about nowadays, but I suppose it takes all sorts.

Show it on the water doing it's thing, then maybe a believer here, but as it is, just a few shiny bits of nothing much, trying to impress people who don't know any better.


Bogs

[Engineman]

First of all - thank you very much Eddy for the photos. You've just satisfied my interest as well as the discussion has proved my doubts...

MOST important.......Engineman.....finish the Vosper Thornycroft ......leave this TB to the future   .....Derek

Don't worry Derek - my interest for TURBINIA model has absolutely engineering grounds I am not a big fan of multishafted vessels and gearboxes... Highly detailed compound recips - that's my subject of interest (for sure together with early 'turtlebacks')...
One <important> remark - 'Vosper Thornycroft' appeared much much later (~ 60 years or so) than 'John Thornycroft & Sons Shipbuilding Co, Chiswick' was founded...

Cheers,
Engineman

[Eddy Matthews]

Yet more photos.... These show a few of the images that attracted me to the model - It's superb finish!

I have to be honest and say that when it comes to steam power it's all a black art to me, so I wouldn't know a good steamer from a heap of junk!!

Regards
Eddy

[Eddy Matthews]

The last few photos of Turbinia...

Regards
Eddy

[Eddy Matthews]

Oh, I forgot to mention that all the photos come from Peter Henshaw, so my sincere thanks to him for taking the time and trouble to send them!

Eddy

[logoman]

I think that the builder of that Turbinia has done a cracking job, and I take my hat off to him.
You build what you can with the resources you have available. If he spent a bit on a couple of Jensen turbines, then I expect that was the best route to his goal, another might have been to buy a lathe, mill & workshop and then spend a few years learning to use them, but he may not have the time for that.

Until the time comes when the Bogstandard turbine is made (which, without doubt has the best possible chance of achieving the holy grail of model marine turbine power IMHO - my money's on the table John ), then it makes me happy to see any progress or ideas in the field. I too would really like to see it put through it's paces on the water. The Turbinia is a stunning boat, and any turbine powered movement on water would constitute a success given the displacement issues of such a sleek hull.

[mjt60a]

....I'll probably take a few photos...   

Ever gone out with your camera only to find you didn't recharge the battery last time you used it....

Maybe next weekend

[mjt60a]

OK, here's a pic of the science museum model and a closeup of the cut away in the hull showing the 'triple expansion' turbines within....and a diagram of the engines!

[mjt60a]

...they also have what is described as 'turbinia's original engine' it says the boat was originally built with a single turbine and prop shaft but performance was disappointing so the arrangement shown in the model was built and installed.... one side of the engine is cut away and replaced with perspex to display the working parts within!

[daveandben]

No thanks Jim,  this was a considered response to both bogstandard and decoy.  Engineering challenges to a colleagues work should, in this case use arguments based on thermodynamic calculations not personal insults.
I have derived a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction from this Turbinia model, and could not leave this discouraging behaviour unchallenged.
On a final note, thankyou to those who have given me encouragement in this discussion, it is very much appreciated.
Dave
 

[Engineman]

At last the TB project got a move  Hopefully there will be more interesting photos soon...

The progress is coming along pretty slow... but it is coming along.
The hull is ready and waiting for proper finish...the prop is completed and polished.

[andy]

The 2 engines on the picture below- self made or can they be bought anywhere as kit?

Andy

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's.....Andy....the engine to the left is from [Nick] Monahan Models http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?action=links;sa=visit;id=51 ...I am unsure of the engine to the lower right .....Derek