Graupner Glasgow query

[Bennett]

Greetings all,

I'm from Aus, we don't seem to have any Aus kit paddle steamer models down here so I am looking at the Graupner Glasgow.

Was wondering if anyone who has one can comment on the quality of the model, stability etc.

Also, I am planning on putting a steam engine in it, but am not sure if it will fit.  I saw a picture of one with what looks to be a Willesco steam engine in it which is a fairly compact unit.  I am looking a using a center-flue boiler with twin cylinder vertical engine in it..  Was wondering if anyone has one could provide dimensions of the engine bay so I can figure out if it fits.

Anyway,  Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks, Rob.

[kiwimodeller]

Rob, if you have a look at the post by Kiwi in the Events section about the visit to Waihi you will see a photo of a Glasgow fitted with a Cheddar horizontal paddler steam engine. I had a discussion with the builder and he is contemplating taking the steam plant out and fitting an electric motor. The reasons are that it is such a tight fit that it is difficult to work on, that changes in temperature change the backlash in the gear drive to the paddleshaft, and that the hull flexs with the motion of the engine. He has it working and says all the problems could be improved but just feels that the hull is too small and too light in construction to be succesful so he will build something a little larger for the steam engine. I have no experience with the Wilesco engine. Hope this helps. Ian.

[bogstandard]

Rob,

Personally, as suggested, I too, if I was to make another one, would stick to independant electric drives.

You will have no stability problems at all with the Glasgow. Mine never ever tilted either way. Once ballasted down to waterline, the hull is rock solid on the water.

John

[steamboatmodel]

I don't have a Glasgow, but I do have a Welesco D48 (the engine normally used in it). I like the Engine but could never get a good run from the stock boiler burner combination, others have. I have changed the boiler burner too one of my own design, which I am changing again. if you go with the stock boiler you need to add some insulation and cladding.
Regards,
Gerald

[Bennett]

Thanks for the quick replies guys.

As to the Wilesco, I agree the boiler is not up to much...seems to dump a lot of water into the engine.  Needs to heat more efficiently and a mild super heat would help.  I too intend to make a boiler soon.  Am following a post on the Home Model Engine Machinist site about building one with great interest.

I just had a look at the Graupner photos by Kiwi (thanks for pointer to them btw), it is pretty much what I wanted to see.  The engine and boiler I have (not the Wilesco) clearly will not fit in there so it looks like I may have to have a look at another boat.  Had a look at some model boats last week at a nearby lake (surrey dive in Box Hill/Melb).  There were some really nice larger steam powered ships there, one was even coal fired.  They seem to be a much better platform for what I want to do.  May still get the Glasgow as an electric boat.  Still looks fun.

Actually, the TSS Earnslaw would be a fun ship to build...or other Lake Wakatipu Paddle steams look fun http://www.nzmaritime.co.nz/antrim.htm

Thanks again.

Rob.

[kiwimodeller]

I have a model of the Whanganui River paddler Waimarie (now restored and running daily)at 80". There are photos in the Gallery. The hull was built by an elderly friend and I finished it and fitted the steam plant. At this size it will handle quite choppy water but it is too big for easy transport so I only run it at our home lake and do not take it when I go away. If, no make that when, I build another paddler I would aim for around the 48 to 56" overall length and would go for a f/glass hull, possibly one of the ones from Metcalf Mouldings who are on the "Links" page. At that size it would be big enough to work on easily but not so big as to be a problem to transport and launch. The only problem is getting Metcalfs to do export orders and arranging postage for a large parcel. Last time I spoke to David Metcalf it seemd that it was too much of a problem as he was busy enough with UK orders so if anybody is coming to N Z for a holiday and does not need to bring luggage please let me know! Hope this helps, Cheers, Ian.

[Barrie]

Ian,

I'm coming to NZ next February, but I don't think I can fit in a paddler hull!! (especially as I am calling in at the big island on the way)

However the point of this post is to tell you that Dave Metcalfe has sold most of his moulds to Model by Design, who may be more receptive to export orders.

http://www.modelsbydesign.co.uk

Barrie

[kiwimodeller]

Thanks for that Barrie, on another forum there have been both good and not so good reports about the service and hulls from Models by Design but they definitely are worth an enquiry at least when I get to the stage of planning the next project. What part of NZ are you visiting? I am sure we could find you some model boating to interrupt the visit! Send me a PM or email if you need any contacts or help with an itinerary. Cheers, Ian.