DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE

[Talisman]

Geoff,
All looks good to me ...  i'm no steam expert ... but that doesn't mean you won't be missed at paddler day! .. I hope your not making excusses!

All the best,
Kim

[R.G.Y.]

Kim, excuses!!!  if I had my way I would be there, as I am feeling on top of the world now. But the boss says 6hours drive each way is to much at the moment.
Ian, It's not what you know but who you know. I have made some parts(classic motorbikes) for a friend of a friend and was payed in metal. Including a bronze prop shaft (bent ) 4ft x 1inch plus numerous bits of brass rod. Geoff

[R.G.Y.]

Having tested the boiler hydraulically to 60psi, I have now set the safety valve to 20psi. (first photo).  I did this by pumping air in with a foot pump, and adjusting the valve. Just to show you I but soapy water on the valve. The end of the boiler next,  and finally a doggy photo for Derek. This shows the difference a red line makes to the visibility in the sight gauge. Geoff

[derekwarner_decoy]

 Hi PD's.... & .......

Never forget I am watching over you & your work RGY ... 

However more seriously...I do also have a RED line .......

 ....I have misplaced my 100 badge.... Derek 

[Taifoon78]

Amazing done. Very interesting construction. Extraordinarily, as I know.

[R.G.Y.]

Kim  adding to my fleet fat chance, The boss says no more until I sale one. That is why I have taken so long with the DUKE. Started Dec 2009, still not finished. My bowls team won 2 rinks & lost 2 lost over all so they have missed me, but we stay in the division.
The fleet consist of 2 paddlers  (well almost) A Sailing Trawler, Pilot Cutter, west country trading Schooner and a small coaster.   All in the 5 to 6 ft range except the coaster at 2 ft.

Back to the important stuff. I received new sight glass in the post today. I have to admit I broke the existing one when fitting the casing on the boiler. So hopefully will be steaming tomorrow. Geoff

[R.G.Y.]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XrK4Mse-Uc 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnLjZCCbtlY  Yes Thank you Derek for trying to look
I thought I had deleted these links, Sorry. I had a steam up and took two short videos. I will try to get the correct links posted when I have the time. The only troubles with the boiler & engine encountered, the blow down valve dripped water, the engine stated to tighten up after 15 minutes. Uneven expansion is me thinking?? after it cooled was ok.  Geoff

[derekwarner_decoy]

  ...this all I get......An error occurred during validation. Sorry about that. 

Derek

[R.G.Y.]

The links above are now working.  The bottom one is the engine working, starting to tighten up. Top is the blow down working, I wasn't sure it would without a stop valve on the sight glass. Sorry its so short.
Just had a delivery 2.1/2 - 1.1/4 -  3/8 - 3/16 copper tube. 
Geoff

[R.G.Y.]

Well back in the shop. Suffered this week from the after effects of my birthday bashes.  cider actualy.
Had along run with the new boiler. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN83wMzn6O0
A bit of a nak to get the burners lit, open up the door in the manifold, turn gas on low. Light will it burn in the manifold, blow gently down, the flame goes inside (sometimes).  Shut the door and turn up the gas, then check with a flame at the top of the funnel, to make sure all the gas is burning in the fire tubes. 
Ran for over half an hour at full throttle boiler held 20psi all the time, with half the water still in the boiler at the end.
A Few more runs and in the boat for more dry runs, before the launch.Geoff

[old man]

 Hi Geoff  I ope youm you baint be drinkin zider an runnin thick engine taint proper youd be proper maize. Thats
the extent of my Devonshire dialect Geoff I cant wait to see this thing on the water is the trail runs local or is that a secret keep us informed please.
           Old Man

[R.G.Y.]

I will let you know, but only you.  geoff

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's..... ...what is that change of tone RGY  @ 1.58 minutes?  ....sounds like a diesel engine cutting in 

After all these years .... ...I would have thought that I could also be privy to seeing a video of the maiden launch  .... your colleague in OZ......Derek 

[R.G.Y.]

Sorry about the knocking engine   Derek. She isn't running like she did and I don't know why.  If the day ever comes when the Duke is lanched  and old man is there I will let him use my cheep old camara to post a video just for  you.  Geoff

[R.G.Y.]

Just read Model Boats mag for November. The story of Queen Alexandra (model), started 1996 still not completed, but has taken to the water. Trials & tribulations, first the Westbury diagonal & boiler to heavy, new boiler, not enough steam, turbines in & out, twin oscillator, final configuration. Trouble firing the boiler. tried coal, paraffin, gas tube & finally ceramic.   
As I am only stating my fourth year in December (on the Duke) I don't feel so bad now. The builder even installed a electric  motor at one stage. Something I have contemplated often. For the present problem is I can only find size 5 gas jets anywhere.  I need size 3s for the area of the fire tubes in the present boiler, that's why thoughts of another boiler. Geoff. PS I broke my camera playing with the grand children. (to rough)