MSS Oscillator Paddler engine

[kiwimodeller]

Evenin all, has anybody had any experience with one of these yet? I presume they are fairly new on the market, I only recently spotted this and the propellor version on the PPS Steam railway site at
http://www.pps-steam-models.co.uk/mss/marine.htm but I presume they will be available from other dealers. I have tried a couple of times to contact MSS direct with questions about stuff they make but they dont want to talk to me. With a 3/8" bore and a 3/4" stroke, double acting they do seem to be a good spec for a paddler engine and fairly reasonably priced at 132pounds especially as that includes a control valve and from the photo what looks like a geared reduction to the output shaft. The suggested operating pressure of 15PSI seems low but I guess you could try more. I have emailed PPS for some more info and will post their reply but as usual I would like someone else to try one first!

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's...... ...Ian...I have not seen this example engine before...... ...but from the image the reduction is not geared but possibly o-ring or a round belt  drive?.......... the only issue is the o-ring does not seem to line up with the diameter of the crank shaft pulley  .......... .....

In the propeller version image ....the steam inlet & outlet  connections appear to be constructed with a soft solder jointing....& possibly hence their recommendation of 1 Bar max....which naturally reduces the steam temperature to suit the soldered joint..............Derek

[kiwimodeller]

Well, it is all hypothetical now Derek, I asked some questions with a view to ordering only to be told they are no longer being made and when the website is updated next they will be removed. Now you see them, now you dont!

[steamboatmodel]

If you got some Mamod spares you could probably make your own.
http://www.mamodparts.com/spares-Piston_Cylinder.asp?part_id=100498
Regards,
Gerald.

[mjt60a]

I was about to suggest the wilesco d48 as a suitable alternative (ie. a bit basic but still a double acting twin with similar geared drive) and appears to be the engine recommended for the 'glasgow' paddle tug - but the current price gave me a shock! http://www.myhobbystore.co.uk/brands/7/189/wilesco?gclid=CNykm8jBoqoCFQJO4QodrFZwXg
I have one that I've only run on a scrap piece of board  to see how it goes, it cost about £150 when I bought it 

[Misterbee]

Have a look on Ebay for the Wilesco D48. Currently shows as 317 pounds with S&H free from Station500 Toys in Germany. Also several US suppliers listed.
I bought mine from same store a couple of years ago, and was a little over half the price Aussie hobby shops were asking. Shipping is quick and store has very high positive rating.

Misterbee