Hi to everyone at Paddleducks.
My name is Terry and I am based in a wet and damp Essex, UK.
I am new to the modelling scene but have been in the Engineering world all my working life so trying to catch up fast. Whilst i am not building a paddlesteamer i am part way through the design and build of a steam driven tug boat. Whilst I was originally going to spend the kids inheritance and buy a Stuart Turner D10 I have changed my mind and to re-invest in a new lathe and to build my own steam engine. I am interested in Malcolm Beak's slide valve engine (as part documented in Stan Brays book) but was wondering if anyone has modified the design to include a reverse mechanism. Is it posible to put a Stevenson type leverage system or best to go with the reverse gearbox? If the latter how much power is lost through the gearbox? (the tug boat is only just over a 1m so i guess not a big issue....)
Also any views and pointers on a easy to build steam boiler that would be compatible with the MB22 engine.
many thanks
Terry