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| Thread ID: 139281 | 2015-04-06 03:15:00 | Steam Engines | pctek (84) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 1398085 | 2015-04-06 03:15:00 | Anyone (in Auckland) know how a model steam engine works? I have the family boat but no idea how to start it up or what fuel it would use or anything.... Alas...no instruction manual......LOL. |
pctek (84) | ||
| 1398086 | 2015-04-06 03:21:00 | Usually either meths or solid fuel blocks have a look at this Site (http://www.mamod.co.uk/) here | gary67 (56) | ||
| 1398087 | 2015-04-06 03:39:00 | You fill the boiler about 2/3 to 3/4 fill with water, light a fire under it to heat it up using suitable fuel, then once it's steaming you give the wheel a slight spin to get it started. At least that's how it worked with my old steam engine I used to have, wasn't in a boat though. Seems a dangerous place to have a fire | dugimodo (138) | ||
| 1398088 | 2015-04-06 04:17:00 | What a beautiful boat. Be careful that you don't destroy it by setting it on fire. Is there a model shop or enthusiast near you? Me, I would leave well alone and just enjoy its looks. | Bryan (147) | ||
| 1398089 | 2015-04-06 04:32:00 | What a beautiful boat. Be careful that you don't destroy it by setting it on fire. Is there a model shop or enthusiast near you? Me, I would leave well alone and just enjoy its looks. Me too. Just be content with the knowledge it can work if you really wanted it to. I note the boat is called the "Rotary" there may be some connection there to the craftsman who made it who would definitely be able to answer your questions. |
WalOne (4202) | ||
| 1398090 | 2015-04-06 05:00:00 | I can't see a piston or flywheel, it is possible that it is a steam pulse jet. Simple ones were very easy to make, just a tube heated to produce steam, and they went pop pop pop. There were more sophisticated ones too, but very easy to make, had great fun with them : www.youtube.com |
Terry Porritt (14) | ||
| 1398091 | 2015-04-06 05:04:00 | Normally there is a firebox under the boiler, which in models has a tray with cotton wool soaked in meths. There is no firebox beneath this boiler, and no heat insulation, the fact that it has a bicycle tyre valve fitted to it suggests that it runs on compressed air. You should have access to the engine, you would have to lubricate it. This will either be a piston engine, or a turbine (unlikely). there must also be a throttle control somewhere. Take care not to over pump the "boiler", it may split and give you a fright :) If you can access the engine please post a photo of it. Does it have a propeller? PS. I have just noticed the name "Rotary" on the boat, this suggests that it may be some sort of turbine. The rest of the superstructure must lift off as well. Very interesting! |
mzee (3324) | ||
| 1398092 | 2015-04-06 05:55:00 | Ahhhh, brings back memories. My old boat had a ½ inch of candle to boil the water and blue asbestos lining to protect the hull from catching fire. :D Even then it had to be sunk by a big wave from time to time to time to extinguish a fire aboard. ;) |
B.M. (505) | ||
| 1398093 | 2015-04-06 10:51:00 | In the 1950s my father had a toy boat made of tin which run on meths. He put it in the bath to show us how it run. I do remember it worked briefly till it caught fire and the paint was burnt off. Bye bye boat. | Bobh (5192) | ||
| 1398094 | 2015-04-06 11:01:00 | If that's the fuel tank right up front, then the bicycle type inflation valve indicates it is probably a pressurised kerosine burner, much like the pump-up blowlamps and Primus stoves. The fuel tank should not be filled above 1/4 full to ensure there is more water in the boiler than fuel in the tank for obvious reasons. The boiler has to be filled with very clean water to the correct level, (usually 3/4 full or so, too much water may result in water instead of steam going to the engine during movement in waves etc) the safety valve checked for free movement, probably an oil supply in the steam line has to be topped up and sealed, the engine gently turned by hand in both directions to ensure the cylinder isn't full of water, and offerings made to a suitable god. The burner needs to be preheated with a methylated spirit burner in either a tray or a wick container. Just as the meths is almost consumed, pump up the fuel tank a little with a bicycle pump to get kerosine or kerosene flowing to the burner where it gets heated and vapourised. this vapour burns rather noisily and further heats the incoming fuel. After the last of the meths is burned, slowly increase the fuel tank pressure by pumping, and allow the boiler to heat until it makes steam. open the steam valve, maybe turn the propeller with a stick to get it started and away you go. Tie a line to the boat before casting it upon the waters to assist in avoiding embarrassment if it decides to head for the horizon. To stop the burner, loosen the fuel filler cap slightly to release the pressure and the burner should stop smartly. | R2x1 (4628) | ||
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