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[AlexC]

 

Don't hold your breath John,


as a long time aquaintance of the original designer of the 'ISIS' (old puffin) he once confessed to me that there was a small, but not fatal, design error/flaw on the original 'ISIS' standard casting.

How strange then that this design, supposedly a brand new design by so called experienced engineers, has the identical error/flaw in exactly the same place. COINCIDENCE?.... not very likely.... about 1 in 1,000,000,000,000 I would guess.
I would wager that if you did get sent a sample it would actually measure up a few thou smaller all over to the original casting... go figure.

As for his other, so called unique designs..... well a certain well known manufacturer will most certainly be taking legal action for design theft.
Incidentally, this same company also hold the design rights for the 'ISIS'.

Should be interesting to see the outcome.

Best regards

AlexC

[bogstandard]

Alex,

I sure would expect casting shrinkage, it is a sure fire way of detecting if it is a direct copy off a standard casting.

I have every praise for people keeping steam within the budget of the normal modeller, but things like this really stick in my throat, in fact it isn't particularly cheap.

My hand made batch ones aren't my own design for the basic porting and standard shape, and I tell people as such, but I reckon there is at least 50% of my own design in there to make it more efficient and longer lasting, and to put right a few major design faults.

http://jpduval.free.fr/Moteurs_vapeur_simples/MV%20deo%2010x20.pdf

These are his free plans, but I also bought every other plan he advertises that is relevent to what I do.

http://jpduval.free.fr/Plans_moteurs_vapeur_p1.htm

I should design my own from scratch, but really, it would end up very similar to what I do anyway.

If you want to make a copy of something, then due recognition, and if needed royalties, should be given to the original designer, not just rip it off and call it your own.


John

[MONAHAN STEAM MODELS]

Welcome back Nick, long time no see, everything ok?

By the way, here here!

Greg

Hi Greg,

Hope all has been well with you and yours.

Wow, it has been a while since I have logged onto the forum here hasn't it? Time goes by fast! Everything has been well thank you! Just been super busy lately with juggling our time between making miniature steam goodies and spending time working on our full size steam equipment. What kind of trouble have you been getting yourself into these days!?

Best Regards,

Nick

[MONAHAN STEAM MODELS]

Don't want to hijack the the thread but here's a picture of one of our big toys.

[gondolier88]

Fantastic, I've only ever seen a 4'' model over here- they are such powerful engines- what HP is yours?

Looks beautiful- but then we don't expect any less now!!!!

Greg

[MONAHAN STEAM MODELS]

Thanks Greg!

This one is a 75HP Case traction engine which has been completely restored. We have a 40HP version as well. I'll try to dig up and post some pictures of our 46 foot steam powered stern wheeler too.

Nick

[gondolier88]

Wow, 75HP, i'm always intrigued by case engines- how did they mangage to extract more HP than any other manufacturer? Higher RPM?

Greg

[kno3]

Don't hold your breath John,


as a long time aquaintance of the original designer of the 'ISIS' (old puffin) he once confessed to me that there was a small, but not fatal, design error/flaw on the original 'ISIS' standard casting.

How strange then that this design, supposedly a brand new design by so called experienced engineers, has the identical error/flaw in exactly the same place. COINCIDENCE?.... not very likely.... about 1 in 1,000,000,000,000 I would guess.
I would wager that if you did get sent a sample it would actually measure up a few thou smaller all over to the original casting... go figure.

As for his other, so called unique designs..... well a certain well known manufacturer will most certainly be taking legal action for design theft.
Incidentally, this same company also hold the design rights for the 'ISIS'.

Should be interesting to see the outcome.

Best regards

AlexC

This makes me curious too. Waht is the flaw in the Isis/Puffins?

Anyway, interesting thread. I too wonder how one can claim an identical copy is original design?

[Underpressure]

Sorry about the late posting on this thread, but I'm new 

What IS the story on this engine? I see them listed with a number of models shops and on 'the bay', and the implication earlier in the thread is that it might not be as robust as the Puffin.

Does anyone own one? Is there a test report anywhere?

I am not in the market for a new plant, I already have too many engines and not enough boats, I'm just interested.

Neil

[andywright]

Sorry about the late posting on this thread, but I'm new 

What IS the story on this engine? I see them listed with a number of models shops and on 'the bay', and the implication earlier in the thread is that it might not be as robust as the Puffin.

Does anyone own one? Is there a test report anywhere?

I am not in the market for a new plant, I already have too many engines and not enough boats, I'm just interested.

Neil

I wish I was in the same position, I have one boat which I would dearly like to steam, but can't find the right plant at the right price.

[andywright]

Re the above post,I'm loking for something to steam this, preferably able to reverse with radio control

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3755.msg36280;topicseen#msg36280

Andy

[kiwimodeller]

Andy, I am a fan of V twins in boats like yours just because they are so reliable and simple. If you are wanting a V Twin oscillator with plenty of grunt and controllable forward and reverse and throttle from one channel then I would reccomend the P & M Research V Twin made in USA. The best place to buy it is from John at The Steam Chest. His store is http://stores.ebay.com/The-Steam-Chest and the engine is  http://cgi.ebay.com/Live-Steam-Engine-Marine-Twin-FULLY-MACHINED-Kit_W0QQitemZ350253228134QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518cb82066.  he does not mind doing single items and always does a good deal on any extras such as lubricators which are miles cheaper than I can get them in the UK. If you want something a little more sophisticated then I can offer you a New Zealand made 5/8" by 5/8" double acting slide valve V Twin with reversing gear. You can have it as an unmachined kit of parts (you will need a small lathe) or as soon as we get some more machined we will offer it as a completed engine. These have been sold in this country for several years and there are lots of satisfied customers. Although the pound does not seem very strong at present neither is the US$ so you could probably get a good deal either way. Hope this helps, let me know if you want pictures etc. Cheers, Ian.

[Underpressure]

Re the above post,I'm loking for something to steam this, preferably able to reverse with radio control

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3755.msg36280;topicseen#msg36280

Andy

I have to say that model marine steam engines seem to have got very expensive since I was last sailing and the choice has reduced. What size is the launch Andy, that will give the best idea as to the size and type of plant that would suit.

[andywright]

Andy, I am a fan of V twins in boats like yours just because they are so reliable and simple. If you are wanting a V Twin oscillator with plenty of grunt and controllable forward and reverse and throttle from one channel then I would reccomend the P & M Research V Twin made in USA. The best place to buy it is from John at The Steam Chest. His store is http://stores.ebay.com/The-Steam-Chest and the engine is  http://cgi.ebay.com/Live-Steam-Engine-Marine-Twin-FULLY-MACHINED-Kit_W0QQitemZ350253228134QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518cb82066.  he does not mind doing single items and always does a good deal on any extras such as lubricators which are miles cheaper than I can get them in the UK. If you want something a little more sophisticated then I can offer you a New Zealand made 5/8" by 5/8" double acting slide valve V Twin with reversing gear. You can have it as an unmachined kit of parts (you will need a small lathe) or as soon as we get some more machined we will offer it as a completed engine. These have been sold in this country for several years and there are lots of satisfied customers. Although the pound does not seem very strong at present neither is the US$ so you could probably get a good deal either way. Hope this helps, let me know if you want pictures etc. Cheers, Ian.

Thanks for that. I have been watching the twin on ebay, i like the engine but it is quite large for my launch, allthough the launch is 42 inches by 11 inches. The engine will fit with slight modification to the floors inside, but it is a favourite.
I like the in line twins, but they just seem more expensive. I don't hav access to a lathe, nor have I done any lathe work since I was in School  40 yrars ago.

[andywright]

I have to say that model marine steam engines seem to have got very expensive since I was last sailing and the choice has reduced. What size is the launch Andy, that will give the best idea as to the size and type of plant that would suit.

Hi my launch is 42 inches by 11 inches beam, its a Metcalfe models solent, a nice beamy boat which will accept about 3-4lbs of steam gear without being overweight, presently i have an electric motor in it with two battries eighing 3lbs and about a pound of lead. I have been looking at a Maccsteam 31/2 inch inch boiler.

http://www.maccsteam.com/Vertical_boilers/3_and_half_inch.html

[Underpressure]

Hi my launch is 42 inches by 11 inches beam, its a Metcalfe models solent, a nice beamy boat which will accept about 3-4lbs of steam gear without being overweight, presently i have an electric motor in it with two battries eighing 3lbs and about a pound of lead. I have been looking at a Maccsteam 31/2 inch inch boiler.

http://www.maccsteam.com/Vertical_boilers/3_and_half_inch.html

The Macsteam boilers look good and seem very reasonably priced, the stinger comes when you go over 3 1/2 " diameter. I'm sure the price reflects the additional material costs.

42" is a good size and gives you a few choices of engine. I guess it depends if you want an oscillator for simplicity or a valved engine which would look more scale.

Oscillator wise, the Stuart (ex-Cheddar) Puffin would do the job, as I think would the Graupner engine, looking at the specs. The P&M V twin Kiwi suggested would also do the job, again from looking at specs. On the valved engine side I only have limited experience, but I think the TVR1A engine, available from a variety of sources (see Macc Models link on Macsteam web page) would easily cope as would the Anton engines used by MH&B these days. You can see them on the Westbourne Models web site.

Of course the option of watching 'the bay' like mad and asking for opinions on this forum is always open to you.

I am sure you will get more suggestions from other forum members and of course if you are able to machine from castings, then a whole load more options become available, especially from Stuart and Reeves.

Neil

[andywright]

UNDERPRESSURE

The 3 1/2 inch is good for the Graham VR1A , and Cheddar Puffin, and similar engines, it will also drive the P&M Research twin, so luckily no need to spend more than £300 on the boiler, not that my launch would take much more dissplacement wise. The inline twins are like you say much more scale and probably a bit less steam hungry, but the price, the Anton engine is an absolute gem of workmanship, I have held one in Westbourne models when they first came out, in retrospect I should have bought one then when my wife said if you want it have it. The Monahan Steam models Sparrow and heron also look vey nice and the Sparrow would also fit but what a price, I guess you get what you pay for, and then the P7M v twin is also a lovely looking engine, and probably what I will go for , I have also been sent details of this



I am awaiting more details on this one.

Andy

[kno3]

Is this a Stuart?

[Underpressure]

Is this a Stuart?

Yes it is, and very nice it is too.

If it's a fair price, I would grab it.

[andywright]

Yes it is, and very nice it is too.

If it's a fair price, I would grab it.

In you opinion would this turn a 55mm prop in a 42 inch launch then?

[kiwimodeller]

Andy, if you are keen on inline twins I would grab the Graham Industries TVR1A twin. I have sold several and they are easy to assemble and a little smaller physically than the V Twins we have been talking about. They really look the part and go well. You could probably get away with a slightly smaller boiler too as long as you stuck to a horizontal one. They are also relatively inexpensive if you buy direct from Robert at http://www.grahamind.com/  Just remember to order the marine flywheel separately as it does not come with the engine. The only drawback is that you need a third servo and some linkages to work the reverse but if you went with a 2.4G radio you would have a great setup, no interference worries, plenty of channels, maybe add in a steam whistle, use the throttle valve from Polly Engineering, put a nice canopy on the boat and have a great time. Cheers, Ian.

[Underpressure]

In you opinion would this turn a 55mm prop in a 42 inch launch then?

Andy, if it's properly put together, and it certainly looks like it is, then yes, it will easily turn a 55mm prop.

Ian, interesting what you say about the TVR1A, I keep looking at them as they are so well priced and wondering if they are up to the task, as all the youtube video's I have seen are engines being bench run.

[andywright]

Got the boiler!!!!, managed to get a brand new Maccsteam  3 1/2 inch boiler this morning complete with gas tank, done a buoyancy test in the fish pond, had to put 3lb of lead in the launch to get her down to the waterline, so lots of room for extras,canopy, skipper passenger, barking dog!! oily water separator.!!!! This was with the original electric motor still fitted as well. I can now sell my JJC steam generator.

Andy

[Underpressure]

Sounds like you were in the right place at the right time, where did you get the boiler from?

So, now all you need is an engine 

I am converting a large tug from electric to steam. One of the best moments was removing the smoke generator from the funnel.

Neil

[andywright]

I've just taken my JJC smoke generator and electric motor together with the ESC out of my launch, it is a great feeling, the launch looks a million times better with the boiler sat in it instead of batteries!!!, even her indoors reckons the spend is value for moeny, now that is support!! Also bought a TRV1A locally in kit form, unfortunately can't have it till christmas, never mind i got the boiler to play with. i bought the TVV1A kit from Miskin models near Llantrisant South Wales.