Note: The US flag is the original flag from Steam Launch Maggie, long on shore and awaiting restoration. I purchased her in 2000 with the intent of restoration. Obviously Life intervened and Steam Thistle Clauran came into my life in 2019. Maggie 1a.jpg Maggie flew that flag in the San Jaun Islands ...

I built a "Hat Box" for my boat... Well, a Stack Box. I needed a way to safely haul the 5" diameter smoke stack assembly and flags when trailering the Steam Thistle. So after 8 partial days of work (letting glue and paint dry...) I came up with this: Thistle Stack Box 1 sml.jpg Thistle Stack Box 2 s...

A very informative thermodynamic discussion, especially with the graphs.
Thank you all.
RussN

All steam powered is an admirable goal. Just to do it. I'll use battery-powered LED running and instrument lights on my small steam launch. 'Git -er done." I'm more interested in getting on the water. Something about running out of years... My two steam locomotives (7-1/2" gauge) give me all the ste...

Half-inch thick flue sheets are standard in full-sized American-built logging steam locomotives thru the 1930s, at least. Having rebuilt 4 locomotives, including fabricating a new firebox flue sheet for Hillcrest Climax #10, I am more familiar with them than I'd prefer!! For the new sheet in the Cli...

Mike: Interesting statement that your locomotive fire tube boiler's weakest link was the collapse point of the tubes. On the several boilers including (two of mine) that had the calculations done per the Washington State supplied strength calculations, the weakest point was always the back head, whi...

A tube rolling process note: When rolling 2" tubes in full-sized boiler it was our practice to make sure there was lube oil where the rollers met the tube. Same for our smaller boilers. The specific oil was not an issue. Anything from automotive oil to vegetable cooking oil will work. (The cooking o...

Pleased to be of help.
RussN

RNoe what does your roller look like? Please send a pic. I guess you can use it inside the fire box is it pneumatic? Thanks Wendell I borrowed a Friend's commercial tube roller to fit the 5/8" coper flues on my locomotive boiler. Hand powered it to prevent over-rolling of the tubes. Here is a drawi...

Often a small leak will self-seal after the boiler reaches operating temperature and pressure. I see that every year on scale steam locomotive boilers during their annual hydro and steam tests. Even the Washington State boiler inspectors accept this fact. Is this really the case, or is the leak so ...