Search found 284 matches

by gondolier88
Mon Jul 16, 2018 8:10 pm
Forum: Technical - Engines and Boilers
Topic: injector plumbing
Replies: 2
Views: 3158

Re: injector plumbing

Bart, When you say 'starting at the boiler' I assume from the description that you mean your'e working upstream from the boiler inlet? Injector pipework should provide as linear a flow as possible and as little resistance as possible- do not introduce elbows or tees in the injector flow unless absol...
by gondolier88
Fri Jun 22, 2018 8:35 pm
Forum: Welcome
Topic: Question about spare parts
Replies: 24
Views: 32350

Re: Question about spare parts

Gents,

Clyde Puffers were limited in length to fit in certain Scottish canal locks, however when the VIC boats were built they were scaled up in all directions and they were 85ft LOA. These were still called Puffers despite being totally different craft and most if not all were condensing.
by gondolier88
Thu Jun 21, 2018 9:18 pm
Forum: General Steamboat stuff
Topic: Whereabouts of Bat
Replies: 3
Views: 4143

Re: Whereabouts of Bat

Hi Ken, Bat is currently in storage off-site along with the majority of the rest of the collection. The model linesplan is ok, but not accurate enough or including enough detail to build a full size boat. There are numerous models built to the plans of varying quality- one of the best I've seen rece...
by gondolier88
Tue Jun 19, 2018 8:25 pm
Forum: Technical - Engines and Boilers
Topic: Funnel Diameter to Grate Area ratio
Replies: 7
Views: 6288

Re: Funnel Diameter to Grate Area ratio

Pete, The flue should generally always be tapered; something that locomotive and traction engine manufacturers cottoned onto early on. With a relatively small throat at the smokebox end the gasses are accelerated and help draw the gasses- especially with a properly installed blower/blast pipe arrang...
by gondolier88
Mon Jun 04, 2018 10:16 pm
Forum: Technical - Engines and Boilers
Topic: I HATE Hand Hole Covers
Replies: 16
Views: 12693

Re: I HATE Hand Hole Covers

It's a matter of what quality of water is used when steaming, whether the boiler is left with water in or emptied over winter and how many hours steaming the boiler does- it has nothing at all to do with personal opinion on whether it's a pain or not- having a blow-out on an inspection hatch can and...
by gondolier88
Mon Jun 04, 2018 9:58 pm
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: Hose connection?
Replies: 5
Views: 4930

Re: Hose connection?

Pete, I wouldn't bother with the reserve tank in FA as there isn't enough room to hold enough water to make it worth the effort- given where the locker location is I doubt even filling the reserve tank would be an easy exercise; in an ideal world a tank holding enough water to get you a couple of mi...
by gondolier88
Tue May 01, 2018 11:13 pm
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: Jay R. Benford 25ft Fantail Launch
Replies: 19
Views: 14312

Re: Jay R. Benford 25ft Fantail Launch

Mike, Yes, fit your coaming larger than required in depth, lay your deck and fair it if you haven't already, take the coaming top line off that. If your boat has plenty of freeboard then a coaming is purely for aesthetic reasons. Never ever put a cap on the coaming- the single best way to give you b...
by gondolier88
Tue May 01, 2018 8:45 pm
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: Jay R. Benford 25ft Fantail Launch
Replies: 19
Views: 14312

Re: Jay R. Benford 25ft Fantail Launch

Mike, Mahogany bends just fine given a bit of effort- get plenty of steam onto it- an hour of steam per every 1/2" thickness to make sure. To make sure it conforms to the mould, back it up with a piece of thin stainless steel on the outside of the bend- this creates a sandwich of equal pressure on b...
by gondolier88
Mon Apr 30, 2018 7:25 pm
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: Jay R. Benford 25ft Fantail Launch
Replies: 19
Views: 14312

Re: Jay R. Benford 25ft Fantail Launch

I looked around to find plans for that boat but with no success. I think a lot of his designs. Have you found a source for plans? Thanks Mike, I have plans, but I wish to know what people think of the finished hull design, proportions, sea-kindly or not etc. Yes, slightly serious about woodwork bei...
by gondolier88
Sun Apr 29, 2018 9:21 pm
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: Jay R. Benford 25ft Fantail Launch
Replies: 19
Views: 14312

Jay R. Benford 25ft Fantail Launch

Dear All,

Has anyone here experience of building/sailing/viewing the 25ft fantail steam launch designed by Jay R. Benford in the late 70's?

Thanks in advance.

Greg