I will say that providing some internal lubrication is a good idea, particularly if you run the engine hard. I've always used some (whether by design or because on my old compressor conversion the crankcase oil would get past the rings ). Yes, you do need to give some attention to oil removal in the...

It's not so much tradition that interests me as the look...steeples don't grab my eye... You mean this steeple that doesn't grab your eye? :shock: http://www.northweststeamsociety.org/BlaineSteeple.jpg Photo courtesy of Dick Vennerbeck That of course is the sister (brother?) engine to the one in Je...

I need to update these pages to add details about the
new engine.... http://smaalders.net/bart/boat.html

- Bart

Best of luck to all affected by this... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/default.stm
has news... sad to see the Blue Bell Cafe on Coniston Water flooded, as my wife
and I happened to eat lunch there last year...

Best of luck w/ the boat!

- Bart

Here's a picture of a really nice steeple compound... this is the fastest boat around here by a good bit: http://www.oldtimetech.com/images/Jerry's%20steam%20boat-med.JPG http://www.oldtimetech.com/ I'll get better engine pictures of our local boats next year.... Uniflow engines prob. operated at hi...

Rules of thumb regarding superheater sizing are indeed difficult. I'd recommend no more that 15% of the total boiler surface area to be super heater. Some superheater issues: * radiant vs convective heat transfer (does the superheater "see" the fire?) * proximity to the fire * variation in degree of...

Triple expansion engines were basically only ever used commercially in ships and pumping/compressor stations, as it is not particularly efficient when operating outside a fairly narrow power envelope. Uniflow and Corliss engines were preferred when dealing with varying loads. A large steeple compoun...

Uniflow engines are interesting to me because they offer the opportunity to build an relatively simple, compact and yet efficient engine. My long-term steamboat goal is a ~35 foot steamer suitable for three season use in the San Juan Islands in Washington, where my wife and I plan to retire. My brot...