Base hull epoxy paint coat layers on hold due to cold shop temperatures, so I am starting to dismantle the engine to see what I have. Last evening, I lovingly removed the drain cocks, cylinder lagging, throttle inlet and receiver. From peering into the LP and HP steam chest inlets and exhaust ports,...

My theory about towing vehicles is this: By the time the launch is finished, I'll get a vehicle that suits. What I have now will long since have mouldered into rust.

There is something about a prop leaning against the wall to keep one focused. Congratulations!

Just received my Wooden Boat too. The naptha article downplays steam launches - more out of ignorance than malice - but it was a fun read.

I like the lines of the dream.

Wesley - amazing.

Around 1992, I was in the engineering spaces in the old Edison High School in Philadephia. There was a similar feel as I looked at the towering boilers, runs of steam headers, anthracite coal piles, etc.

Homer: Best of luck to you. If you're doing wood/epoxy construction for the first time, be sure to read all of the masters; it is not for the faint of heart. The WEST textbook is perhaps the most important tome to have, but I have also found Devlin, Moore and Parker to be helpful for various emphasi...

Oh my!

The wood work is gratifying.

... Still sanding. It is worth it to see the smooth finish.

Picked up this prop cheap on eBay for experimentation. It's a 21 x 26 RH

fredrosse wrote:I buy bronze three two and three blade propellers frequently on e-bay, in the vicinity of 12 to 20 inch diameter ...

So you're the one I'm frequently bidding against ... just kidding. At work we have this joke that we are all bidding against each other for the same gauges, valves, trinkets, etc.

Wow, Wes, your dad is "outta control." Good for him!