
WELCOME!
You are at what is probably the most comprehensive forum concerning hobby steamboating. If you view the "FAQ" part of this forum you will get enough background to ask questions. Don't worry overmuch about English grammar - us Americans don't know it and we use this forum just fine.
Get out and see other small steamboats. There are probably more than you realize. The easiest way to do this is to join to a "steamboat club". The Steam Boat Association of Great Britain (google it) is world wide and, with over 1500 members, probably the largest in the world. Well worth it for the access to information.
There are some hobby steamboats in the Lake Constance area. You might also join the Swiss Steamboat Friends at
http://www.vsd-asv.ch/ . Nothing is better than going for a ride in a hobby steamboat and most owners are pleased to "show off" their boat and take people for a ride.
Most organizations publish a newsletter or magazine which contains information about "meets" and other events when members and guests assemble to socialize and exchange information.
The International Steamboat Society
http://www.steamboating.org publishes a bi-monthly magazine that is devoted mostly to technical topics about design, construction, and maintenance. Many of the articles are comprehensible to the beginner.
If you can read "American" an excellent book (known as the "bible of hobby steamboating") is
Steamboats and Modern Steam Launches. Published in the USA by Elliott Bay Steam Launch Co. at
http://www.steamlaunch.com/ and available for online purchase.
The important thing is to associate with others in the "light steam" boating fraternity. Most of us are proud of our hobby and very willing to talk with others (unless we're having problems with our own boat and are, therefore, a little surly). Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to other steamboaters - we're harmless <giggle> and love to share our passion with others.

But being here is a BIG step in the information gathering process.