The Steamboating Forum

Hi everyone!
My name is Will Creighton. I am 14 years old and I love everything Steam. I don't have any boats yet put I have experience firing and operating different types of boilers and engines. I have fired Return Flue boiler and Direct Tube boilers. Once I turn 16 I am hoping to acquire my Minnesota Boilers liscence, then volunteer on the steamboat Minnehaha, firing the boiler and operating the Triple Expansion engine. I hope to meet new people and learn lots more about steamboating on this forum.
Thanks,
Will

Welcome to the forum Will. Sounds like you're already acquiring some good experience!

I started really young like you too. Just remember to be patient and listen to all the old guys stories and everything else they have to say. There is a lot of wisdom they can pass on hidden in those long yarns of boats, ships, cars, locomotives, and sometimes even women, from their past.

If your school has a metal/machine shop or even a wood shop class, enroll in it and absorb everything. If they don't have a program, try to find one to take on some of your free time.... Of course don't let it get in the way of your regular studies. Gotta have a good paying job to pay for your hobbies haha.

Good luck! Once again, WELCOME!

Thanks Wesley,
I have seen your YouTube channel and I love the 40ft steamboat you and your Dad are constructing. I can't wait to see that thing in the water! Your videos of the Pumper and Segwun from the '90s were really cool too. I am hoping to construct a model steamboat soon, I gotta start somewhere right?

Welcome to the forum Will, great to see young folks taking an interest in steam power.

-Ron

Thanks for the welcome, Ron!

Welcome aboard, Will!

You sure have a young & boiling blood.

Beyond your enthusiasm, you also have quite an interesting experience: where did you encounter a return flue boiler? Scotch marine boilers are scarce nowadays but they are a fascinating piece of engineering.

Thanks Akitene!
I had the opportunity to fire and operate a Return Flue boiler on a 1913 22HP Minneapolis steam traction engine. We had a bit of an alarming experience on it when a hand hole gasket blew, but the more experienced guys got the situation under control. Thanks again everyone for the warm welcome.
Will

Thank you for the kind words Will. The big boat is so close we can almost taste it!

Models are a great way to start... They can teach you about silver and soft soldering, welding, carpentry (on a micro scale) and more.

Thanks, Wesley!
The model steamboat I am thinking of constructing will be powered by a Wilesco D52 Marine engine and boiler. I have no clue where to start constructing the hull and everything else that is essential for a successful vessel. If anyone has any tips for me that would be greatly appreciated.
Will

Hi Will,

there are some nice kits available like KRICK Victoria and KRICK Alexandra. So you will get a well steaming little ship. If you want you can pimp it. At the hull of the ALEXANDRA you can built also a nice model of the MINNEHAHA.

A better Boiler than the WILESO like this is available at http://eichendampf.de/



Best Dietrich