Help in starting
Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 3:45 pm
Posted on behalf of casper:
casper
Just Starting Out
Joined: 15 Mar 2008
Posts: 1
Location: birkenhead u.k.
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 6:22 am Post subject: Help in starting
this is my first post so hello to everyone. in a number of months i am going to try and build a scale model version of a late 1880s steam paddle tug. i just need to gather more info, settle on plans etc and think on it. My main problem is ive never built anything steam related and would not know where to start. Can anyone recomend any good books or sites to study first or advise of plans that do not require a large amount of machine work, as i only have limited facilities.
Grateful for any help Casper
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steamboatjack
Urchin
Joined: 01 Oct 2007
Posts: 39
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 6:38 am Post subject: books & plans
British steam tugs by Thomas has a lot of good info in it but mainly for screw vessels as I recall (available from camden). The plans for "chieftain" by the model maker plans service are for a excellent paddle tug of 1899. I do not know if these are still available? its drawn at 3/8 to 1 ft so is ideal for the E.T. westbury engine & paddles.
I have the plans but don't want to part with them, If you get stuck I maybe able to get them copied some how?
regards
jack
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Edward
Lighting the Boiler
Joined: 01 Oct 2007
Posts: 39
Location: Ambleside, Cumbria, UK
Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 1:21 pm Post subject:
I don't know what " a large amount of machine work " means. Obviously different things to different people depending on their workshop and experience. ( For me anything which needs more than a screwdriver , hammer or spanner is "engineering" and something of a black art.)
There is a set of Reeves Plans for the Edgar T Westbury Paddle engine and paddles for sale on eBay, Item No 280222642035 I'm sorry but I dont have the computer skills to give a proper link. The current bidding is £3.00 , they cost£11.63 from Reeves.
This design can be made into a very nice engine ; I don't think it's an exact scale copy of any particular prototype but is a very workable engine and paddle set which is fairly typical of the period you're after....BUT... although an experienced machinist would say it is not a particularly difficult project it only comes as a set of castings from Reeves : so it all needs machining .
Provided the auction price doesn't get silly you might like to buy the plans just to have a look.
casper
Just Starting Out
Joined: 15 Mar 2008
Posts: 1
Location: birkenhead u.k.
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 6:22 am Post subject: Help in starting
this is my first post so hello to everyone. in a number of months i am going to try and build a scale model version of a late 1880s steam paddle tug. i just need to gather more info, settle on plans etc and think on it. My main problem is ive never built anything steam related and would not know where to start. Can anyone recomend any good books or sites to study first or advise of plans that do not require a large amount of machine work, as i only have limited facilities.
Grateful for any help Casper
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steamboatjack
Urchin
Joined: 01 Oct 2007
Posts: 39
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 6:38 am Post subject: books & plans
British steam tugs by Thomas has a lot of good info in it but mainly for screw vessels as I recall (available from camden). The plans for "chieftain" by the model maker plans service are for a excellent paddle tug of 1899. I do not know if these are still available? its drawn at 3/8 to 1 ft so is ideal for the E.T. westbury engine & paddles.
I have the plans but don't want to part with them, If you get stuck I maybe able to get them copied some how?
regards
jack
Back to top
Edward
Lighting the Boiler
Joined: 01 Oct 2007
Posts: 39
Location: Ambleside, Cumbria, UK
Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 1:21 pm Post subject:
I don't know what " a large amount of machine work " means. Obviously different things to different people depending on their workshop and experience. ( For me anything which needs more than a screwdriver , hammer or spanner is "engineering" and something of a black art.)
There is a set of Reeves Plans for the Edgar T Westbury Paddle engine and paddles for sale on eBay, Item No 280222642035 I'm sorry but I dont have the computer skills to give a proper link. The current bidding is £3.00 , they cost£11.63 from Reeves.
This design can be made into a very nice engine ; I don't think it's an exact scale copy of any particular prototype but is a very workable engine and paddle set which is fairly typical of the period you're after....BUT... although an experienced machinist would say it is not a particularly difficult project it only comes as a set of castings from Reeves : so it all needs machining .
Provided the auction price doesn't get silly you might like to buy the plans just to have a look.