Calling all steam nuts...steam tug build...
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Calling all steam nuts...steam tug build...
Heres my steam tug, Its plank on frame construction, no real scale to it, 20 inches long. It's running on a modified Wilesco engine using a midwest boiler, the midwest engine just didnt cut it, so my Wilesco that sits around not getting run is being put to use. I am currently building the super structure, and need to decide the final paint scheme. Right now I am firing it on sterno, but before it goes on the water I think it will be upgraded to being butane fired...that way I can get more power if I need it and also I can throttle it. Heres some pictures of it, also in the pic you'll notice I stuck the funnel on the exhaust line. I did this because I wanted to see what the steam would look like coming out of something around the size that the stack will be, heat from the chimney will also be fed out the stack, Im gonna cut and angle the funnel back so it feeds into the stack...
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RE: Calling all steam nuts...steam tug build...
yeah, it has been run in the bathtub a couple times, the prop was about all the midwest engine could handle. the wilesco may be able to spin a larger one, I have room for about a 1/2 inch bigger prop diameter if it needs it, Ill have to see how the wilesco handles the prop in the water...with butane i could easily spin a larger prop
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RE: Calling all steam nuts...steam tug build...
The secret to getting good performance out of the Midwest engine is to be sure to have plenty of steam pressure. We are using that engine to power a 4' tramp steamer, with good results.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...85#post7853743
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...85#post7853743
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RE: Calling all steam nuts...steam tug build...
I still have the midwest engine but will be running the wilesco in this boat with the midwest boiler, But I was thinking about how to put a butane system in it, I just didnt want to pay the high prices for the components that www.ministeam.com sells, I think I can make a round burner with some brass or copper piping and then all I need to figure out is a tank to hold it that will fit in the hull, sterno just doesnt make enough heat to run higher RPMs, I also need a bigger prop, the 1.5" 3 bladed brass one I have could be a little bigger and still have no trouble turning it...the dual action cylinder is also much more reliable, I can stop it dead at most places in the revolution and it will start by itself when released...seeing your setup makes me really want to try the butane thing, thats an awesomely large steam ship you have built and it looks like it came out very very nicely.
#7
RE: Calling all steam nuts...steam tug build...
Hello!!!!
Do you have the space to put the butane system safely?, I believe you should try some different propellers sizes with your actual configuration first
Escipion
Do you have the space to put the butane system safely?, I believe you should try some different propellers sizes with your actual configuration first
Escipion