Hi Chris,

My first steam boat used these USE engines which I found excellent.

**LINK**

I had two joined together in an open launch with a home made centre flu boiler- it was great fun. The engine wasn't self starting but it did mean I had an extra channel for a whistle, which was a lot more fun than a throttle control! I had to flick the prop to start but the engines never stalled.

I have never used the Mamod engines so can't comment but USE engines are cheapish and available and might be worth your consideration.

All the best,

Ian

Chris ,

It sounds as though you are set on the Mamod engine but the USE does come as a machined kit. They are easy to assemble and multiple engines can be joined with silicone tube. As the engine frame is made of mazak it's difficult to join anything to them, although I remember turning up some copper joiners and using epoxy to fix them- it worked well.

Good luck whatever you choose.

Ian

Hi Tony, I picked up your post about PS Prunella a few weeks ago when I was hunting around for information on steam powered model boats. I have both the Meccano steam plant and the Mamod engine with shaft and propeller, both of which were acquired in the early 70s, and which have lain around waiting for a project ever since. I did build an electric powered PS Cleopatra in my youth (long since gone to Davy Jones) and I had the idea that this might be a suitable subject for the Meccano engine. I was just dusting off my old SS Maria plan for the Mamod, but on seeing your post I've purchased the plans for PS Prunella. However, I've had no luck in finding the Model Boats articles on the boat and the engine. If you have these in your collection, I wonder if you would mind scanning them into this forum so I could pick them up from there.

Thank you very much in anticipation.

Bob

Edited By Bob Pearce on 08/12/2018 10:01:47

Bob,

I've sent you a message

Ray,

Last month in Model Boats magazine, Richard Simpson's 'Boiler Room' discussed boiler testing for larger (over 3bar litre) boilers. Next month, January 2019 his regular magazine feature is covering small boilers under 3bar litre and small gas tanks. The item is good, as it is to the latest orange book rules.

Where a club doesn't have a boiler inspector it would be interesting to know if any of the commercial boiler manufacturers could issue the necessary documentation, whether a large or small boiler.

I think Richard Simpson's article covered the subject pretty thoroughly.

Colin

Edited By Colin Bishop on 14/12/2018 16:46:26

Hi Richard

Thanks for your reply, I will look forward to reading the regulations in the January issue , these only apply to boating in a public places for third party liability , I steam my locomotives in the garden quite happily 😊

Regards Ray