Meths spirit burner

[Ken Banks 1Participant @kenbanks1]

My Mamod twin cyl. oscillating steam powered launch runs well indoors and self starts on servo operation of the regulator but on my garden pond seems to loose pressure somewhat rapidly. Lowering the boat sometimes allows splllage from the burner.

Have any of the members had any success from insulating the boiler / pipework / lubricator and thought up any means of fireproofing.

Kenb

[Ken Banks 1Participant @kenbanks1]

Insulating and Fireproofing steam launch

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

Wow, that takes me back a long time. I had the same problem back in the day, I changed over to the solid fuel tablets, and protected the burner area from the wind. It worked for me, I wish I still had the boat, very simple fun.

Chas

[Ken Banks 1Participant @kenbanks1]

Hi Chas,

Thanks for your reply. Havn't had much success with the solid fuel tablets which seem to create less heat and exhaust themselves quite quickly. Tried the barbecue lighting fuel. That burns well but seems bit more precarious than meths. I'd like to use gas but I don't know if there is a burner of a suitable shape that can be inserted under the boiler.

Shelter from the wind is a pertinent idea although the burner does sit well down inside the hull. I could try blocking up the holes in the sides of the burner enclosure beneath the boiler. This might cut off too much air.

Ken

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

If you want to consider a gas burner, have a look at Tony Green steam models. They have a range of burners, and they know all about Mamod, so can advise you well.

http://www.tonygreensteammodels.co.uk/

Chas

[Ken Banks 1Participant @kenbanks1]

Many thanks Chas.

Ken

[John wilson 18Participant @johnwilson18]

I think you can refer here https://www.allicdata.com

Edited By John wilson 18 on 23/05/2019 06:32:40

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

You can get bio-ethanol gel in tins, used as fuel for camping. For camping use you simply take the lid off and light!

For Mamod use, I have seen that you use a teaspoon and simply fill a burner up with the gel, light and retire (as they say). Burns away completely, no mess.

Ashley

[Andy StonemanParticipant @andystoneman15177]

Hi Ken

Ive used the Aluminium Tops from the large 500grm Yoghurt containers, cut to shape and glued inside the hull, prevents fires and flame licking out from the side of your boiler if a tight fit in the hull. If you cut off too much air the burner will go out as you said earlier A gas poker burner would suit a mamod boiler if you've room for a gas tank.I like the Bio-Ethanol gel Idea of your Ashley. No chance of a spill unlike Meths.

Andy

[Captain FlackParticipant @captainflack]

I have used the gel, not in a boat application, for a catering use where you need to keep the water boiling in a "bain marie" to keep food hot. Although the units I used were designed for two gel pots I only ever used one and it kept going for well over an hour.

As previously stated, very clean and smell free. Also, not particularly expensive, especially in the quantities you would be using.

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