Windermere Steam Launch building from scratch

[Robert Hornby]

I have just started building a twin cylinder engine for a Windermere Steam launch model. I propose to build the complete boat, ie hull (about 1 metre long), engine boiler etc. and it will be radio controlled. I will document the progress mainly with photos and words where necessary and expect the whole job to take in the order of two to three years. I am thinking of posting progress just once a month at this stage so as not to bore you all out there (there's me thinking anyone would be interested in the first place).
The engine will be built completely from 'bar stock' - scrap etc. The plans I bought are for a 19mm bore and stroke engine but I have redrawn them at 80% to give a 15mm bore and stroke. Stan Bray in his book MODEL MARINE STEAM makes the valid point that many model boats have oversized engines and are out of scale. For my size boat the motor should be around 10mm bore and stroke but I am thinking my skills would not allow me to work with such small sizes so 15mm it will be. So far about 20 hours have elapsed and no stuff ups yet.

[tel]

Well, you have my attention, for one, Robert!

[Jo]

Looks like an interesting project, I will be following along.

So far about 20 hours have elapsed and no stuff ups yet.

Plenty of time yet, but don't wish them on yourself.

Jo

[Thayer]

I'm definitely in on this one as well. That is a gorgeous subject.

Thayer

[zeeprogrammer]

I'm certainly interested too. In all of it...engine, boiler, and boat.

But only monthly updates? That's like limiting myself to a single glass of wine a month.
Unacceptable. 

[steamer]

Hell ya I'm interested!....

I like steam launches!....

Dave

[b.lindsey]

Definitely interested here Robert!!  I'm with Zee though...monthly updates not enough. I am hoping you will post some pictures on the hull build as well. I will be looking forward to following along if only because I hope someday to do something similar.

Regards,

Bill

[fcheslop]

Hi Robert,Windermere launches are my favourite models.
Its a small world I was talking to Columbines owner at Wray Castle on Windermere only a couple of weeks ago she is moored with Shamrock.
I think she started life as a ships life boat just not sure though
Good luck with the build have you any more pics :Lol:we like pics
best wishes
frazer

[Don1966]

Hey! Yea, Robert you have my attention. I am definitely interested to see how it come out.

Don

[Robert Hornby]

Thank you gentlemen for your interest and encouraging remarks. So it seems like I will have to post a little more frequently than I anticipated, how about we compromise and I post when I think the progress is worthy?
As I mentioned earlier I am having to redraw at a smaller scale than the original plans, also the original plans call for castings so my drawings will be for total fabrication. I am drawing them on AUTOCAD so if anyone would like a copy I will be more than happy to oblige (no cost), I can scan and email or just email the file if the receiver has AUTOCAD.
I did try to get in contact with the owner of Columbine through the secretary of the STEAM LAUNCH website (where I found the photos), he forwarded my contact details onto the owner but unfortunately I had no response from it. I only wished to have a few more photos and maybe a couple of dimensions as I will be building the boat from only the photo, but I enjoy a bit of a challenge. What a coincidence that Fcheslop was speaking to the owner only a few weeks ago. It will be quite a while before I start the hull as I plan to build all the engine/boiler stuff first, and our house is up for sale so a move may upset the build process.

[fcheslop]

Hi Robert,I wont be on Windermere until the spring unless Im working over there but if I get the chance I will take some pics.
Its catching the gentleman who owns Shamrock but its not a problem to try as we go walking in that area
What pics do you need.
kind regards
frazer

[Robert Hornby]

Hi Frazer,
Thank you very much for you offer to take some photos next time you are up there. I will certainly appreciate it and it will help me a great deal when I come to building the boat. The photos I would like would be of the inside of the hull so as to give me details of the wood work etc. also a shot from the stern to give me an idea of the hull shape from end on and anything that you may feel interesting.
I have just spent the best part of two days making a fixture/jig for holding the cross head tube and the two legs together whilst I silver solder them, it is important that they do not move during the operation.

[Thayer]

That looks like it will do nicely for you. I didn't mention it earlier but am in favor of any posts as you progress. Please don't hold us to monthly updates while you are making headway!

Thayer

[Robert Hornby]

Golly that was quick Thayer, and I will post more frequently than monthly.
Robert

[Thayer]

What can I say? You have embarked on an intriguing journey and the subject is the stuff of dreams. I may never build my own, but certainly want to entertain the prospect at every opportunity. I also know that I will learn a tremendous amount just following along.

Thayer