DIY Network

RC Scale Steam-Boat: Engine Installation From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-304

Chris puts the crowning detail on a scale model steam-powered boat, the Elliot Bay Steam Launch®.

In this episode of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli delves into the world of scale-model boats. In this segment, Chris installs a miniature, fully operational steam engine in the Elliot Bay Steam Launch® from Midwest Products®.

Materials used in this episode:

Phillips head screwdriver
Scissors
Silicone aircraft tubing
Distilled water

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B

Steam-Engine Installation

Important: This demonstration shows provides some of the basic information for assembly and operation of this particular scale-model steam-powered boat. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with yours -- whether it is this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model can typically be found in the manufacturer's instructions.

The engine we mounted in the scale-model Launch is known as an oscillating steam engine since the whole piston actually oscillates (figure A). It's a much simpler design than the dual-action steam engine demoed in the previous segment.

The high-pressure steam from the boiler (figure B) works its way into the engine via flexible tubing. The steam pressure exerts force on the piston and makes it operate. Here's how we installed the engine.

• Following the instructions that come with the kit, remove the canopy and pre-drill four holes in bottom of deck.

• Install engine by securing it down onto the top of the deck with self-tapping screws (figures C and D), being careful to avoid overtightening. Once the first screw is started, the others can be aligned and tightened easily.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  
  

• There are three pins in the bottom of the boat intended to align the fuel plate and boiler. lace the fuel plate between the three pins (figure E). This plate holds the gel fuel. When lit, it heats the water in the boiler to produce steam.

• Next, place the boiler so that it fits on the outside of the three pins. This should be sufficient to hold the boiler firmly in place (figure F).

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  Figure G

  
  

• For plumbing the engine, begin by connecting a length of silicon fuel-tubing from the boiler port to the engine (figure G). Silicon fuel-tubing is available from hobby shops.
  

  
  

• It's recommended that you cut the tubing in the middle (figure H) and install a coupler between the boiler and the engine (figure I) to make maintenance of the boat simpler later on.

  Figure H

  Figure I

  
  

  Figure J

  
  

• Cut the overall length of the tubing to the length necessary to reach from the boiler to the engine (figure J). Fit the tubing over each connection so that each end is secure to the engine fittings.
  

  
  

• Follow the same basic procedure to plumb from the engine to the exhaust port (figure K).

• Cut a length of aircraft tubing to size and secure one end over each connection (figure L).

  Figure K

  Figure L

  
  

  
  

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect the two sections of the flexible drive shaft. To do this, the propeller-shaft (figure M) is simply connected to the output shaft on the motor -- once again using flexible silicon tubing (figure N). Only about an inch of tubing should be required to connect the two portions.

  Figure M

  Figure N

  
  

  
  

RESOURCES :

Resources for Radio Control Hobbies episode 304

Southeast Boat Modelers Club
Website: SEBM web site

Hobbico Aquacraft Fishing Trawler®
Website: www.hobbico.com

Downeast Lobsterboat®
Midwest Products Co.
Website: www.midwestproducts.com
PT-109 RC boat
Midwest Products Co.
Website: www.midwestproducts.com
D-21 Wilesco® steam engine
Diamond Enterprises
Website: www.yesteryeartoys.com

Vac-U-Boat® tug
Website: www.vac-u-boat.com