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STEAM POWERED UNITS IMPORTANT INFORMATION/HINTS & TIPS |
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We would like to thank Hans Spielberger for the information provided in this section as well as his expertise and technical support with all Steam Powered products. |
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Although powering a model boat with steam is exciting and true to life, nevertheless, one should be aware of the procedures necessary and the dangers involved. First, some precautions: Steam firing produces considerable heat, so it is necessary to shield the hull and other structures from high temperatures. This is especially true of the smaller models, which are not well ventilated. A fiberglass hull can withstand more heat than ABS or plastic. Nevertheless, it is good to place a light metal shield around the boiler or burner. For this, you can use the aluminum sheet obtained from the disposable pans used to line ovens. The shield should not obstruct the flow of air from getting to the burner. Since heat rises, the area above the boiler and the burner should also be protected. Adequate supply of air must be provided to the burner. Cements commonly used for models is flammable even when set, it is advisable to secure the metal either mechanically or by using a substance known as “Waterglass” as a safe alternative. This is a liquid that will set and adhere to most any material. You can get it at almost any hardware store or chemical supply store. The next precaution is to make provisions for an adequate supply of airflow to the burner and to ventilate the engine. An air starved burner will not produce sufficient heat, and the heat could build up in the hull causing deformation and discoloration. Air can be supplied by functional ventilators and gratings which would appear proto-typical, since heat and air supply were also problems in the prototype. As a last resort, a small battery driven fan could be installed in a strategic location. Next, we must consider the dangers inherent in the fuel employed to fire the burner. At the outset, although it is commonly used in the small model stationary Steam Plants, alcohol, especially the liquid variety is not recommended. Alcohol burns with an almost invisible blue flame. Although it does not tend to explode, it burns very hot. The danger is that any spillage in the boat can be ignited without being noticed. If you then reach into the boat to make adjustments, a severe burn can result. Please be extra careful if using alcohol. Other fuels have their own drawbacks. Any of the common gases: Propane, butane or any of the mixtures are heavier than air, and if allowed to accumulate in the boat can be set off with any spark and can produce an explosion. It is a good precaution to ventilate the hull prior to igniting a gas fired boiler. This can be done with a fan or easily by taking a folded newspaper and fanning the hull several times before igniting the burner. It is further advisable to light the burner as soon as possible after turning on the gas valve. If the burner should lose it’s flame at any time, shut off the gas valve as soon as possible. A pilot flame helps in this respect. Now to the more pleasant part. You will find that steam firing is quiet, powerful and relatively non-polluting. There are some considerations however, that should be addressed. (Preferably at the time a decision is made to purchase a boat). First, a small boat will require a rather simple Steam Plant to fit in the limited space. Also, be aware that Steam Plants can be bulky and heavy. As noted earlier, provisions must be made for adequate ventilation. You should also consider access to the Steam Plant necessary to properly operate and maintain the boiler and engine. |
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STEAM POWERED UNITS IMPORTANT INFORMATION/HINTS & TIPS |
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On a small boat, there is usually insufficient room or freeboard to install auxiliary water tanks, therefore, the run time will be limited by the water and fuel capacity of the unit. Also be aware that the boiler must be allowed to cool and the pressure to dissipate before the boiler can be refilled. NEVER allow the boiler to run out of water while the burner is still operating. A severe explosion can result. Thus, in this type of unit, to avoid having to bring the boat to shore frequently to check on the water, it is advisable to carefully measure the quantity of fuel and water so that the fuel is expended before the water gets too low. Once the amounts are known, experiments can be conducted to determine how long this combination will power the engine. Then, simply by timing the run, the boat can be brought back while there is still fuel, water and power remaining. When considering a larger vessel, there is a greater amount of flexibility. Here, space and weight are not generally as great a factor. When considering this type of motive power, using a type of feed water pump with an auxiliary water supply is recommended. First, a word about the water. Considering that most models are run in some type of fresh water area, one might think that an intake to the pump leading to an opening below the water line of the hull might be acceptable. This is to be avoided. In addition to the probability of contaminants in this water, there is a real possibility that this intake could become obstructed, allowing the boiler to run dry with it’s inherent dangers. Water that has been de-mineralized is strongly recommended. At the very least, a hand pump should be installed. This would allow refilling the boiler while it was still hot and under pressure, providing a quick turn around time. Ideally, an engine driven pump should solve the water supply problem. (Steam driven pumps are also available). Run time would then only be limited by the fuel supply. When considering engines, size and type are dictated primarily by the size of the boat and boiler, and by the way the power is to be applied. Do not dismiss an oscillating engine. For lower pressure units, it is simple, and in the smaller sizes, very efficient.
STEAM POWERED UNITS IMPORTANT INFORMATION/HINTS & TIPS When considering “Oilers,” the simplest is the displacement type. It has no moving parts and is reliable. It also requires little attention. Despite the apparent complications involved in operating a Steam driven boat, there is something very rewarding in seeing your tug out on the water with steam coming from the funnel and an occasional toot coming from the whistle. We have pointed out all the possible dangers to educate our customers in their understanding of Steam Plants and safety. However, Steam Plants are not difficult to operate, nor are they hard to install. They lend a different feeling to a model and set you apart on the lake from your fellow model enthusiasts. If you have questions, or need further information, please contact us as we will put you in touch with Mr. Spielberger, who can help you to decide if Steam Plants are the right choice for your next boat. If you E-Mail. we can forward it to him. |
HANS SPIELBERGER
LOYALHANNA DOCKYARD
LHDockyard@aol.com
SAITO STEAM ENGINES
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SAITO T-3 DR STEAM UPRIGHT-(3)- CYLINDER · Vertical Double Acting 3 cylinder · Suitable Boiler - B3 · Bore - 12 mm · Stroke - 12 mm · D Slide Valve · 5,700 RPM (no load) · 0.038 HP (approx) · 2 kg Pressure Air (cm2) · Max. torque 1,250 g.cm (approx) · Length - 145 mm · Width - 70 mm · Height - 100 mm · Weight - 915 grams · Cylinder capacity - 8.1 cc · Recommended boat length - 1,200-2,000 mm Price: |
SAITO T-1 STEAM UPRIGHT- (1) –CYLIND. · Vertical Single 1 cylinder · Suitable Boiler - OB1 · Bore - 8.8 mm · Stroke - 12 mm · Piston Valve · 3,000 RPM (no load) · 1 kg.cm HP (approx) · Length - 60 mm · Width - 45 mm · Height - 70 mm · Weight - 180 grams · Cylinder capacity - 0.64 cc · Recommended boat length 700-1,000 mm Price: |
SAITO T-2 DR STEAM UPRIGHT- (2 )–CYLIND. · Vertical Double Acting 2 cylinder · Suitable Boiler - B2F · Bore - 12 mm · Stroke - 12 mm · D Slide Valve · 6,000 RPM (no load) · 0.03 HP (approx) · 2 kg Pressure Air (cm2) · Max. torque 1,050 g.cm (approx) · Length - 115 mm · Width - 70 mm · Height - 100 mm · Weight - 675 grams · Cylinder capacity - 5.4 cc · Recommended boat length - 1,000-1,300 mm Price: |
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ALSO AVAILABLE FROM SAITO:
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SAITO T-2 GR STEAM UPRIGHT- (2)- CYLINDER · Vertical Double Acting 2 cylinder · Suitable Boiler - B2F · Bore - 12 mm · Stroke - 12 mm · D Slide Valve · 6,000 RPM (no load) · 0.03 HP (approx) · 2 kg Pressure Air (cm2) · Max. torque 1,050 g.cm · Length - 115 mm · Width - 70 mm · Height - 100 mm · Weight - 675 grams · Cylinder capacity - 5.4 cc · Recommended boat length - 1,000-1,300 mm Price: |
SAITO TY-2 DR STEAM SIDE MOUNT–(2)-CYLINDER · Horizontal Double Acting 2 cylinder · Suitable Boiler - B2F · Bore - 12 mm · Stroke - 20 mm · D Slide Valve · 3,500 RPM (no load) · 0.035 HP (approx) · 2 kg Pressure Air (cm2) · Max. torque 1,150 g.cm (approx) · Length - 150 mm · Width - 125 mm · Height - 88 mm · Weight - 930 grams · Cylinder capacity - 9.0 cc · Recommended boat length - 1,000-1,500 mm
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T-1 & B-1Engine/Boiler/BurnerCombination Price:
TS-3RSteam (3) Cylinder RadialPrice:
XB-2EBoiler & BurnerPrice: TBA
XB-T1Boiler & Burner
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SAITO BOILERS & BURNERS
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SAITO XB-1 BOILER/BURNER
· Roast type boiler · Suitable Engine - OE1 · Fuel - Alcohol (methanol) · Length - 125 mm · Width - 67 mm · Height - 105 mm · Weight - 200 grams · Alcohol fuel - 27 scale mark · Burning time 15 min (approx.) · Safety value working pressure 1.2 kgs/cm2 (approx.)
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SAITO XB-2G BOILER/BURNER · Centre flow type burner method boiler · Suitable Engine - T2GR · Fuel - Alcohol (methanol) · Length - 370 mm · Width - 125 mm · Height - 165 mm · Weight - 1,900 grams · Alcohol fuel - 250 scale mark · Burning time 30 min (approx.) · Boiler Safety value working pressure 1.5 - 2.5 kgs/cm2 (approx.) · Water pipes - 6 · Boiler resisting pressure - 15 kgs/cm2 · Boiler ordinary use pressure - 2 kgs/cm2 Price:
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SAITO XB-2F BURNER/BOILER · Centre flow type burner method boiler · Suitable Engine - T2DR, Y2DR · Fuel - Alcohol (methanol) · Length - 300 mm · Width - 75 mm · Height - 120 mm · Weight - 1,260 grams · Alcohol fuel - 100 scale mark · Burning time 20 min (approx.) · Boiler Safety value working pressure 1.5 - 2.5 kgs/cm2 (approx.) · pressure - 2 kgs/cm2 · Burner ordinary use pressure - 0.4 kgs/cm2 · Burner Safety value working pressure 0.5 kgs/cm2 (approx.) · Water pipes - 5 · Boiler resisting pressure - 35 kgs/cm2 · Burner resisting pressure - 60 kgs/cm2 · Boiler ordinary use pressure - 2 kgs/cm2 · Burner ordinary use pressure - 0.4 kgs/cm2 Price:
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