Just The Beginning
I have a new major interest in machining. My first rule in The Hobbyist's Machine Shop is to decide what you are going to be making in your new machine shop. Pick the size of projects before you decide on the size of the machines you need.
A perfect application for machine work is the building of various types of steam engines. An ideal purpose of these engines (and boilers) is the construction of model steamboats scaled to the size of the engine. This works perfect for me because I have a large two level lake (large pond) less than 100 feet from my back porch.
I have purchased two sets of plans. One for a two cylinder steam launch engine and the second for a matching (capacity) steam boiler. These plans are available from Bay-Com. They are specifically designed for a model the steam launch "Diana". Bay-Com also has a hull kit for the "Diana". These are by no means easy projects. My enjoyment will be in the construction of the mechanical parts and then the boat itself.
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| Weaver Launch Engine | DIANA-Mite Boiler |
There is a very passionate group of hobbyist building and operating beautifully constructed model steamboats. I offered to do a web site for the display of these masterpieces, but these folks are rather quiet with their activities. I have had no takers for the web display. One group called the North American Steamboat Modeler's Association (NASMA) has a quarterly newsletter. Tell Steve Siegel I sent you!
Weston Farmer's Diana Steam Launch
The Diana is a rather large model and I consider perfect for the size of machine work I intend to be building in my shop. Steve Siegel has built the "Diana" using a different engine and boiler. Is a real beauty. I will try to get a picture for display here. (After I get back from Alaska.)