I just watched a video of this model run, the Le Mans is a twin(out of production) vs current production Roadster is single cyl.
I was expecting big speed out of the Le Mans and it did start out decent but after only a few seconds of run time it slowed to walking speed. I suspect the twin cyl eats steam faster than the smallish boiler can feed it.
It might be difficult to fit a larger boiler...more fire may help. It crossed my mind to fit a larger bore Cyl like Jensen 85 or maybe bigger yet. The thought was a more powerful engine may be able to pull taller gearing and not eat steam so fast,(at lower engine RPM) but I imagine there is only so much that can be done with boiler limiting steam production.
I am not real serious about taking this project BUT the Roadsters do come up from time to time at a low price used. I did think it may also be fun to slip the drive bands to the rear wheels off and use the model like a TE in neutral to power some steam accessories with it just for something a little different.
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The "Roadster" does have the Flywheel mounted outboard, however from this view I can see getting a drive belt to clear the fenders(to power accessories) would require some effort. I suppose a line shaft could set next to the car such that the end pulley reaches over the runningboard and a short belt draws power from Engine flywheel, then the other pulleys on the line shaft would be more outbourd for a clear belt path to drive the accessories.
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I think they look neat, but in general Mamod mobiles doesn´t impress much in terms of efficiency
I think they look neat, but in general Mamod mobiles doesn´t impress much in terms of efficiency
I was reading some forums about the Mamod Roadster, users have found several issues! The drive bands often slip, the pulleys are smooth, there is a supplier on eBay that offers rubber drive band upgrade for a price, but easy enough to make our own and or texture pulleys.
Next it seems many have received units where the Cyl to steam chest and even the reverse lever machining is suspect, a careful lap on glass mounted sand paper can yield excellent power gains.
Also mentioned was if even one bushing was poor or missing the drag is evident in performance. Steam leaks where also widely reported(possibly used or damaged units) I am told a Roadster in high state of tune can move along briskly!
Also Forest classics offers a BIX burner conversion!,I suspect as the model starts to move, and also breeze running outdoors will disturb heat output of a live flame(Esbit) I suspect a BIX burner may offer more performance.
I do also like the Idea of a Jenen power upgrade, I would need to find a deal on a good used unit to make me pull the trigger.
I once had a Mamod limousine , I even put an exhaust system on it, but it was a dreadful performer and would hardly pull itself under the best of circumstances ,slightly downhill and steering dead straight, it has been gone awhile and not once missed. I think a bix burner would be a must ,chain & gear sprockets ,a bigger boiler ? (Just do your own thing to it Ben 😉👍)
I once had a Mamod limousine , I even put an exhaust system on it, but it was a dreadful performer and would hardly pull itself under the best of circumstances ,slightly downhill and steering dead straight, it has been gone awhile and not once missed. I think a bix burner would be a must ,chain & gear sprockets ,a bigger boiler ? (Just do your own thing to it Ben 😉👍)
Thanks Bruce! Upon further research I found that much like Wilesco kits the Mamod kit Version is MUCH more friendly to modifications!....so much so that I am now willing to spend the $ for a new kit(maybe)....
The new issues are Many of the UK suppliers of Mamod will charge VAT 20% tax even though they should not(to the USA) Also direct from Mamod it was around $80 shipping and forrest classics web site wanted to charge me $148 shipping....yikes!
I did just put an email out to Susann at Ministeam, I will not hold my breath that they have one, but Susann has gone above and beyond for me 2 times so far, I would like to steer the business to her if I can.
Hi,
I have modified a couple of Mamod Roadsters. They have a few issues they are very heavy and the transmission poor driving through one rear wheel unless the floor is very flat the drive wheel can lift off the floor so loose traction. The reversing system used isn't very good and doesn't allow the cylinders to use the steam as well as they could.
This video of the results of me playing with a Roadster might be found interesting.
https://youtu.be/kkxRWSev8dAI also made a three wheel version a 'Mamod/Morgan' which used plastic wheels and was a lot lighter and because of it three wheels solved the traction problem. It performed better but still wouldn't manage much of an incline, both models would steam continuously and it was good fun converting them.
Take care Tony.
Hello Tony,
A very nice description of your conversions/modifications. Beautiful video. I just converted my Wilesco steam truck to a Bix burner and am now thinking about rebuilding the drive. Same problem as with the Mamod Roadster.
Keep well.
Hello Tony, I Very much enjoyed watching your Roadster self start smoothly and reversing, along with Steam clouds in the air it was a treat! Thank you for sharing! -Ben
I enjoyed watching that video again Tony , it shows what can be done with a simple roadster into a fantastic mechanical marvel.
Brilliant job on that roadster Tony .... Love It!!!
Agree completely, well done Tony!
I've found that compounding makes for more power but less thirsty situation.
Perhaps if the 2nd cylinder was 12 mm bore and plumbed appropriately then it could be 180 out of phase for Woolf compounding.
On these engines they run best if the hot steam is allowed to build before starting off.
P.S. Tony did you get the binding chain issue resolved?
Hi,
Yes, I assume you mean on the three wheel version? It was an old chain and had stretched areas a new chain was purchased and it performed just as well, possibly better than the one in this video. I suspect more to do with the fact that the drive wheel always has good contact with the floor unlike the other which needed a very flat floor.
Take care Tony.
NEWS:
Well, much as I expected, ministeam did not have any "Roadster" kits. To (my eyes) the Roadster painted the right color is the best looking of the Mamod mobiles (ymmv)
Susann informed me they did have (1) Limo kit, she would rather discount it to me than pay to have it shipped to the new warehouse....well shoot!
The price was great (and has all the desired kit features)so I started staring at the limo pictures to see if anything could be done....I don't hate the limo, it is quite elegant road car but I always go for more sporty 2 passenger cars....or Trucks.
In my head I removed the rear seat, the back floor looks sort of flat but may have a step up for rear footwell, this could be leveled!
Next I thought to move the sun shade all the way forward to the front seat, more tin work (cut down short and folded new shape) but now we have the start of a little Very short box Pickup Truck!
Maybe a wood stake rack sides and possibly bed floor might help sell it as a Truck. The spare tire could stay on the back or move up to a mount on the wood stake rack. So the New Plan is:
Stage 1: convert to truck and change color, Also reduce drag everywhere possible, possibly flange roller bearings on all axles and steam drive.
Also improve drive belts and would like to add inline steam oiler to reduce friction and hopefully improve piston seal.
Stage 2: if not happy with stage 1 performance than fit BIX burner.
Stage 3: possibly fit big bore Cylinder if still not happy!
That is the plan anyway, I may start a build log thread if the Truck conversion looks half decent.
This is the "kit" photo.
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I gotta tell you Ben , I love the truck idea , the is the 1st. Thing that popped into my mind was the Beverly Hill billy's truck.