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Author Topic: Marine Model Boiler Restoration  (Read 2413 times)

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Marine Model Boiler Restoration
« on: September 18, 2023, 10:35:34 pm »
   Here are some photos of my restoration of a sturdy boiler that I picked up a while back, part of a lot of several model steam bits. Based mostly on the overall design and the inclusion of a short smokestack, I believe that it probably was made to power a large model boat.

  Not really much to this effort, and maybe it is a stretch to call it a "restoration", as it mostly consisted of nothing more than cleaning and painting. But I also had to make a base, incorporating a gas burner. The photos just show the stages in the process. The boiler tank is 6 3/4 by 3 inches. I could not re-fit the wood lagging on either end at the top, but the rest of the lagging was well attached to insulating pad below, and so replacing it was not a problem.

  Fortunately, it turned out well; I was looking for a boiler that could produce higher pressure than what I already had, and it all functions perfectly with not the slightest hint of any leaks. I have gradually worked it up to almost 60 PSI so far (pressure gauge also works great!).




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Re: Marine Model Boiler Restoration
« Reply #1 on: September 19, 2023, 06:10:22 pm »
My goodness, a restoration such as that deserves a nice "Well Done" from here in St. Paul steam land.
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Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
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Re: Marine Model Boiler Restoration
« Reply #2 on: September 19, 2023, 06:27:33 pm »
You might be understating your efforts on this boiler's behalf, as it truly looks like a fair bit of work to me!

She's come up bright and pretty, and if you're getting 60 psi out of her, then she's doin' right well I reckon!!!
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Re: Marine Model Boiler Restoration
« Reply #3 on: September 19, 2023, 09:33:32 pm »
  Thanks Bruce and Daniel, I am honored by your compliments. It really just came down to Brasso and steel wool, BBQ grill paint, some teflan tape and elbow grease, and presto - "restored"!

  The real credit goes to whoever created it, they did such a fine job that my work was easy, especially considering how well it functions, after needing little more than cosmetic attention. It could not have been easy to have made the boiler with six central tubes, and the brass is about as thick as it gets for a boiler of that size. I have never seen another like it, so I assume that it was an entirely scratch-built effort, but maybe it was made from some commercially sold kit (??).
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Re: Marine Model Boiler Restoration
« Reply #4 on: October 10, 2023, 03:49:03 pm »
Awesome work.

It really looks nice.

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