Edwardian Cabin Launch "Topaz"

I've been wanting one of these for a long time, but it was always just a bit too expensive. Recently, one came up at the right price, so I just couldnt resist it. It's actually jumped the 'project' queue, but it shouldn't take long to get it ship-shape (sorry!).

As you can see, this is a publicity photo; I'll be taking more pictures of the real one as work progresses.

I've taken the first small steps and given it a good clean and polish. I've also removed the boiler and the engine. The boiler is by MH&B, the kit makers, and the engine is a Cheddar 'Gemini'. The engine was very stiff, so I gave it a really good squirt of WD40 to clean out the crap, then I oiled it properly and it now turns very freely.I put some compressed air through it at about 30 psi and it ran really well, so I just switched off the compressor and let it run down. I was very impressed when it got down to below 5 psi. You can see what happened ......

Well that was pretty impressive! Now to have a good look at the boiler.

I've had a good look at the boiler and given it a good washing out. The gauge glass wasn't reading any water, so I stripped it down and found a load of lime scale blocking the bottom connection. I cleaned it out and re-assembled the gauge. All else seems ok - no signs of leaks (either present or historic), so I went ahead and gave it a hydraulic test. No leaks, but no pressure showing on the pressure gauge, so something else to sort out. I took the gauge off and guess what, blocked with limescale. Cleaned out and re-assembled. Re-pressurised and it works ok. Time for a steam test. I put just a little gas in the tank and lit her up. The gauge glass is leaking. Stripped down and found that the rubber seals were perished. New seals and put together again. This time, a good shot of gas. Lit up and watched as the pressure - eventually - started to creep up. No leaks, so allowed to continue building pressure. At about 40 psi let the steam through the engine to warm it up. Engine is running very nicely, even at low throttle and it runs very quietly. OK, now it's down to the boiler tester to do his thing and give me that magic piece of paper.

Anyway, here's a few more pics of Topaz. (The boiler and engine are still in the workshop).

Apart from giving it a good clean and polish, I decided that the white paint, which had yellowed with age, needed re-doing. It took a couple of coats, but looked much better for it.

Well, I think I'm finished for the time being, but I can't wait to get it on the pond. I think I might make a new cradle while I'm waiting.