Hello from Minnesota

Read this first then introduce yourself here.
Will Creighton
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Hello from Minnesota

Post by Will Creighton » Fri May 26, 2017 11:41 am

Hi everyone!
My name is Will Creighton. I am 14 years old and I love everything Steam. I don't have any boats yet put I have experience firing and operating different types of boilers and engines. I have fired Return Flue boiler and Direct Tube boilers. Once I turn 16 I am hoping to acquire my Minnesota Boilers liscence, then volunteer on the steamboat Minnehaha, firing the boiler and operating the Triple Expansion engine. I hope to meet new people and learn lots more about steamboating on this forum.
Thanks,
Will
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TahoeSteam
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Re: Hello from Minnesota

Post by TahoeSteam » Fri May 26, 2017 2:02 pm

Welcome to the forum Will. Sounds like you're already acquiring some good experience!

I started really young like you too. Just remember to be patient and listen to all the old guys stories and everything else they have to say. There is a lot of wisdom they can pass on hidden in those long yarns of boats, ships, cars, locomotives, and sometimes even women, from their past.

If your school has a metal/machine shop or even a wood shop class, enroll in it and absorb everything. If they don't have a program, try to find one to take on some of your free time.... Of course don't let it get in the way of your regular studies. Gotta have a good paying job to pay for your hobbies haha.

Good luck! Once again, WELCOME!
Will Creighton
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Re: Hello from Minnesota

Post by Will Creighton » Fri May 26, 2017 2:15 pm

Thanks Wesley,
I have seen your YouTube channel and I love the 40ft steamboat you and your Dad are constructing. I can't wait to see that thing in the water! Your videos of the Pumper and Segwun from the '90s were really cool too. I am hoping to construct a model steamboat soon, I gotta start somewhere right?
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Re: Hello from Minnesota

Post by DetroiTug » Fri May 26, 2017 3:14 pm

Welcome to the forum Will, great to see young folks taking an interest in steam power.

-Ron
Will Creighton
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Re: Hello from Minnesota

Post by Will Creighton » Fri May 26, 2017 4:38 pm

Thanks for the welcome, Ron!
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Akitene
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Re: Hello from Minnesota

Post by Akitene » Fri May 26, 2017 6:08 pm

Welcome aboard, Will!

You sure have a young & boiling blood. Image

Beyond your enthusiasm, you also have quite an interesting experience: where did you encounter a return flue boiler? Scotch marine boilers are scarce nowadays but they are a fascinating piece of engineering.
Will Creighton
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Re: Hello from Minnesota

Post by Will Creighton » Fri May 26, 2017 9:08 pm

Thanks Akitene!
I had the opportunity to fire and operate a Return Flue boiler on a 1913 22HP Minneapolis steam traction engine. We had a bit of an alarming experience on it when a hand hole gasket blew, but the more experienced guys got the situation under control. Thanks again everyone for the warm welcome.
Will
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TahoeSteam
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Re: Hello from Minnesota

Post by TahoeSteam » Sat May 27, 2017 12:38 am

Thank you for the kind words Will. The big boat is so close we can almost taste it!

Models are a great way to start... They can teach you about silver and soft soldering, welding, carpentry (on a micro scale) and more.
Will Creighton
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Re: Hello from Minnesota

Post by Will Creighton » Sat May 27, 2017 1:54 am

Thanks, Wesley!
The model steamboat I am thinking of constructing will be powered by a Wilesco D52 Marine engine and boiler. I have no clue where to start constructing the hull and everything else that is essential for a successful vessel. If anyone has any tips for me that would be greatly appreciated.
Will
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Re: Hello from Minnesota

Post by dampfspieler » Sat May 27, 2017 6:58 am

Hi Will,

there are some nice kits available like KRICK Victoria and KRICK Alexandra. So you will get a well steaming little ship. If you want you can pimp it. At the hull of the ALEXANDRA you can built also a nice model of the MINNEHAHA.

A better Boiler than the WILESO like this is available at http://eichendampf.de/

Image

Best Dietrich
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