The Steamboating Forum

I'm not sure what the engine size is, someone will be along shortly to tell you. The LP is 8".

Oh my. Now I have boring mill envy.

Thats a reasonable sized Quad! As always a spectacular looking engine. Seems to be missing pumps and the back half of the crosshead assemblies to drive the pumps. Also is that LP cylinder cover (really second IP I guess) original? It doesn't look very Simpson Strickland to me, the Hp cylinder cover is certainly correct. Will be a nice engine when finished, what is it intended to go in?
Daniel

Chris W wrote:Oh my. Now I have boring mill envy.

Yes that is one fab boring machine, I'm feeling the envy too...

This we are fairly certain is Simpson Strickland engine number 28 of 1889, and is a “B” size.
cylinders 2.375+3.5+5.375+8.0 X 4.5
(note the bores were slightly changed on later engines)
It had been a static display for many years and although looked fabulous would never have run due to various wear/bodges too long a list to mention here.
Things however are progressing well, and I hope to have it all back together and working some time this year.
Interestingly the valve timing is rather strange on Kingdon patent engines, there is practicality no “angle of advance” the eccentrics being almost ninety degrees to the crank, which means there is no cut off on the HP cylinder and therefore it relies on the expansion taking place in the subsequent cylinders.
This work has rather put back my Belliss engine project though!

Regards
Jack

Interesting, and a very worthwhile project. In my experience Simpson Strickland engines are lovely to live with provided they are set up correctly, and not over-proped. Having said that though, the feed pump on Kapanui's engine was a horrible noisey thing, and got quickly removed and replaced by a well hidden and silent hypro belt driven. Do you intend to replicate the pumps for this engine? Kapanui's air pump has never missed a beat in over 10 years. I presume there are spun brass covers for over the top of the cylinder covers, which should hide that incorrect looking second cover?
Interesting that you only think is it number 89, the later post 1900 endings have number stampings in numerous places.
Daniel

I would love to find a small boring mill like that. Small boring mills like that here in the States are few and far between.

Were small machines like this not popular in the States?

Seems like you could probably dispose of the lathe now!!!

Always a joy to see pictures of Uncle Jack at work.

Almost ready for a test run after quite a few hours of work.
Looking for a 40 foot hull now!

Regards
Jack