Repurposing for a steam engine build

[toad281]

Hello All, I am interested in building an RC model stearnwheeler . I think the right progression will be 1st to make the powerplant. Then the boiler to fit it. Then a boat to put it in. As for my experience while I have not built any engines , I have many RC, scratch built, airplanes . My only model boat is a 4 foot sailboat with a electric kicker motor, also scratch built. I am thinking, rather than reinventing the wheel, that perhaps my best bet is to try and repurpose other sources where I can. I am a retired Millwright so I am good with measurements, I do not own a mill, but have a 13 inch Sheldon lathe set up. I also have a drill press and all the various power and hand tools. [lots of them]
I have researched and downloaded allot of different plans for Wobblers, Sliders, Beams, Ect. and I still have not decided which one I will start with. My question is , Has anyone had and real success using things like pneumatic cylinders? or maybe a small 2 stroke piston and bore? other ideas? The model in mind is something at least 4 foot in length most likely wood hull. Thanks in advance for any pointers

 

[Zeb]

For me, I'd start with the boiler, as it's the most difficult to deal with, but you could get by with other locomotion if that fizzled. Wish we had a steamboat club where I live!

 

[toad281]

Thanks for the reply. I have several pneumatic cylinders on hand here , and some small 2 cycle engine I could cannibalize for parts. The air cylinders look like they are the best option. I would just have to make the valve system, and components . I experimented a bit with them yesterday, and they seem to put up with the expected heat range. Because it is for a boat I am toying with the idea of a flash boiler , as it seems like with all that water , why bring more onboard. But I am not 100% on the idea yet. I think I need to set up the cylinders and valves, and see what pressure/ temperature I am looking at. So a lot of testing and trying to do. This is why I posted the question , to see if anyone here has traveled this road already, and could give me some dos and don'ts .