Hi All,

In an attempt to replace the current topic, Re: Frank - Houston & IKE,
I have tried to find something that has not been discussed before.
Message searches indicated that the word, aluminum has been used but
that the words, anodize and anodized have not. Anodized aluminum can
be dyed and printed, meaning that it could be used to convert plans
for card stock display models of ships and boats into more durable
aluminum working models of ships and boats. Card stock designs are
protected by copyrights, so anyone who is interested in this
suggestion should contact the appropriate designers to suggest that
conversion of their designs for card stock display models into kits
for aluminum working models could provide additional income without
cannibalizing their income from the sales of card stock display models.

Frank

Fogo Island, Newfoundland. October 10, 2008. (Gander Bay News)

To coincide with the Canadian Thanksgiving on October 13, Canadian
marine historical scientists announced today the finding of near
conclusive proof that the Mayflower was putt putt powered. Most scoffed
at this theory but the photo appears genuine. The name of the vessel is
visible and the cargo on deck could not be interpreted as anything but
provisions for a really big dinner.

Some may question what appears to be photographic evidence from this
time period, however, verbal historical narratives via several East
coast Indian tribes have stated that the word "petroglyph" meant much
more than simple etchings in stone. A patent date on the reverse has
yet to be deciphered in it's entirety but the letters ----KODA--- are
clearly readable.

See photos.

Hi All,

There are a couple of new additions to the links section.
Our newest member has a website at <www.steves-workshop.co.uk> and the
developers of a new machine that works by cutting and gluing layers of
paper together have a website at <http://www.mcortechnologies.com/>.

Best wishes, Frank

I came across this link this morning in the Yahoo Group Modelercad.
It's worth a look.

http://www.phlatboyz.com/

It has possibilites when used in conjunction with some of Frank's flat
patterns and non-conventional materials for pop-pops.

Pete
West Hurley, NY

Hi All,

I have been a member of the Yahoo group dumasmodelboats for several
years. Today I became the group's moderator so the owner could devote
more time to his new store at: <http://www.rainforeststation.net>.

Frank

Hi All,

I added a RAPID PROTOTYPING SYSTEMS folder to the Links section to
provide a place where links to information about affordable- and not
so affordable- CNC devices known as 3D printers and rapid prototyping
systems can be stashed.

Best wishes, Frank

Frank,

A great technology! Our son worked as a research assistant in the 3D printing Lab at MIT as part of his Masters program. I have personally used 3D printing/rapid prototyping on several projects at work. It changes the way we build out prototypes. I have more info and links that I will add later for those who might be interested. The use of R/P is discussed with frequency in the ModelersCad Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ModelersCad/

Here is a link to an "affordable" system: http://www.desktopfactory.com/ 

I have a copy of this model, "The Hagia Sophia", a Christian Church in Istanbul. Our son worked on this particular piece while at MIT. The model is approx 2" sq x 1" high. 3D printing has come a long way in a few short years.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

regards,

PRB

--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Frank McNeill" <frankmcneilll@...> wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I added a RAPID PROTOTYPING SYSTEMS folder to the Links section to
> provide a place where links to information about affordable- and not
> so affordable- CNC devices known as 3D printers and rapid prototyping
> systems can be stashed.
>
> Best wishes, Frank
>

I was able to have Yahoo Groups reactivate our group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pop-pop-steamboats/ from their archival system.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Pete

Good morning & Happy New Year!

Welcome... members new and established.

I hope that you find/continue to find our group both interesting and informative. Experience and knowledge runs from beginners to "professionals".

Please write a little something about yourself, your interests and post on our message board.

P.R.Baker

Hi all,
Just joined this group, some years ago I made several engines of
varous types and mounted them in cut down cans (I had not the
patience to build the hulls) all worked, but the most fun was large
and made of welded steel. This I powered by a gas blowlamp and
mounted in a square biscuit tin. Performace was very poor but it
galumphed around my bath in a very satisfying manner.

I am totally amazed by some of the boats and engines in the group and
am inspired to carry on experimenting. My ultimate objective would be
to power a canoe but I guess might not be practical!

I live in Essex in the UK.
Dick


--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Pete B." <georgeyyy@...>
wrote:
>
>
> Good morning & Happy New Year!
>
> Welcome... members new and established.
>
> I hope that you find/continue to find our group both interesting and
> informative. Experience and knowledge runs from beginners to
> "professionals".
>
> Please write a little something about yourself, your interests and
post
> on our message board.
>
> P.R.Baker
>

Hi Dick,

Welcome to the group.

Go to <http://www.nmia.com/~vrbass/pop-pop/#payne> for information
about the use of pop-pop engines in full-sized boats. For in-between
sized boats, go to our Photos section to check out the albums, dory
pop pop By: danoyes1, Large pop-pop boats By: jeanyves_renaud and putt
putts By: darylcanada73 which indicate the possibility for using large
or multiple coil type engines to propel a dory, skiff or canoe. Don't
go too far up that infamous creek without a paddle though!

Best wishes, Frank

--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
<coracles18@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> Just joined this group, some years ago I made several engines of
> varous types and mounted them in cut down cans (I had not the
> patience to build the hulls) all worked, but the most fun was large
> and made of welded steel. This I powered by a gas blowlamp and
> mounted in a square biscuit tin. Performace was very poor but it
> galumphed around my bath in a very satisfying manner.
>
> I am totally amazed by some of the boats and engines in the group and
> am inspired to carry on experimenting. My ultimate objective would be
> to power a canoe but I guess might not be practical!
>
> I live in Essex in the UK.
> Dick
>
>
> --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Pete B." <georgeyyy@>
> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Good morning & Happy New Year!
> >
> > Welcome... members new and established.
> >
> > I hope that you find/continue to find our group both interesting and
> > informative. Experience and knowledge runs from beginners to
> > "professionals".
> >
> > Please write a little something about yourself, your interests and
> post
> > on our message board.
> >
> > P.R.Baker
> >
>

Hi Frank,
thanks for the reply and the link, I am well aware of the poor
efficiency of the pop pop etc and the likelyhood of disapointment. I
never travel without a paddle and this does look like a particularly
interesting creek. It appeals appeals to my tinkering nature and the
cost in time & plumbing per engine is comparitively low.
The group has opened my eyes to huge range of possibilities for
experimentation,
I will post any results for all to jeer at, at the moment I am still
exploring the fine print as to how the things actually work, there
are a lot of factors I hadn't previously considered,
Dick



--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Frank McNeill"
<frankmcneilll@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Dick,
>
> Welcome to the group.
>
> Go to <http://www.nmia.com/~vrbass/pop-pop/#payne> for information
> about the use of pop-pop engines in full-sized boats. For in-between
> sized boats, go to our Photos section to check out the albums, dory
> pop pop By: danoyes1, Large pop-pop boats By: jeanyves_renaud and
putt
> putts By: darylcanada73 which indicate the possibility for using
large
> or multiple coil type engines to propel a dory, skiff or canoe.
Don't
> go too far up that infamous creek without a paddle though!
>
> Best wishes, Frank
>
> --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> <coracles18@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi all,
> > Just joined this group, some years ago I made several engines of
> > varous types and mounted them in cut down cans (I had not the
> > patience to build the hulls) all worked, but the most fun was
large
> > and made of welded steel. This I powered by a gas blowlamp and
> > mounted in a square biscuit tin. Performace was very poor but it
> > galumphed around my bath in a very satisfying manner.
> >
> > I am totally amazed by some of the boats and engines in the group
and
> > am inspired to carry on experimenting. My ultimate objective
would be
> > to power a canoe but I guess might not be practical!
> >
> > I live in Essex in the UK.
> > Dick
> >
> >
> > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Pete B." <georgeyyy@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Good morning & Happy New Year!
> > >
> > > Welcome... members new and established.
> > >
> > > I hope that you find/continue to find our group both
interesting and
> > > informative. Experience and knowledge runs from beginners to
> > > "professionals".
> > >
> > > Please write a little something about yourself, your interests
and
> > post
> > > on our message board.
> > >
> > > P.R.Baker
> > >
> >
>

Hi Dick,

Click on <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvTnm7MRqsU> for video of the
first jet powered boat. Actually it was an intermittent jet boat
similar in some ways to pop-pop boats.

old Frank

--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
<coracles18@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Frank,
> thanks for the reply and the link, I am well aware of the poor
> efficiency of the pop pop etc and the likelyhood of disapointment. I
> never travel without a paddle and this does look like a particularly
> interesting creek. It appeals appeals to my tinkering nature and the
> cost in time & plumbing per engine is comparitively low.
> The group has opened my eyes to huge range of possibilities for
> experimentation,
> I will post any results for all to jeer at, at the moment I am still
> exploring the fine print as to how the things actually work, there
> are a lot of factors I hadn't previously considered,
> Dick
>
>
>
> --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Frank McNeill"
> <frankmcneilll@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Dick,
> >
> > Welcome to the group.
> >
> > Go to <http://www.nmia.com/~vrbass/pop-pop/#payne> for information
> > about the use of pop-pop engines in full-sized boats. For in-between
> > sized boats, go to our Photos section to check out the albums, dory
> > pop pop By: danoyes1, Large pop-pop boats By: jeanyves_renaud and
> putt
> > putts By: darylcanada73 which indicate the possibility for using
> large
> > or multiple coil type engines to propel a dory, skiff or canoe.
> Don't
> > go too far up that infamous creek without a paddle though!
> >
> > Best wishes, Frank
> >
> > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> > <coracles18@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi all,
> > > Just joined this group, some years ago I made several engines of
> > > varous types and mounted them in cut down cans (I had not the
> > > patience to build the hulls) all worked, but the most fun was
> large
> > > and made of welded steel. This I powered by a gas blowlamp and
> > > mounted in a square biscuit tin. Performace was very poor but it
> > > galumphed around my bath in a very satisfying manner.
> > >
> > > I am totally amazed by some of the boats and engines in the group
> and
> > > am inspired to carry on experimenting. My ultimate objective
> would be
> > > to power a canoe but I guess might not be practical!
> > >
> > > I live in Essex in the UK.
> > > Dick
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Pete B." <georgeyyy@>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Good morning & Happy New Year!
> > > >
> > > > Welcome... members new and established.
> > > >
> > > > I hope that you find/continue to find our group both
> interesting and
> > > > informative. Experience and knowledge runs from beginners to
> > > > "professionals".
> > > >
> > > > Please write a little something about yourself, your interests
> and
> > > post
> > > > on our message board.
> > > >
> > > > P.R.Baker
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Hi Dick,
The efficiency of the pop-pop engine is not only poor, it is
pathetic. And there are other reasons why powering a manned boat is
not reallistic. Look at the following site:
http://www.eclecticspace.net/index2.php?rub=poppop.
However, I'm working on a big engine (pipe inner diameter 60mm)...but
it is for scientific aspect because low frequency allow to observe
more easily pressure, temperature, stroke...
Good luck!
Jean-Yves


--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
<coracles18@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Frank,
> thanks for the reply and the link, I am well aware of the poor
> efficiency of the pop pop etc and the likelyhood of disapointment.
I
> never travel without a paddle and this does look like a
particularly
> interesting creek. It appeals appeals to my tinkering nature and
the
> cost in time & plumbing per engine is comparitively low.
> The group has opened my eyes to huge range of possibilities for
> experimentation,
> I will post any results for all to jeer at, at the moment I am
still
> exploring the fine print as to how the things actually work, there
> are a lot of factors I hadn't previously considered,
> Dick
>
>
>
> --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Frank McNeill"
> <frankmcneilll@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Dick,
> >
> > Welcome to the group.
> >
> > Go to <http://www.nmia.com/~vrbass/pop-pop/#payne> for information
> > about the use of pop-pop engines in full-sized boats. For in-
between
> > sized boats, go to our Photos section to check out the albums,
dory
> > pop pop By: danoyes1, Large pop-pop boats By: jeanyves_renaud and
> putt
> > putts By: darylcanada73 which indicate the possibility for using
> large
> > or multiple coil type engines to propel a dory, skiff or canoe.
> Don't
> > go too far up that infamous creek without a paddle though!
> >
> > Best wishes, Frank
> >
> > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> > <coracles18@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi all,
> > > Just joined this group, some years ago I made several engines
of
> > > varous types and mounted them in cut down cans (I had not the
> > > patience to build the hulls) all worked, but the most fun was
> large
> > > and made of welded steel. This I powered by a gas blowlamp and
> > > mounted in a square biscuit tin. Performace was very poor but
it
> > > galumphed around my bath in a very satisfying manner.
> > >
> > > I am totally amazed by some of the boats and engines in the
group
> and
> > > am inspired to carry on experimenting. My ultimate objective
> would be
> > > to power a canoe but I guess might not be practical!
> > >
> > > I live in Essex in the UK.
> > > Dick
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Pete B."
<georgeyyy@>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Good morning & Happy New Year!
> > > >
> > > > Welcome... members new and established.
> > > >
> > > > I hope that you find/continue to find our group both
> interesting and
> > > > informative. Experience and knowledge runs from beginners to
> > > > "professionals".
> > > >
> > > > Please write a little something about yourself, your
interests
> and
> > > post
> > > > on our message board.
> > > >
> > > > P.R.Baker
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Hi Frank,
this is very interesting. As this boat is a half scale replica, I
assume the only development work was to figure out how it was made
and how it worked. Has anyone experimented with this system to
improve efficiency?
Dick


--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Frank McNeill"
<frankmcneilll@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Dick,
>
> Click on <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvTnm7MRqsU> for video of
the
> first jet powered boat. Actually it was an intermittent jet boat
> similar in some ways to pop-pop boats.
>
> old Frank
>
> --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> <coracles18@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Frank,
> > thanks for the reply and the link, I am well aware of the poor
> > efficiency of the pop pop etc and the likelyhood of
disapointment. I
> > never travel without a paddle and this does look like a
particularly
> > interesting creek. It appeals appeals to my tinkering nature and
the
> > cost in time & plumbing per engine is comparitively low.
> > The group has opened my eyes to huge range of possibilities for
> > experimentation,
> > I will post any results for all to jeer at, at the moment I am
still
> > exploring the fine print as to how the things actually work,
there
> > are a lot of factors I hadn't previously considered,
> > Dick
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Frank McNeill"
> > <frankmcneilll@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Dick,
> > >
> > > Welcome to the group.
> > >
> > > Go to <http://www.nmia.com/~vrbass/pop-pop/#payne> for
information
> > > about the use of pop-pop engines in full-sized boats. For in-
between
> > > sized boats, go to our Photos section to check out the albums,
dory
> > > pop pop By: danoyes1, Large pop-pop boats By: jeanyves_renaud
and
> > putt
> > > putts By: darylcanada73 which indicate the possibility for
using
> > large
> > > or multiple coil type engines to propel a dory, skiff or canoe.
> > Don't
> > > go too far up that infamous creek without a paddle though!
> > >
> > > Best wishes, Frank
> > >
> > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> > > <coracles18@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi all,
> > > > Just joined this group, some years ago I made several engines
of
> > > > varous types and mounted them in cut down cans (I had not the
> > > > patience to build the hulls) all worked, but the most fun was
> > large
> > > > and made of welded steel. This I powered by a gas blowlamp
and
> > > > mounted in a square biscuit tin. Performace was very poor but
it
> > > > galumphed around my bath in a very satisfying manner.
> > > >
> > > > I am totally amazed by some of the boats and engines in the
group
> > and
> > > > am inspired to carry on experimenting. My ultimate objective
> > would be
> > > > to power a canoe but I guess might not be practical!
> > > >
> > > > I live in Essex in the UK.
> > > > Dick
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Pete B."
<georgeyyy@>
> > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Good morning & Happy New Year!
> > > > >
> > > > > Welcome... members new and established.
> > > > >
> > > > > I hope that you find/continue to find our group both
> > interesting and
> > > > > informative. Experience and knowledge runs from beginners to
> > > > > "professionals".
> > > > >
> > > > > Please write a little something about yourself, your
interests
> > and
> > > > post
> > > > > on our message board.
> > > > >
> > > > > P.R.Baker
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Hi Jean-Yves,
This is a very interesting site. I have yet to digest all of it!
The big pop pops are very impressive, but as you say the performance
compared to the amound energy being used (blow torch) is pathetic. I
have thought of using a two pipe system with one pipe facing forward
with check valves but I guess someone has already tried that!
Another thought, was the temperature rise of the water in the bath
noted?
Please ignore my ignorance,
Dick

--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Jean-Yves Renaud"
<boite.de.j-y@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Dick,
> The efficiency of the pop-pop engine is not only poor, it is
> pathetic. And there are other reasons why powering a manned boat is
> not reallistic. Look at the following site:
> http://www.eclecticspace.net/index2.php?rub=poppop.
> However, I'm working on a big engine (pipe inner diameter
60mm)...but
> it is for scientific aspect because low frequency allow to observe
> more easily pressure, temperature, stroke...
> Good luck!
> Jean-Yves
>
>
> --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> <coracles18@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Frank,
> > thanks for the reply and the link, I am well aware of the poor
> > efficiency of the pop pop etc and the likelyhood of
disapointment.
> I
> > never travel without a paddle and this does look like a
> particularly
> > interesting creek. It appeals appeals to my tinkering nature and
> the
> > cost in time & plumbing per engine is comparitively low.
> > The group has opened my eyes to huge range of possibilities for
> > experimentation,
> > I will post any results for all to jeer at, at the moment I am
> still
> > exploring the fine print as to how the things actually work,
there
> > are a lot of factors I hadn't previously considered,
> > Dick
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Frank McNeill"
> > <frankmcneilll@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Dick,
> > >
> > > Welcome to the group.
> > >
> > > Go to <http://www.nmia.com/~vrbass/pop-pop/#payne> for
information
> > > about the use of pop-pop engines in full-sized boats. For in-
> between
> > > sized boats, go to our Photos section to check out the albums,
> dory
> > > pop pop By: danoyes1, Large pop-pop boats By: jeanyves_renaud
and
> > putt
> > > putts By: darylcanada73 which indicate the possibility for
using
> > large
> > > or multiple coil type engines to propel a dory, skiff or canoe.
> > Don't
> > > go too far up that infamous creek without a paddle though!
> > >
> > > Best wishes, Frank
> > >
> > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> > > <coracles18@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi all,
> > > > Just joined this group, some years ago I made several engines
> of
> > > > varous types and mounted them in cut down cans (I had not the
> > > > patience to build the hulls) all worked, but the most fun was
> > large
> > > > and made of welded steel. This I powered by a gas blowlamp
and
> > > > mounted in a square biscuit tin. Performace was very poor but
> it
> > > > galumphed around my bath in a very satisfying manner.
> > > >
> > > > I am totally amazed by some of the boats and engines in the
> group
> > and
> > > > am inspired to carry on experimenting. My ultimate objective
> > would be
> > > > to power a canoe but I guess might not be practical!
> > > >
> > > > I live in Essex in the UK.
> > > > Dick
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Pete B."
> <georgeyyy@>
> > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Good morning & Happy New Year!
> > > > >
> > > > > Welcome... members new and established.
> > > > >
> > > > > I hope that you find/continue to find our group both
> > interesting and
> > > > > informative. Experience and knowledge runs from beginners to
> > > > > "professionals".
> > > > >
> > > > > Please write a little something about yourself, your
> interests
> > and
> > > > post
> > > > > on our message board.
> > > > >
> > > > > P.R.Baker
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Hi Dick,

There have been a few modest improvements of jet boats.
Go to <http://tinyurl.com/a6c5zt> for an example.

Frank
--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
<coracles18@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Frank,
> this is very interesting. As this boat is a half scale replica, I
> assume the only development work was to figure out how it was made
> and how it worked. Has anyone experimented with this system to
> improve efficiency?
> Dick
>
>
> --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Frank McNeill"
> <frankmcneilll@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Dick,
> >
> > Click on <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvTnm7MRqsU> for video of
> the
> > first jet powered boat. Actually it was an intermittent jet boat
> > similar in some ways to pop-pop boats.
> >
> > old Frank
> >
> > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> > <coracles18@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Frank,
> > > thanks for the reply and the link, I am well aware of the poor
> > > efficiency of the pop pop etc and the likelyhood of
> disapointment. I
> > > never travel without a paddle and this does look like a
> particularly
> > > interesting creek. It appeals appeals to my tinkering nature and
> the
> > > cost in time & plumbing per engine is comparitively low.
> > > The group has opened my eyes to huge range of possibilities for
> > > experimentation,
> > > I will post any results for all to jeer at, at the moment I am
> still
> > > exploring the fine print as to how the things actually work,
> there
> > > are a lot of factors I hadn't previously considered,
> > > Dick
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Frank McNeill"
> > > <frankmcneilll@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi Dick,
> > > >
> > > > Welcome to the group.
> > > >
> > > > Go to <http://www.nmia.com/~vrbass/pop-pop/#payne> for
> information
> > > > about the use of pop-pop engines in full-sized boats. For in-
> between
> > > > sized boats, go to our Photos section to check out the albums,
> dory
> > > > pop pop By: danoyes1, Large pop-pop boats By: jeanyves_renaud
> and
> > > putt
> > > > putts By: darylcanada73 which indicate the possibility for
> using
> > > large
> > > > or multiple coil type engines to propel a dory, skiff or canoe.
> > > Don't
> > > > go too far up that infamous creek without a paddle though!
> > > >
> > > > Best wishes, Frank
> > > >
> > > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> > > > <coracles18@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Hi all,
> > > > > Just joined this group, some years ago I made several engines
> of
> > > > > varous types and mounted them in cut down cans (I had not the
> > > > > patience to build the hulls) all worked, but the most fun was
> > > large
> > > > > and made of welded steel. This I powered by a gas blowlamp
> and
> > > > > mounted in a square biscuit tin. Performace was very poor but
> it
> > > > > galumphed around my bath in a very satisfying manner.
> > > > >
> > > > > I am totally amazed by some of the boats and engines in the
> group
> > > and
> > > > > am inspired to carry on experimenting. My ultimate objective
> > > would be
> > > > > to power a canoe but I guess might not be practical!
> > > > >
> > > > > I live in Essex in the UK.
> > > > > Dick
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Pete B."
> <georgeyyy@>
> > > > > wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Good morning & Happy New Year!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Welcome... members new and established.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I hope that you find/continue to find our group both
> > > interesting and
> > > > > > informative. Experience and knowledge runs from beginners to
> > > > > > "professionals".
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Please write a little something about yourself, your
> interests
> > > and
> > > > > post
> > > > > > on our message board.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > P.R.Baker
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Richard Mundy wrote:
> Hi Frank,
> this is very interesting. As this boat is a half scale replica, I
> assume the only development work was to figure out how it was made
> and how it worked. Has anyone experimented with this system to
> improve efficiency?
> Dick

Presuming you're not just interested in (for instance) using steam to
drive an axial-flow or centrifugal jet pump of the kind now common in
jet boats, one obvious series of improvements to the original Rumsley
design would be use of a valve operated, rather than quenched
atmospheric engine (i.e. upgrading from Newcomen to Watt type engine)
and automatic valve train, presumably with double acting cylinder(s) and
double acting pump(s); followed by use of multiple cylinders to increase
the rate and steadiness of flow through the propulsion duct along the
keel.  Addition of a reversing gate (preferably attached to the rudder,
to retain efficient steering in reverse) or universally coupled nozzle
(for direct thrust vectoring through 360 degrees) would be strongly
suggested as well.  It ought to be possible to manage a final propulsion
efficiency not much below that of a paddle wheel mounted to a similarly
designed boiler and engine with just these improvements -- and still
have a boat with considerable novelty value, given the very shallow
draft possible and lack of fragile moving parts below the water line...

--
If, through hard work and perseverance, you finally get what you want,
it's probably a sign you weren't dreaming big enough.

Donald Qualls, aka The Silent Observer   http://silent1.home.netcom.com

Opinions expressed are my own -- take them for what they're worth
and don't expect them to be perfect.

The Rumsey engine worked essentilly like an old well pump. The engine draws water in through a forward port and expells it and some steam through a transom port. Check out photos that I have posted in a Rumsey Folder. The boat moves in strokes as with oars. That motion is caused by the alternate opening and closing of the two flapper valves in the keel tube.

Almost had a ride onthe Experiment in Aug of 07. I have become good frinds with the Rumseian Group. I worked with them in getting their boat from WV to the Clermont Historic Site in NY. The Saturday that I was in "uniform" the winds on the Hudson were 15-20 mph. The Experiment on a good day can do about 4.5 mph. We figured that we would end up somewhere around NYC if we ventured out into the river. I had made plans for Sunday so I couldn't steam the Hudson with the Rumseians. My wife and I did stop to say goodbye before heading to our other commitment. In the "crew" picture I'm the one out of uniform!

A footnote on the Rumseians: You could ask for a nicer group of people. I stay in touch with Nick Blanton we have plans on seeing more of each other this year.

Nick is a World class Hammer Dulcimer musician and builder. http://home.earthlink.net/~updf/nbi/

Enjoy,

Pete
--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, Donald Qualls <silent1@...> wrote:
>
> Richard Mundy wrote:
> > Hi Frank,
> > this is very interesting. As this boat is a half scale replica, I
> > assume the only development work was to figure out how it was made
> > and how it worked. Has anyone experimented with this system to
> > improve efficiency?
> > Dick
>
> Presuming you're not just interested in (for instance) using steam to
> drive an axial-flow or centrifugal jet pump of the kind now common in
> jet boats, one obvious series of improvements to the original Rumsley
> design would be use of a valve operated, rather than quenched
> atmospheric engine (i.e. upgrading from Newcomen to Watt type engine)
> and automatic valve train, presumably with double acting cylinder(s) and
> double acting pump(s); followed by use of multiple cylinders to increase
> the rate and steadiness of flow through the propulsion duct along the
> keel. Addition of a reversing gate (preferably attached to the rudder,
> to retain efficient steering in reverse) or universally coupled nozzle
> (for direct thrust vectoring through 360 degrees) would be strongly
> suggested as well. It ought to be possible to manage a final propulsion
> efficiency not much below that of a paddle wheel mounted to a similarly
> designed boiler and engine with just these improvements -- and still
> have a boat with considerable novelty value, given the very shallow
> draft possible and lack of fragile moving parts below the water line...
>
> --
> If, through hard work and perseverance, you finally get what you want,
> it's probably a sign you weren't dreaming big enough.
>
> Donald Qualls, aka The Silent Observer http://silent1.home.netcom.com
>
> Opinions expressed are my own -- take them for what they're worth
> and don't expect them to be perfect.
>

Hi Frank,
I tried this link and got redirected to Google videos,
Its amazing how swapping aviation fuel for water and doing away with
the candle can up the performance.
Dick


--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Frank McNeill"
<frankmcneilll@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Dick,
>
> There have been a few modest improvements of jet boats.
> Go to <http://tinyurl.com/a6c5zt> for an example.
>
> Frank
> --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> <coracles18@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Frank,
> > this is very interesting. As this boat is a half scale replica, I
> > assume the only development work was to figure out how it was
made
> > and how it worked. Has anyone experimented with this system to
> > improve efficiency?
> > Dick
> >
> >
> > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Frank McNeill"
> > <frankmcneilll@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Dick,
> > >
> > > Click on <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvTnm7MRqsU> for video
of
> > the
> > > first jet powered boat. Actually it was an intermittent jet boat
> > > similar in some ways to pop-pop boats.
> > >
> > > old Frank
> > >
> > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> > > <coracles18@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi Frank,
> > > > thanks for the reply and the link, I am well aware of the
poor
> > > > efficiency of the pop pop etc and the likelyhood of
> > disapointment. I
> > > > never travel without a paddle and this does look like a
> > particularly
> > > > interesting creek. It appeals appeals to my tinkering nature
and
> > the
> > > > cost in time & plumbing per engine is comparitively low.
> > > > The group has opened my eyes to huge range of possibilities
for
> > > > experimentation,
> > > > I will post any results for all to jeer at, at the moment I
am
> > still
> > > > exploring the fine print as to how the things actually work,
> > there
> > > > are a lot of factors I hadn't previously considered,
> > > > Dick
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Frank McNeill"
> > > > <frankmcneilll@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Hi Dick,
> > > > >
> > > > > Welcome to the group.
> > > > >
> > > > > Go to <http://www.nmia.com/~vrbass/pop-pop/#payne> for
> > information
> > > > > about the use of pop-pop engines in full-sized boats. For
in-
> > between
> > > > > sized boats, go to our Photos section to check out the
albums,
> > dory
> > > > > pop pop By: danoyes1, Large pop-pop boats By:
jeanyves_renaud
> > and
> > > > putt
> > > > > putts By: darylcanada73 which indicate the possibility for
> > using
> > > > large
> > > > > or multiple coil type engines to propel a dory, skiff or
canoe.
> > > > Don't
> > > > > go too far up that infamous creek without a paddle though!
> > > > >
> > > > > Best wishes, Frank
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> > > > > <coracles18@> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Hi all,
> > > > > > Just joined this group, some years ago I made several
engines
> > of
> > > > > > varous types and mounted them in cut down cans (I had not
the
> > > > > > patience to build the hulls) all worked, but the most fun
was
> > > > large
> > > > > > and made of welded steel. This I powered by a gas
blowlamp
> > and
> > > > > > mounted in a square biscuit tin. Performace was very poor
but
> > it
> > > > > > galumphed around my bath in a very satisfying manner.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I am totally amazed by some of the boats and engines in
the
> > group
> > > > and
> > > > > > am inspired to carry on experimenting. My ultimate
objective
> > > > would be
> > > > > > to power a canoe but I guess might not be practical!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I live in Essex in the UK.
> > > > > > Dick
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Pete B."
> > <georgeyyy@>
> > > > > > wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Good morning & Happy New Year!
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Welcome... members new and established.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I hope that you find/continue to find our group both
> > > > interesting and
> > > > > > > informative. Experience and knowledge runs from
beginners to
> > > > > > > "professionals".
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Please write a little something about yourself, your
> > interests
> > > > and
> > > > > > post
> > > > > > > on our message board.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > P.R.Baker
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Hi Donald,
The thing that interests me about the pop pop is its simplicity and I
can play around with them without a machine shop. I don't mind adding
a valve or two tho.
The Newcomen or atmospheric engine evolved into the Watt, and was
never seen again as it was so innefficient.
Interestingly now you point it out, there seems to be a similarity
between the Newcomen and the pop pop - both rely on condensing steam
to create a vacuum.
Dick


--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, Donald Qualls
<silent1@...> wrote:
>
> Richard Mundy wrote:
> > Hi Frank,
> > this is very interesting. As this boat is a half scale replica, I
> > assume the only development work was to figure out how it was
made
> > and how it worked. Has anyone experimented with this system to
> > improve efficiency?
> > Dick
>
> Presuming you're not just interested in (for instance) using steam
to
> drive an axial-flow or centrifugal jet pump of the kind now common
in
> jet boats, one obvious series of improvements to the original
Rumsley
> design would be use of a valve operated, rather than quenched
> atmospheric engine (i.e. upgrading from Newcomen to Watt type
engine)
> and automatic valve train, presumably with double acting cylinder
(s) and
> double acting pump(s); followed by use of multiple cylinders to
increase
> the rate and steadiness of flow through the propulsion duct along
the
> keel.  Addition of a reversing gate (preferably attached to the
rudder,
> to retain efficient steering in reverse) or universally coupled
nozzle
> (for direct thrust vectoring through 360 degrees) would be strongly
> suggested as well.  It ought to be possible to manage a final
propulsion
> efficiency not much below that of a paddle wheel mounted to a
similarly
> designed boiler and engine with just these improvements -- and
still
> have a boat with considerable novelty value, given the very shallow
> draft possible and lack of fragile moving parts below the water
line...
>
> --
> If, through hard work and perseverance, you finally get what you
want,
> it's probably a sign you weren't dreaming big enough.
>
> Donald Qualls, aka The Silent Observer
http://silent1.home.netcom.com
>
> Opinions expressed are my own -- take them for what they're worth
> and don't expect them to be perfect.
>

Hi Pete,
thanks for the  link. Technology hurtles along so fast I wonder how
many inventions are swept aside because they showed no immediate
promise at the time and something better turned up. I am hugely
interested in experimental archeology. Recreating something like the
Rumsey boat is not only interesting but inspirational.
Dick


--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Pete B." <georgeyyy@...>
wrote:
>
>
> The Rumsey engine worked essentilly like an old well pump. The
engine
> draws water in through a forward port and expells it and some steam
> through a transom port. Check out photos that I have posted in a
Rumsey
> Folder. The boat moves in strokes as with oars. That motion is
caused by
> the alternate opening and closing of the two flapper valves in the
keel
> tube.
>
> Almost had a ride onthe Experiment in Aug of 07. I have become good
> frinds with the Rumseian Group. I worked with them in getting their
boat
> from WV to the Clermont Historic Site in NY. The Saturday that I
was in
> "uniform" the winds on the Hudson were 15-20 mph. The Experiment on
a
> good day can do about 4.5 mph. We figured that we would end up
somewhere
> around NYC if we ventured out into the river. I had made plans for
> Sunday so I couldn't steam the Hudson with the Rumseians. My wife
and I
> did stop to say goodbye before heading to our other commitment. In
the
> "crew" picture I'm the one out of uniform!
>
> A footnote on the Rumseians: You could ask for a nicer group of
people.
> I stay in touch with Nick Blanton we have plans on seeing more of
each
> other this year.
>
> Nick is a World class Hammer Dulcimer musician and builder.
> http://home.earthlink.net/~updf/nbi/
> <http://home.earthlink.net/~updf/nbi/>
>
> Enjoy,
>
> Pete
> --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, Donald Qualls <silent1@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Richard Mundy wrote:
> > > Hi Frank,
> > > this is very interesting. As this boat is a half scale replica,
I
> > > assume the only development work was to figure out how it was
made
> > > and how it worked. Has anyone experimented with this system to
> > > improve efficiency?
> > > Dick
> >
> > Presuming you're not just interested in (for instance) using
steam to
> > drive an axial-flow or centrifugal jet pump of the kind now
common in
> > jet boats, one obvious series of improvements to the original
Rumsley
> > design would be use of a valve operated, rather than quenched
> > atmospheric engine (i.e. upgrading from Newcomen to Watt type
engine)
> > and automatic valve train, presumably with double acting cylinder
(s)
> and
> > double acting pump(s); followed by use of multiple cylinders to
> increase
> > the rate and steadiness of flow through the propulsion duct along
the
> > keel. Addition of a reversing gate (preferably attached to the
rudder,
> > to retain efficient steering in reverse) or universally coupled
nozzle
> > (for direct thrust vectoring through 360 degrees) would be
strongly
> > suggested as well. It ought to be possible to manage a final
> propulsion
> > efficiency not much below that of a paddle wheel mounted to a
> similarly
> > designed boiler and engine with just these improvements -- and
still
> > have a boat with considerable novelty value, given the very
shallow
> > draft possible and lack of fragile moving parts below the water
> line...
> >
> > --
> > If, through hard work and perseverance, you finally get what you
want,
> > it's probably a sign you weren't dreaming big enough.
> >
> > Donald Qualls, aka The Silent Observer
http://silent1.home.netcom.com
> >
> > Opinions expressed are my own -- take them for what they're worth
> > and don't expect them to be perfect.
> >
>

Hi Pete,
thanks for the link. Technology hurtles along so fast I wonder how
many inventions are swept aside because they showed no immediate
promise at the time and something better turned up. I am hugely
interested in experimental archeology. Recreating something like the
Rumsey boat is not only interesting but inspirational.
Dick

I can add to this, how much technology etc has been forgotten because
it is no longer relevant.
An example is the Ironbridge, Shropshire, England.
It is known how the sections were cast, but it is speculation as to how
they actually assembled these to create the bridge. Similarly how were
the pyramids or stonehenge built?
Dick

I could also add how many promising inventions never got out of the
garden shed
(sorry to go on)
Dick




--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
<coracles18@...> wrote:
>
> I can add to this, how much technology etc has been forgotten because
> it is no longer relevant.
> An example is the Ironbridge, Shropshire, England.
> It is known how the sections were cast, but it is speculation as to
how
> they actually assembled these to create the bridge. Similarly how
were
> the pyramids or stonehenge built?
> Dick
>

Dick,

I look back at my youth when I first saw the Raytheon Radarange at a Science Show in New Hampshire. I saw a egg cooked on a paper plate. I believe that was in 1947. My grandfather took me to the show as a 4 or 5 year old. A few years later TV dinners hit the scene. They were in the aluminum trays and were rather basic meals. At that time I might have been 10 or 11 years old. My memory took me back the the Radarange and how it might been used with TV dinners. Although I hadn't thought of replacing the aluminum tray with a non metallic one my young mind had tied the microwave to the frozen meals. If I had been older or able to convince an adult of the potential I might have been one of those inovators.

On the Rumsey steamboat. Ben Franklin on a voyage back to the Us from France came up with the jet boat idea, Franklin's sketches show a hand pump. Rumsey replaced the hand pump with a steam engine.

http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/library/readings/gulf/gulf.html 

For you History buffs; the 16th President of the US had a patent on a boat design. It's not steam related yet interesting.

http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2007/04/04/abraham-lincoln-inventor/ 

Lincoln's idea never grew but Franklin's certainly did. We now have Buehler Turbocraft boats

http://www.uncommonboats.com/website/article.asp?id=465

and the jet skis. That's it...

Pete

--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy" <coracles18@...> wrote:
>
> I could also add how many promising inventions never got out of the
> garden shed
> (sorry to go on)
> Dick
>
>
>
>
> --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> coracles18@ wrote:
> >
> > I can add to this, how much technology etc has been forgotten because
> > it is no longer relevant.
> > An example is the Ironbridge, Shropshire, England.
> > It is known how the sections were cast, but it is speculation as to
> how
> > they actually assembled these to create the bridge. Similarly how
> were
> > the pyramids or stonehenge built?
> > Dick
> >
>

Hi Pete,
how often in life do we come across a new invention and think, I
thought of that years ago, but never got round to doing anything
about it!
A couple of years ago I invented PTFE (slippery)boots for dogs that
pull their owners around. I have no idea if it would work, but you
saw it here first :)
I have been thinking about the Newcomen atmospheric engine. Because
of inefficiency it was supersceeded by Watts engine.
The Newcomen has one big advantage, it is very low tech and if you
power it with heat from the sun its inefficency is not that relevant!

Dick


--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Pete B." <georgeyyy@...>
wrote:
>
>
> Dick,
>
> I look back at my youth when I first saw the Raytheon Radarange at a
> Science Show in New Hampshire. I saw a egg cooked on a paper plate.
I
> believe that was in 1947. My grandfather took me to the show as a 4
or 5
> year old. A few years later TV dinners hit the scene. They were in
the
> aluminum trays and were rather basic meals. At that time I might
have
> been 10 or 11 years old. My memory took me back the the Radarange
and
> how it might been used with TV dinners. Although I hadn't thought of
> replacing the aluminum tray with a non metallic one my young mind
had
> tied the microwave to the frozen meals. If I had been older or able
to
> convince an adult of the potential I might have been one of those
> inovators.
>
> On the Rumsey steamboat. Ben Franklin on a voyage back to the Us
from
> France came up with the jet boat idea, Franklin's sketches show a
hand
> pump. Rumsey replaced the hand pump with a steam engine.
>
> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/library/readings/gulf/gulf.html
> <http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/library/readings/gulf/gulf.html>
>
> For you History buffs; the 16th President of the US had a patent on
a
> boat design. It's not steam related yet interesting.
>
> http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2007/04/04/abraham-lincoln-inventor/
> <http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2007/04/04/abraham-lincoln-
inventor/>
>
> Lincoln's idea never grew but Franklin's certainly did. We now have
> Buehler Turbocraft boats
>
> http://www.uncommonboats.com/website/article.asp?id=465
> <http://www.uncommonboats.com/website/article.asp?id=465>
>
> and the jet skis. That's it...
>
> Pete
>
>
>
> --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> <coracles18@> wrote:
> >
> > I could also add how many promising inventions never got out of
the
> > garden shed
> > (sorry to go on)
> > Dick
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> > coracles18@ wrote:
> > >
> > > I can add to this, how much technology etc has been forgotten
> because
> > > it is no longer relevant.
> > > An example is the Ironbridge, Shropshire, England.
> > > It is known how the sections were cast, but it is speculation
as to
> > how
> > > they actually assembled these to create the bridge. Similarly
how
> > were
> > > the pyramids or stonehenge built?
> > > Dick
> > >
> >
>

Go to http://www.dogscooter.com/about.htm for information about a
better way to let dogs pull you around.

--- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
<coracles18@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Pete,
> how often in life do we come across a new invention and think, I
> thought of that years ago, but never got round to doing anything
> about it!
> A couple of years ago I invented PTFE (slippery)boots for dogs that
> pull their owners around. I have no idea if it would work, but you
> saw it here first :)
> I have been thinking about the Newcomen atmospheric engine. Because
> of inefficiency it was supersceeded by Watts engine.
> The Newcomen has one big advantage, it is very low tech and if you
> power it with heat from the sun its inefficency is not that relevant!
>
> Dick
>
>
> --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Pete B." <georgeyyy@>
> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Dick,
> >
> > I look back at my youth when I first saw the Raytheon Radarange at a
> > Science Show in New Hampshire. I saw a egg cooked on a paper plate.
> I
> > believe that was in 1947. My grandfather took me to the show as a 4
> or 5
> > year old. A few years later TV dinners hit the scene. They were in
> the
> > aluminum trays and were rather basic meals. At that time I might
> have
> > been 10 or 11 years old. My memory took me back the the Radarange
> and
> > how it might been used with TV dinners. Although I hadn't thought of
> > replacing the aluminum tray with a non metallic one my young mind
> had
> > tied the microwave to the frozen meals. If I had been older or able
> to
> > convince an adult of the potential I might have been one of those
> > inovators.
> >
> > On the Rumsey steamboat. Ben Franklin on a voyage back to the Us
> from
> > France came up with the jet boat idea, Franklin's sketches show a
> hand
> > pump. Rumsey replaced the hand pump with a steam engine.
> >
> > http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/library/readings/gulf/gulf.html
> > <http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/library/readings/gulf/gulf.html>
> >
> > For you History buffs; the 16th President of the US had a patent on
> a
> > boat design. It's not steam related yet interesting.
> >
> > http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2007/04/04/abraham-lincoln-inventor/
> > <http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2007/04/04/abraham-lincoln-
> inventor/>
> >
> > Lincoln's idea never grew but Franklin's certainly did. We now have
> > Buehler Turbocraft boats
> >
> > http://www.uncommonboats.com/website/article.asp?id=465
> > <http://www.uncommonboats.com/website/article.asp?id=465>
> >
> > and the jet skis. That's it...
> >
> > Pete
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> > <coracles18@> wrote:
> > >
> > > I could also add how many promising inventions never got out of
> the
> > > garden shed
> > > (sorry to go on)
> > > Dick
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In pop-pop-steamboats@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Mundy"
> > > coracles18@ wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I can add to this, how much technology etc has been forgotten
> > because
> > > > it is no longer relevant.
> > > > An example is the Ironbridge, Shropshire, England.
> > > > It is known how the sections were cast, but it is speculation
> as to
> > > how
> > > > they actually assembled these to create the bridge. Similarly
> how
> > > were
> > > > the pyramids or stonehenge built?
> > > > Dick
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Richard Mundy wrote:
> Hi Pete,
> how often in life do we come across a new invention and think, I
> thought of that years ago, but never got round to doing anything
> about it!

I had the idea for a lifetime electronic watch in 1977.  Electronic
watches were brand new then, it took Casio fifteen years to actually
start selling a watch like I envisioned, in which an "automatic" or
self-winding mechanical movement generates the tiny amount of
electricity needed to run the electronic watch.  I also envisioned the
laptop computer with fold-down screen about that same time frame.  I'd
have "invented" either one in a heartbeat, if I'd had a few thousand
(late 1970s) dollars to toss around...

> The Newcomen has one big advantage, it is very low tech and if you
> power it with heat from the sun its inefficency is not that relevant!

Efficiency is *more* important with solar power, because the power
density of a given collector is so low.  The low tech aspect, however,
applies even more strongly to a Stirling engine (leftover food cans and
a rubber balloon?), which will give better efficiency than a Newcomen
steam engine and do it on a much lower working temperature (a reasonably
well designed Stirling engine needn't get anywhere near the boiling
point of water).

--
If, through hard work and perseverance, you finally get what you want,
it's probably a sign you weren't dreaming big enough.

Donald Qualls, aka The Silent Observer   http://silent1.home.netcom.com

Opinions expressed are my own -- take them for what they're worth
and don't expect them to be perfect.