help identifying this steel model boat

Discussion in 'All Things Boats & Boating' started by superstring, Aug 19, 2013.

  1. superstring
    Joined: Aug 2013
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    Location: United States

    superstring New Member

    Hello,

    I found this hull in my fathers attic. The only thing I know about it is the hull is steel. It's probably from around the 1920s and probably ran on a steam engine, there are four screw holes to mount a platform on the inside. I was wondering if anyone has come across something like this before and could tell me more about it. I plan on restoring it so any info would be helpful.

    Thanks a bunch.
     

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  2. Grey Ghost
    Joined: Aug 2012
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    Location: california

    Grey Ghost Senior Member

    Any identifying marks must have been painted over.
    If it had a mini steam engine, how would it have been controlled in the 1920s?
     
  3. djaus
    Joined: Jun 2013
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    djaus Salted Nut!

    With something like this, an expensive or hand made child's toy, you could've just used it in a large pond of pool, or maybe set the rudder a couple of degrees off centre & wait for it to come back.
     
  4. superstring
    Joined: Aug 2013
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    superstring New Member

    Yes, I think it would have been something very similar to this:

    http://www.aagaines.com/man/boucher1.html
    http://www.aagaines.com/man/boucher2.html
    http://www.aagaines.com/man/boucher3.html
    http://www.aagaines.com/man/boucher4.html

    I just cant find one exactly like the hull I have. I will be striping the paint off this weekend. In the case above you can see the Identifying marks were on the engine. Also note the notches by the rudder allowing it to be set at whatever angle the user wanted allowing it to come back. Neat!

    Thanks for the replys.
     
  5. Grey Ghost
    Joined: Aug 2012
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    Location: california

    Grey Ghost Senior Member

    Clever. What a toy this would be with a working steam engine!
    The mini steam engines sell for up to $2000 now.
    If I ever see one of these I'll remember this thread.
     

  6. Mike Graham
    Joined: Feb 2013
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    Location: Maryland

    Mike Graham Junior Member

    Even today a lot of people into mini engine models don't use remote controls, but only let their boats go in controlled places. Usually they are very slow and there isn't much danger.

    Anyone with an interest in engineering, metalworking, fabrication, or technological history should get out to a model engineering show some time. http://www.sherline.com/shows.htm is a good list -- Cabin Fever is a real blast.

    (Also a great place to pick up used tools.)
     
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