{"product_id":"steam-launch-kim-stock-code-9894","title":"Steam launch \"Kim\"","description":"A steam launch, recently arrived with us as part of a large collection of marine engines and large scale locomotives.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    It's come to us from the family of a long time customer, a man whose main interests lay in locomotives and classic racing motorcycles. A member of the Steam Boat Association living in the heart of the Lake District, he was ideally placed for days out on the water with this handsomely proportioned boat - unfortunately, with a successful business to run and many other interests, there was never time for \"messing about on the river\"; it remained unused in his ownership.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    Stored in a dry barn, overall condition is good, although with some deterioration of the maple and mahogany rear decking. Hull is GRP and appears in good order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    Boiler is a fabulously made thing by the estimable Trevor Tremblen of Swindon Boilers; it has a centre flue with radially arranged helical water tubes, interlaced in a \"daisy petal\" configuration\" - something of a work of art in its own right! Feed is by a \"take no prisoners\" hand pump of great efficacy and an engine driven pump, currently indisposed with a broken drive belt.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    There is a Windermere kettle which boils enough water for a pint of tea in about thirty seconds (although we'd advise a couple of boil-ups and rinse outs before attempting to drink any of the water...)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    The twin cylinder engine is an interesting configuration that we haven't seen before, the cylinders mounted parallel with each other, offset from and driving onto a centre mounted crank. Technically désaxé, it's more often seen in internal combustion engines, the intention in this case possibly to provide some of the advantages of a V-twin in a narrower outline.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    Well balanced, it runs quietly up to high speed. The cast iron cylinders have slide valves actuated by slip eccentric valve gear, each valve chest is supplied by a displacement lubricator.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    Exhaust is taken via keel condenser to a hot well, located under one of the seats (which would be the one to pick for a trip out on a cold day).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    Complete with detachable frame for what appears to be a new, unused canopy, the launch has a road\/launch trailer in good condition that towed well the 200 miles back to Lincolnshire when we collected it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    There is a large amount of kit with the boat, including fenders, life jackets, flags and pennants, hand pump for baling out any spillages, firing irons and a sack of coal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    Currently in running order, however it will undoubtedly need some work to recommission. Steamed on a chilly morning recently, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Z_CrWmf5-QM\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ethere's some video of it running here.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Station Road Steam","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54009780732245,"sku":"9894","price":5950.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1023\/0094\/2677\/files\/9894-1.webp?v=1779899180","url":"https:\/\/stationroadsteam.com\/products\/steam-launch-kim-stock-code-9894","provider":"Station Road Steam","version":"1.0","type":"link"}