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+--- Thread: Building an Aligator (/thread-2110.html)
Building an Aligator - f350ca - 05-14-2014
Went on a road trip today to visit a forestry museum in Algonquin Park Ontario. To specifically have a look at this.
![[Image: 0aa3.jpg]](http://tugster.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/0aa3.jpg)
They were used in this area from the late 1890's to about the 50's for moving log booms. They had the unique ability to winch themselves over land from one body of water to the next, hence the name alligator.
An old friend Dr Burwell now 84 thinks we need to build a smaller version of one of these. By smaller he's thinking 30 feet long and 8 foot wide. He's trying to recruit 6 or 8 of us to take on the project.
He has a horizontal fire tube boiler, rated at 5hp and a 4inch bore 5inch stroke vertical engine lined up for the thing.
Still not sure where I'd find the time to get involved but will probably jump in.
Anyone have any idea how to go about designing a paddle wheel?
RE: Building an Aligator - Micktoon - 05-15-2014
Hi Greg, that looks an interesting project to get involved in.Quite clever how it drags itself over land to the next job too.
Its a shame you were not closer I am sure myself, John Doubleboost and Bob KRV3000 would havecbeen up for giving a hand too.
Good luck with the project and keep the photos coming if it goes ahead.
Cheers Mick
RE: Building an Aligator - stevec - 05-15-2014
Greg
I don't know what to say, "Idle hands are the devil's playground" comes to mind but you don't have idle hands. 
RE: Building an Aligator - f350ca - 05-21-2014
Quality control does an inspection on the intended engine and boiler,
![[Image: IMG_1208.jpg]](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IPHGCYAu1PY/U31CcZd92bI/AAAAAAAACFA/_bIr_XsE7zU/s1280/IMG_1208.jpg)
Wasn't there but Bill did a hydrostatic test on the boiler and fired it and the engine up Saturday. Apparently ran smooth with no disturbing noises.
RE: Building an Aligator - DaveH - 05-22-2014
Wow
DaveH
RE: Building an Aligator - stevec - 05-22-2014
I dunno, looking at the blue "director's chair" on the left it looks like there might have been a scary eruption, due possibly to a loud scary eruption from the machine??
RE: Building an Aligator - f350ca - 05-22-2014
Thats what happens when you fart too close to a wood fired boiler, flashback.
RE: Building an Aligator - Brian - 05-25-2014
Is that 3 whistles on the boiler or have I missed a few.
Brian.
RE: Building an Aligator - f350ca - 05-25-2014
(05-25-2014, 01:22 AM)Brian Wrote: Is that 3 whistles on the boiler or have I missed a few.
Brian.
Only see two, probably more to come, you might be counting the safety valve behind the pressure gauge.
RE: Building an Aligator - stevec - 05-25-2014
Greg, would the two whistles be of different pitch signalling different horrific things about to happen?