Category:Mamod Marine Engines and boats

1958: Mamod Steam Marine Engines [image info]

1962: Mamod Marine Engines ME1 and ME2 [image info]

1979: ME1 Marine Engine catalogue image [image info]

The Mamod range of Marine Engines and boats started with the ME1 Marine Engine, which seems to have appeared in 1936, and been part of the original range of engines made for Hobbies.

The ME1 underwent minor revisions over the years that it was in production, and was joined by the similar ME2, which lost the propellor and drive tube, and instead had a coupling to allow builders to work out their own method of driving a propellor ... useful for cases where the ME1 wouldn't have been a proper fit to an existing hull.

The ME3 Marine Engine was apparently made with a Mamod boiler and structure, but with a piston/flywheel mechanism made by SEL (Signalling Equipment Limited) who had manufactured a decent unit themselves, but discontinued it, and presumably sold their unused stock of mechanisms to Mamod at a discount.

After the ME1, Mamod went on to produce metal-hulled steam boat, and Hobbies produced a wooden Mamod-powered boat kit.

Marine engines

1962 description, marine engines

ME 1

The M.E.1 Marine Steam Engine is a lively unit, suitable for boats of about 24 length. It will give fifteen minutes fast steaming to a filling. The design combines strength with lightness, and direct drive gives maximum efficiency, and makes for simple installation. The sectional base plate and windshield maintains heat insulation while a lubricator feeds all working surfaces. The engine unit can be adjusted to allow greater projection beneath the base plate when required. Base plates sizes are flexible to allow for fitting in V bottom hulls. Finished in polished brass, chromium and painted red and green. Supplied boxed with vaporising spirit lamp.

Boiler Size 4¹⁄₄" × 1³⁄₄"diameter

Cylinder ³⁄₄" stroke, ⁵⁄₁₆" bore

Propeller (for ME 1 only) 2-blade, 1¹⁄₄" diameter

M.E.1. 3¹⁄₄" × 14" × 3⁵⁄₈" high

ME 2

The M.E.2 basically the same as the M.E.1 but fitted with upright engine unit and dogged pulley in place of propellor and stern tube.

M.E.2. 3¹⁄₄" × 8¹⁄₂" × 3⁵⁄₈" high

"Mamod Meteor" boat

1949 description, Gamages advert

Mamod High-Speed Launch

Length 24½ inches Beam 5 inches
Fast steam launch based on the latest design Motor Torpedo Boat hull. Large capacity spirit fired boiler. Precision machined engine provides runs of approximately 20 minutes.
Gleaming enamelled finish. 78/4

1957 description, "Mamod Meteor" torpedo boat

Supplies of this magnificent 24½ inch long model steam yacht built on the lines of the very latest post-war motor torpedo boats are now available from your dealer.
Ultra modern in design, superb in finish and performance , METEOR will give you the grandest fun sailing or competing with your pals.

1965: Hobbies 'S.S. ACTIVITY' kit:

No.3517 Coasting Vessel 'S.S. ACTIVITY'
HERE IT IS! Th model boat that will set all hearts a'tingling – powered by fascinating steam.
Very economical to run (on meths). Plenty of space for radio control equipment, if required. Steams realistically via the funnel. An absorbing model to sail – and watch.
Kit of extra large plan showing all parts full size, wood, materials and fittings, including metal rudder assembly, 37/6. Postage 4/-.
Specially designed to take a 'Mamod' Steam Marine Engine Type ME1 (shown below), which is 47/6. Postage 2/3.
If Kit 3517 and engine are ordered together, inclusive price is £4 5s. post free.