Krick Victor steam engine with horizontal boiler – complete steam drive for model ships
The Krick Victor steam engine with horizontal boiler is a fully assembled marine steam engine for larger and heavier RC model ships. The combination of an oscillating steam engine, a high-performance horizontal boiler, a ceramic burner and eight smoke tubes is designed for models weighing up to approximately 15 kg. This makes the Victor particularly suitable for steam launches, workboats, tugs and other larger displacement models where a powerful yet true-to-prototype steam propulsion system is required.
With the Victor, Krick relies on the oscillating steam engine principle, which has proven its worth in model ships. This design requires comparatively few moving parts and is therefore robust, easy to maintain and suitable for operation at relatively low steam pressure. At the same time, the entire mechanical system remains visible – a key attraction of an authentically powered steam model.
High-performance boiler with ceramic burner
Compared with smaller steam units in the range, the Victor features a significantly more powerful boiler system. The boiler operates with eight smoke tubes, enabling the heat generated by the burner to be efficiently transferred to the boiler water. A modern ceramic burner is used for heat generation.
This combination provides sufficient steam to power the engine even under the higher loads imposed by larger model ships. Krick specifies the system for ships up to approximately 15 kg model weight and recommends the Victor, amongst other things, as a power source for the large steam launch ‘Borkum’.
Horizontal boiler for low installation
In this design, the steam boiler is arranged horizontally on the shared base plate. Compared to a machine with a vertical boiler, this results in a comparatively low overall height of 210 mm.
This is particularly advantageous for model ships where there is sufficient length below deck but only limited headroom. The entire unit requires a footprint of approximately 260 × 102 mm. Before selecting the propulsion system, therefore, in addition to the model’s weight, particular consideration should be given to the available engine room space, the position of the ship’s propeller shaft, and the accessibility of the burner, gas tank and fittings.
Fully assembled and pressure-tested
The Victor is not supplied as a steam engine kit, but is fully assembled and painted. According to the manufacturer, the engines are pressure-tested prior to delivery.
This means the Victor is also aimed at model shipbuilders who wish to use a high-quality live-steam propulsion system without first having to build the actual steam engine themselves or carry out the basic assembly.
Nevertheless, a live-steam system remains a technically demanding propulsion system. Installation, gas supply, lubrication, condensate drainage, shaft coupling and regular inspection of the system must be carried out with care.
Powerful propulsion rather than mere show
The Victor is not only a visually appealing real-steam engine, but also a powerful propulsion system with good power reserves, a robust construction and suitability for larger steam vessels.
User reports show that a carefully planned installation is crucial. Particular attention should be paid to the alignment between the engine shaft and the ship’s shaft. A connection that is as flush as possible reduces stress on the bearings and coupling. Where minor deviations arise due to the design, a suitable articulated or compensating coupling can be used. Provision must be made for good accessibility to the system as well as sufficient space for cleaning the engine room. With a real steam engine, small quantities of water, condensate and steam oil in the engine area cannot be completely avoided during operation. A removable or easily accessible engine platform therefore makes maintenance considerably easier.
Steam lubrication is also crucial for long-term reliable operation. Suitable steam engine oil or superheated steam oil must be used for the steam circuit. Ordinary machine oil, motor oil or bicycle oil is not suitable due to the temperatures involved.
Tried-and-tested oscillating steam engine
A key advantage of the oscillating design is its simple mechanical construction. During operation, the cylinder performs a slight pivoting movement, thereby simultaneously taking on part of the steam control. A separate, complex valve control system is not required.
This offers several advantages for model shipbuilding:
robust construction with comparatively few moving parts
minimal mechanical complexity
good start-up performance
operation at comparatively low steam pressure
low susceptibility to faults
straightforward maintenance
clearly visible engine movement in the open engine room
Particularly in the case of open steam launches, the movement of the engine contributes significantly to the model’s authentic appearance.
For larger steam vessels and displacement models
With a net weight of around 1,940 g, the Victor is not one of the smaller steam systems. It is designed for correspondingly large models whose displacement can accommodate the additional weight of the engine, boiler, gas tank and operating fluids.
Suitable model types include, for example:
steam barges
steamboats
workboats
tugs
inland waterway vessels
historic motor vessels with steam propulsion
larger classic displacement models
Steam as part of the modelling experience
Unlike an electric drive, the Victor does not merely replicate the function of the ship’s propulsion. Firing, steam generation, lubrication and the exposed mechanics make the entire propulsion process visible.
Particularly in open steam launches, this means that the engine itself becomes a central component of the model. The horizontal boiler keeps the entire system relatively low whilst at the same time allowing a generous view of the engine, pipework and fittings.
Essential accessories
The following items are also required to make the model operational:
Krick 22313 gas tank
Krick 60105 propane/butane gas cartridge
Krick 22316 gas filling adapter
Krick 60100 steam engine oil
These items are not automatically included with the steam engine and must be ordered separately if required.
Only oil suitable for steam engines must be used for lubrication.
Technical specifications
Bore: 10 mm
Stroke: 14 mm
Boiler: horizontal design
Boiler diameter: 87 mm
Boiler height: 125 mm
Base plate length: 260 mm
Overall width: 102 mm
Overall height: 210 mm
Weight: approx. 1,940 g
Shaft diameter: 4 mm
Shaft height: 12 mm
Distance from centre of chimney to edge of boiler: 25 mm
Recommended model weight: up to approx. 15 kg