Full Steam Ahead....140 RPM's

Tom Wesenberg

Tom Wesenberg

Well-known member
This past Saturday was "Apple Days" in Excelsior, MN. Several Model A's showed up for the event. After walking through the main strret flea market, and finding a nice piece of antique luggage to use with my Model A, I walked down to the lake to see all the antique boats.

I saw a beautiful wood strip canoe, but at $12,500, I'll just stick with my Model A's. I overheard someone ask about rides on the steamboat, and learned the 1906 restored Minnehaha was giving lake tours for only $5. It can carry about 50 people and if you choose, there is seating 3 feet from the engine, so that's where I sat. The engine is a triple expansion that runs on 180 lbs. steam pressure, and recondenses the steam to be used again. I noticed on the sign showing the different commands that FULL STEAM AHEAD is 140 RPM. Unfortunately I had forgotten my camera, but if you Google "Minnehaha steamboat" you should be able to find a lot of pictures and information.

Next year I'll sit closer to the speaker, so I can hear the Captain talking about the history of the area. This would be a very affordable fun thing to take in for anyone traveling through the Twin Cities area. In 2012 the national meet will be in Wisconsin, so anyone comming from the west could fit this into the travel plans without having to travel far off the path.

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Here is a picture I found of the Minnehaha Steamboat, but so far I can't find any pictures of the engine.
 
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Mystic Seaport Museum has a car show every september, and it is coming up soon. Cars need to be preregistered to get in, and must be 1929 or older. They have the steam boat Sabino which is about 100 years old, and I always take a ride, and watch the engine go. All the varnished wood and polished brass is beautiful.
 
marc hildebrant said:
Ice Out Happend Early This Year ?????

Marc
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Ha Ha!!! Yes, actually the winter did come to an early end this year and I was able to get my Model A out about 2 months earlier than usual.:)

I just found a good picture of the Minnehaha and added it to my original post, but so far I can't find any pictures of the boat's steam engine.
 
As I mentioned to Tom that day, my wife & I were there for the maiden voyage. after a while I asked if could move to a seat closer to the engine. went back again with a group from the club and sat with the (normal) people. then I could hear them talk about the area. for those of you not in Minnesota, it is ummm considered upscale, just west of Minneapolis. it is a 14,528-acre lake with bays and islands which make up about 125 miles of shoreline. I did get a nice picture of Tom finishing off a whole pie.
 
Preacher said:
As I mentioned to Tom that day, my wife & I were there for the maiden voyage. after a while I asked if could move to a seat closer to the engine. went back again with a group from the club and sat with the (normal) people. then I could hear them talk about the area. for those of you not in Minnesota, it is ummm considered upscale, just west of Minneapolis. it is a 14,528-acre lake with bays and islands which make up about 125 miles of shoreline. I did get a nice picture of Tom finishing off a whole pie.
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Yes, that pie was whole 5 days ago! I could use another piece of pie right now. :(

Also forgot to mention the Minnehaha was originally coal fired, but now uses #2 fuel oil.
 
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