Search found 983 matches

by Soot n' Cinders
Mon Mar 04, 2024 12:00 pm
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: steam channel
Replies: 43
Views: 2146

Re: steam channel

Another thing to consider is the number of second hand steam available now, either purchased from older members of the hobby or inherited from grandparents. In a lot of cases now, the machinery to build a steam locomotive would cost more than many on the market now. I dont think you could set up a m...
by Soot n' Cinders
Fri Feb 23, 2024 7:26 pm
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: Pattern Making
Replies: 9
Views: 1240

Re: Pattern Making

I wouldn't think there would be any issues with PLA, but if you're worried about it you can always use PETG instead. If you're 3D printing the pattern though I would use extra walls and plenty of infill for rigidity. Also, I would not use the print right off the printer, you'll need to bondo and san...
by Soot n' Cinders
Tue Feb 06, 2024 8:58 pm
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: Sizing air brake cylinders and levers
Replies: 9
Views: 813

Re: Sizing air brake cylinders and levers

Just to make my own musings clear to myself and hopefully someone else, following the above formula for a 200lb car and a 1-1/16in bore cylinder: P = 40psi A = 0.8096sqin (1-1/16in bore with a 5/16in rod) L = 4 W = 200 PAL/W = 0.6477 For that car with 400lb of load, 600lb total, PAL/W = 0.2159 Right...
by Soot n' Cinders
Mon Jan 22, 2024 11:34 am
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: Sizing air brake cylinders and levers
Replies: 9
Views: 813

Re: Sizing air brake cylinders and levers

I think it all clicked last night, so yall let me know if Im crazy here. I am definitely overthinking this but I find it interesting and hope others will as well. Simple physics, the friction of the brake shoes on the wheel can not exceed the friction of the rail on the wheel otherwise the wheels wi...
by Soot n' Cinders
Sun Jan 21, 2024 4:06 pm
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: Sizing air brake cylinders and levers
Replies: 9
Views: 813

Re: Sizing air brake cylinders and levers

that is kind of like asking how fast is a red car. everything is a variable at this point. Are you putting cylinders on each truck or just one under the car and all the rigging to each truck. Cylinder size, expected pressure range, shoe material, etc. In full size a cars braking force is not adjust...
by Soot n' Cinders
Sun Jan 21, 2024 4:05 pm
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: Sizing air brake cylinders and levers
Replies: 9
Views: 813

Re: Sizing air brake cylinders and levers

are you planning on using a prototypical design for the brake rigging? if so, the ratio on the truck levels is normally 2 to 1, and the linkage at the center of the car is 2 to 1 or close to it iirc. i use a 1.125 bore double acting cylinder with this setup. for riding cars and .5 bore cylinder for...
by Soot n' Cinders
Sun Jan 21, 2024 11:26 am
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: Sizing air brake cylinders and levers
Replies: 9
Views: 813

Sizing air brake cylinders and levers

I am looking at putting air brakes on my 2.5in scale flat car, and future cars I build. Thing is I dont have any drawings for brakes and the information I can find on sizing brakes on full size equipment is confusing at best. I know there is a ratio of how much braking force there should be relative...
by Soot n' Cinders
Sat Jan 20, 2024 9:10 am
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: Boiler welding advice.
Replies: 21
Views: 1966

Re: Boiler welding advice.

Stick or TIG, I understand MIG is not an option. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Todd Stick is the classic option, TIG is very nice welds but quite slow so if the welder is charging by the hour be prepared. MIG actually is an option if done properly. ASME allows MIG welding of boilers if it...
by Soot n' Cinders
Tue Jan 16, 2024 5:33 pm
Forum: Build Log
Topic: Building a 4.5 in scale Foden Steam Truck in New England
Replies: 76
Views: 184976

Re: Building a 4.5 in scale Foden Steam Truck in New England

I still am surprised by how few people here in North America have chimed in about playing with traction engines. I would think not having to rely on having track would be very appealing to a lot more people. Hopefully over the years this thread and one day bringing the engine to shows will serve to...
by Soot n' Cinders
Tue Jan 16, 2024 9:26 am
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: Boiler insulation
Replies: 21
Views: 37100

Re: Boiler insulation

I am not a metallurgist, but just asking a question... is aluminum in contact with steel a good idea? . I still think you want an air gap between the steel boiler shell and any insulation/jacket. Theres nothing wrong metallurgically with aluminum and steel touching, but that combo would be the oppo...
by Soot n' Cinders
Sat Jan 13, 2024 5:53 pm
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: Boiler insulation
Replies: 21
Views: 37100

Re: Boiler insulation

I used McMaster-Carr's composite paper insulation on my boiler. Little tough to form but has a high R value and seems to do really well. Similar to Bill, I started with duct tape to hold it in place and then put some safety wire on it before installing the jacket.
by Soot n' Cinders
Sat Jan 06, 2024 8:32 pm
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: Repairing the fratured spokes on the cast iron drive wheel
Replies: 32
Views: 211079

Re: Repairing the fratured spokes on the cast iron drive wheel

Ive been working on a somewhat similar project trying to repair a mounting flange on an antique coal stove. Im afraid the area will get too hot under use to be safe to braze, since I dont want the joint getting soft under heat and failing. I just ordered some TIG filler rod called EZ weld to try mys...