The Home Machinist!

Beginner: Noticed you are mechanically inclined, GOOD. Do you have or have access to a machine shop with a lathe, knee mill, gas and electric welding, press, vise, precision measuring equipment, bench sander and AN EXPERIENCED STEAM LOCO BUILDER to guide you over the rough spots. I would also includ...

Beginner: For starters - Welcome On the heart thing - Listen to your friends, family and your doctor and do what they say. I had a triple by-pass about 35 years ago and I'm still going strong at age 82. I enjoy pulling the public at the Sacramento Valley Live Steamers track with my Bill Conner 4+4 s...

I see this as a safety question.

If you broke one screw by applying too much torque you have probably over stressed the other nine.

My recommendation is to not fire the boiler until it is repaired, all the screws replaced with new screws and hydro tested.


Bill

I use QD from SCUBA tanks. The female part is held with a clamp made from 1/4" aluminum so the locking ring can be moved, actually, the internal part moves to uncouple the male part when the cars separate.

Bill

I use GUNK which I get at an auto supply store in a pressurized can to clean the mechanical parts and PLEDGE furniture polish to do the painted surfaces.

BTW - I don't clean my engine until I'm ready to go back to the track and run. Leaving the oil, etc. on the engine keeps it from rusting.


Bill

BOILER TESTING It is my understanding that a new, never fired, boiler is tested to twice its normal operating pressure. After the boiler has been fired it is tested at 150% of normal operating pressure on an annual basis. I do have a question - Why don't we as the live steam community require an acc...

If you can find one a Model T spark coil works fine.

Bill

It will take an awful big battery to get enough electric power to boil water for your steam engine to run, or a very long extension cord. Oil can be burned effectively if the boiler is designed for it and a proper burner/control/feed system is installed. Over the years I've had numerous 1.5/1.6"...

Ne to.

Bill

Check the current issue of LS. Cal Tinkham has an interesting article on locomotives that addresses your question.

BTW - I've run Cal's #26 and it is a beautiful engine to run.


Bill

I agree, the 2.5x5" fire box is too small for an atomizing burner. The flame path must be long enough for total combustion of the fuel BEFORE the products of combustion enter the flame tubes. My last oil fired loco was a Pacific and the flame path was 24" long.


Bill

Placed an order Monday morning. Phone only rang three times. All items in stock.

Received in Nevada Wednesday morning.


Bill