Copper boiler build on Youtube

[PRR5406]

I recently came across this video and thought it instructive. Even if you are no constructing a copper boiler, they are still highly prized and the detail work on this Belpaire boiler is astounding. I don't know what material is being used as staybolts, but the work is astoundingly neat and well planned. Thought other might like to see a boiler done beautifully.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4Ov9qolaWc

[Steamer Al]

Beautiful work! Boy that must steam beautifully.

[Bill Shields]

staybolts are copper

[FKreider]

There is also a very excellent series of building a LBSC designed "Lion" locomotive which includes a complete copper boiler build.

Nigel is now on part 58 of the series and the whole thing is well worth watching, I have been following the progress for about a year now.

https://youtu.be/tdBjm5D6jxY

[Mike Walsh]

There is also a very excellent series of building a LBSC designed "Lion" locomotive which includes a complete copper boiler build.

Nigel is now on part 58 of the series and the whole thing is well worth watching, I have been following the progress for about a year now.

https://youtu.be/tdBjm5D6jxY

Just the other night I was thinking to myself "Man, I am kind of bored with the internet - there is a lack of build threads, postings of projects, etc. that hold my attention," and then this pops up!

I have seen portions of the lion series, and completely forgot about that series. The 9F is a new one to me. I'll have to bookmark these and visit them on a regular basis to keep an eye out for updates.

[hoppercar]

I would rather build two steel boilers than a copper one

[gwrdriver]

Interesting as they are, I was a little disappointed the video contained only static photos and not video of active construction, although I'll admit it would take as long to shoot and view those scenes as it took to do that phase of the construction.

The BR standard boilers always made me shudder as there was hardly a straight, parallel, or perpendicular surface in any of them and the job of erecting all those components and ending up in the exact alignment would be a formidable one, not to mention getting the plate forming right. But for someone somewhere, as evidenced by the video, I'm sure it's a piece o' cake.

As for stays, my choices would typically be cooper (usually rivets) for the short firebox water leg stays and Phos bronze for long stays. Perhaps he (or she) used what was on hand or locally available.

[skyloop440]

I just picked up a piece of copper pipe 6" diameter 1/8" wall 40" long 50 bucks do you think i got a good deal !!!

Matt

[Bill Shields]

yes...going rate in the UK is about $100 / foot + shipping

[dakine]

I have a question- I am considering making a boiler (CliShay) a using a 8" steel shell with 1/2" copper tubes. There is two general types of tubing expanders, a roller type and a manual hand hydraulic expander. The roller type is very expensive, the manual hand type is around $100 on Amazon. My question - has any one used the hand hydraulic manual expander with good results? Thanks , John

[Bill Shields]

rolling is the best way to go.

in the overall $$$ of the boiler, the roller is a very inexpensive tool.

[Marty_Knox]

I have a question- I am considering making a boiler (CliShay) a using a 8" steel shell with 1/2" copper tubes. There is two general types of tubing expanders, a roller type and a manual hand hydraulic expander. The roller type is very expensive, the manual hand type is around $100 on Amazon. My question - has any one used the hand hydraulic manual expander with good results? Thanks , John

I'm not familiar with the manual hand hydraulic expander. Can you post a picture or a link?