Nathan 4-Way Oil Distributor by Keim Steam Pump
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2016 11:31 am
I am taking orders from anyone interested in my new Nathan 4-way oil distributor. These distributors were found on most modern steam locomotives to divide a single lube line, from a mechanical lubricator, into 4 separate feed lines. Each line would then be used to lubricate driving boxes, valve guides, and crosshead guides.
On our scale models, the valve guides and crossheads only get lubrication when we stop for servicing, although I have seen a few old LE 4-8-4’s with lubricator lines going to these places, the majority of us do not (yet) have this arrangement. I wanted something more realistic than a simple 4-way cross hanging under the running board, so I took the time to model one of these oil distributors and had a couple cast.
The full size distributor I looked at has ø1/2” copper lines running into the driving boxes. That scales down to ø1/16” which is pretty tiny. ø3/32” tubing looked too big, so I am staying with ø1/16”. I plan on making some slip fit fittings to accept the tubing. These fittings will then be threaded into my crosshead guides and valve guides. I will bend up whatever length of tubing I need to span between the distributor and the fitting. The tube is soft soldered into the distributor and the other end is slipped into each valve and crosshead guide fitting. The supply line into the back of the distributor is tapped 1/8-56 MTP. Use it for added detail on your locomotive, or join me and use it as a functioning detail accessory!
Shown below is the assembled oil distributor cast in bronze. Price is $58.00 postpaid in the US. PM me if interested by January 21 so that I can place one order to the foundry. Delivery will be March 1 or sooner.
Here is a link to view one in operation;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS0k_T2nVhg
On our scale models, the valve guides and crossheads only get lubrication when we stop for servicing, although I have seen a few old LE 4-8-4’s with lubricator lines going to these places, the majority of us do not (yet) have this arrangement. I wanted something more realistic than a simple 4-way cross hanging under the running board, so I took the time to model one of these oil distributors and had a couple cast.
The full size distributor I looked at has ø1/2” copper lines running into the driving boxes. That scales down to ø1/16” which is pretty tiny. ø3/32” tubing looked too big, so I am staying with ø1/16”. I plan on making some slip fit fittings to accept the tubing. These fittings will then be threaded into my crosshead guides and valve guides. I will bend up whatever length of tubing I need to span between the distributor and the fitting. The tube is soft soldered into the distributor and the other end is slipped into each valve and crosshead guide fitting. The supply line into the back of the distributor is tapped 1/8-56 MTP. Use it for added detail on your locomotive, or join me and use it as a functioning detail accessory!
Shown below is the assembled oil distributor cast in bronze. Price is $58.00 postpaid in the US. PM me if interested by January 21 so that I can place one order to the foundry. Delivery will be March 1 or sooner.
Here is a link to view one in operation;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS0k_T2nVhg