31/2 gauge lion boiler

Hi does anyone know whether the 31/2 gauge Lion boiler as originally designed by LBSC is OK? I am building one and think the crown stays are a bit dubious. They are splayed out to the outer firebox sides. They wouldn't support the firebox crown very well like that and neither do they support the firebox sides very well either. There is a large area beneath where these meet the outer wrapper that isn't supported. Has there been a modified drawing published? Thanks for any input.

You really need to have a word with a boiler inspector, especially if intending to run in public.

The cheapest way would be to join a local club, you don't have to be a 'clubby' person although you may become one. That would also take care of the public insurance aspect and they may have workshop facilities that you could use.

Whhatever you do, don't just change the design first, I'm sure that this is an established design that has been 'accepted' as suitable.

Brian

I've never liked the gunmetal top to the firebox. I've seen one with porosity in it, and having a large cast part in front of your face doesn't fill me with confidence.

The full-sized boiler had a tall wrapper rather like the Hunslet quarry locos - the upper part of the firebox is cylindrical like a lot of boilers, with a dome mounted centrally. The "haystack" is merely a brass cover.

You should consider becoming a member of OLCO www.lionlocomotive.org.uk as they have a lot of information about the full-sized loco, and many members have built models.

Thank you for your help and advice. I'll show the boiler drawing to my club boiler inspectors, I was just wanting to know if anyone knew of a modified 31/2 boiler design that had been "approved" already since any alterations would need calculations as to its design. I'll also look into joining the OLCO.