1.5 Alchinsteam engine

Have wo questions that hope someone can throw ligh on.

Want to start the boiler, had the shell rolled and copper brazed down the seam with TIG.

Unsure about the throat plate and a piece that seems to be wasted the expalnation in the book has confused me does it fit in the tube or is it brazed to the tube and the throat plate. cant really make it out.

Any helpful suggestions would be really appreciated as the cost of copper is so expensive now.

My second question is about smoke box cover. Purchased the main door but Reeves have said the small cover for the centre with the name cast in it is not available any more. Any suggestions where it can be sourced?

regards

Joe

To comment on your 2nd. question first. The smokebox door nameplate that Reeves supplied to me many years ago was actually a stamped brass disc, the lettering being only a few "thou" high on brass about .020" thick. As such it might be made by photo-etching if you wish to try. A model name-plate supplier could also do it but that route could be pricey for a one-off, especially if the art-work has to be prepared. The rear wheel hub covers were, likewise, stamped brass discs, probably from the same supplier. These 3 plates do add a finishing touch to the model.

As I remember, the original boiler design used a silver soldered butt joint between the top edge of the throat-plate and the barrel, ie no flange.I've an idea that a later mod. adopted by some builders is to provide a reinforcing strip along that joint, (could be mistaken there). This would provide more area for the silver solder. Is the copper piece that you have for this?

Edited By Clive Brown 1 on 10/07/2023 13:55:11

There is a small square section of copper that is bent to follow the OD of the boiler barrel and soldered externally to that and the throatplate to reinforce the joint.

There is also a 5/8" wide ring of copper that goes around inside the end of tehe barrel to reinforce the joint to the wrapper positioned so equal amounts either side of the joint, it will need notching out so that it does not block the front water space between throatplate and front of firebox

What does 'copper brazed' mean? If you mean welded then I'd have a word with your boiler inspector regarding paperwork before spending any more time/money.

My first thought on the boiler shell would be the TIG welding of it. I would strongly advise you to speak to a boiler inspector as this method is not I suspect what the drawings show and could result in much trouble. As Duncan has said I would do no more work on the model until this matter is sorted. Noel.

Dear All

Thank you somuch for the comments and i really appreciate it.

A colleague TIG weldedusing same copper filler as the tube.

I will try to find an inspector to get advice.