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Steam

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Wolfie26/02/2011 12:31:48
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502 forum posts
OK when I kicked this steam engine project off, I planned to run it on compressed air as I have a compressor handy.
 
However now I'm leaning more towards running it properly on steam. I have absolutely no idea where to start. How do I make a boiler and what do I run it on?
 
Can I get a plan for a boiler?
mgj26/02/2011 13:11:23
1017 forum posts
14 photos
How big is the engine.
 
Blackgates amongst others do a small vertical boiler kits suitable for a stationary engine.
 
They also do flanged plates for LO86 which has to be a Myhobbystore plan no.
 
My experience is not great on this - I have run in a traction engine and a Metre Maid on air. They go much better on steam, well the TE does. The MMs two engines are still running in, which means constant oiling while running, and cleaning up as water in the air condenses and covers all the internals.
 
What to run it on. Coal if youll put up with the inconvenience, gas would be cleaner and easier. Depends on the size too.
 

Chris26/02/2011 15:19:33
87 forum posts
13 photos
GLR do a vertical boiler and it can be bought in various stages of completion depending on how much you want to do yourself. Usual disclaimer, my association with the company is as a satisfied customer for the Northumbrian parts. They are on ...
Chris.
Geoff Theasby26/02/2011 15:57:00
615 forum posts
21 photos
I have given up running my engines on steam. I bought a vertical boiler, to which I added a water gauge. I ran it on solid fuel tablets, which is clean and convenient. Three tablets would run a Stuart beam engine for about ten minutes.
Everything vomits water, you need a towel around the models to soak it all up, and they seize up if not run regularly.
Compressed air is far preferable, and it is clean and free of water. Models run on air are ready to run time and time again, without any preparation.
 
Regards
Geoff
Geoff Theasby26/02/2011 15:58:24
615 forum posts
21 photos
I hasten to add that I build and own stationary engines. Anything mobile would not meet the above requirements.
 
Regards
Geoff
Francois Meunier26/02/2011 18:21:00
30 forum posts
6 photos
Hi
A steam engine runs on steam; with comp. air, you only have half of the pleasure. You never get an idea of the efficiency of an engine, of the water and fuel used, the effect of notching on steam expansion, steam condensation. In addition, you have to use a mechanical oiler, since a deplacement lubricator would not work with air.
The motive power is steam and the engine just uses it.
 
I agree that you need towels and rags, a fire extinguisher, gloves for hot valves, balm and dressing for burns and so on …
Regards
Zephyrin
Wolfie26/02/2011 19:08:37
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502 forum posts
Its the smell. I love the smell of steam and oil all mixed up, Its unique.
John Olsen27/02/2011 00:17:26
1294 forum posts
108 photos
1 articles
Hi Wolfie,
Get the engine finished first, then have a go at the boiler. It is a different set of skills, well, partly...the necessary fittings are machining operations much like the engine parts, but the copper smithing and brazing are a bit different. As mentioned above, you can probably get preflanged plates and you can certainly get suitable plans. You don't need a very big boiler, nor does it need to run a very high pressure for a Stuart S50...40 psi would be more than enough.
 
regards
John

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