Choice of Model

Thanks to the generosity of Kevin of this parish, I am now the proud owner of 12" of 22 gauge 2 5/8" tube.

After extensive research it seems there is hardly anything out there that wants a boiler of that size. It's the perfect size for a Tich boiler, but too small for Rainhill and any other 3 1/2" gauge models. It's too big for 2 1/2" gauge designs and finding a track could be a challenge.

I'm worried it's a bit too thin for a traction engine boiler, and I already have a (slighhtly bigger) vertical test boiler. I suppose I could make a small marine boiler, but that would still leave me half the tube!

I'm the strange sort of person who will plan an entire project around one component... but I was wondering if there were any other ideas beyond Tich, including other small-boilered loco prototypes?

Neil

Hi Neil,

I am building a Tich and having discovered the later LBSC Belpaire variant, thought I would try it. I then had an awful time trying to buy 16 gauge copper tube 2 5/8" dia.x 4 1/2" long, I tried all the main suppliers but with no success and it was only from a small firm that I was successful. I don't know if your thinner tube would be okay.

That said, Tich is an odd loco with many for and against it. I find the building, though slow, has kept my interest. The end result leaves a few people disappointed but I think that the Belpaire option will add something different and help solve one of the big complaints about the poor firing.

Dave

Edited By David Haynes on 14/07/2012 08:38:07

I should correct myself - the tube is 18, not 22 gauge - which is the thickness given on my plan (the free reprint in ME a few years ago).

I wonder if more recent versions of the plan have been amended to 16 gauge - I notice that the other boiler plates are 13, 14, 12, 16 - all over the shop! If I make it I'll get some 2mm plate and do it all from that.

It seems that Rocket scales to 2 5/8" by 4 1/2" as well at 3 1/2" gauge. Interesting challenge as the firebox is separate aside from three tubes for water circulation, though it might be easier to solder up..

Neil

When building Juliet 3.5 gauge loco the boiler was made from flat copper (available up to 10 gauge pretty easily). By luck chance or coincidence my dad came across a council workman cutting down trees. Managed to get a suitable branch which was then turned to the right diameter. Copper was then annealed and bit by bit 'turned around the branch. We held it in place using large jubilee clips. It didn't take long before it was wrapped nicely around the branch. Then drilled and riveted and then silver soldered. Worked OK this was the first time we had made a boiler.