New Cylinder Cover for a Stuart steam engine

Hi guys,

I am replacing the cylinder cover on a Stuart steam engine. Though the original cover was cast iron, I was wondering if brass or cast iron would be best for its replacement.

I gather that The older Stuart steam engines had brass cylinder covers, whilst the more modern ones are cast iron. Is it just cost reasons they changed.

Many thanks,

Sarah

Hi Sarah, Brass would look nice, I imagine cost savings was the reason for going cast iron. 'Fraid I make do with what I can scrounge, all my engine building is from scratch with what ever Ican lay my hands on, mainly because I can't afford such things as Stuarts kits, so I suppose that about $NZ50 would be my most expensive model-I build hot air engines. Ian S C

Hi Sarah

It used to be possible to buy individual, unmachined, parts for the Stuart range. I note that the firm is now in new ownership but the parts are still listed on their website - see HERE - a phone call or email would, no doubt, clarify the matter.

If you want to use brass I doubt that it would matter but, in all the time I've had any interest in Stuart engines, ( about 40 years- gulp!) they have always been cast iron.

Regards

Norman

Edited By NJH on 14/09/2012 17:08:03

If it were me building an engine like this, I would be introducing a few bits of my own, never can stick to the plan, even when it's my own design. Yes you should if you want to get in touch with the suppliers, and obtain the origional part, If its to be painted, cast iron takes the paint better, paint does not stick to brass too well. Leave the brass bits unpainted, polish and lacquer it. Ian S C

Hi Ian,

I do want to make a few 'bling' parts in brass, the cast iron parts were quite rough and painted in a horrible silver paint. Apart from the top and bottom cylinder covers, I need to make a new valve chest cover. I might have access to a small CNC mill, so I might be able to put the 'S' logo in the valve chest cover as well.

My only concern about using brass for the cylinder covers is if there is a mechanical/strength reason why not.

Regards,

Sarah

Brass is fine there would not be any strength issues at all

Best Wishes Martin

Hi SArah,

Welcome to the forum. Rather than machine the Stuart 'S' on the cover why not etch it. It is a rather simple process, easily carried out with simple easy to get chemicals. The design can be drawn on a computer (or even scanned) and printed on a laser printer on gloss paper (I use posh magazine covers). It can then be transferrred to the cleaned brass with a hot clothes iron. The toner will transfer to the brass and will resist the acid etch leaving the raised design. Very intricate etches can be made which even CNC cannot manage with normal cutters.

Here is a fuller explanation - but you don't need to use exotic film for the transfer or ferric chloride - I can offer more help if you need it.

Best regards

Terry

Put SF on it and personalise it, it will really be yours. Ian S C

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your help, I'll make the cylinder and steam chest covers out of brass. I will try the etching for a name plate, it would be nice to have the details on a small plaque. Though I'm keen to try out a CNC mill for the steam chest cover.

Many thanks,

Sarah