Weir donkey pump

Hi all, wonder if anyone can help. I am currently building a Weir donkey pump I bought as a kit a while ago. This is for the GLR vertical boiler I have just finished. I am having a few problems getting to grips with some of the dimensions, there are very few on the drawing, it appears to assume you know how it all works anyway.The drawing is by LSBC and dated 1933.Has anyone else built this pump? Bill D.

Hi Bill,

I haven't built one but I may have the same drawing as you. Does the drawing mention the pump being described in ME June 1933? If so, I have the original articles describing the pump's construction which may be of help to you.

John

Hi Bill

The 'Wiers" pump is sturdy and reliable but a bit of a sod to get the valve timing right on the full size pump.

Being a scaled down model the the setting up will be even more critical.

Keep us posted on progress

Eric

Hi Bill

A bit more info on "Weirs Pumps"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Weir_boiler_feed_water_pump.jpg.

Eric

Hi John, fantastic that was exactly the reply I was hoping for. Yes the drawing does mention the ME articles. If there is anway I could get a copy I would be grateful.

It is mainly the steam passages I am grappling with. Steam engines are new to me so hopefully when I have done a few it will begin to make more sense.

Thanks to you as well Eric.

Bill D.

Hi Bill,

Send me a pm with your email address and I'll get the articles to you.

As Eric suggests, I can imagine the model pump will be a bit fiddly to set up. I have got a copy of the manual for the full size pumps as well.

John

hello

I often watched a weir pump feedinga lancashire boiler at the colliery where I worked, I have no recollectionof its operation, it is about 70 years ago.However you could try Southworth Engines tel.0114 2818595 they offer working model kits and drawings based on Weir and Robey. 6 models in total

Regards Ivan

Thanks to all for your help and especially John who has sent me a copy of the original ME article dated 1933!

I was determined to suss it out myself ( a man thing I suppose) but had to admit defeat in the end,

Just shows what a wealth of knowledge and willingness to help others is out there.

Regards to all.

Bill D