Archive for The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum The Original Unofficial Toy Steam Forum Established 2006 The biggest, most popular steam forum around! Accept NO imitations! We have a growing community of regular posting members who chat about all aspects of toy and model steam.          The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum Forum Index -> Technical tips, Details, Home Builds and Help Me!! maverick Mamod Steam Wagon Whistle I have recently purchased a second hand SW1 of ebay.  It is believe to be of approx 1970s vintage.  When I try to steam it up all the steam escapes through the whistle which does not allow me to create enough steam pressure to run the wagon.  I have tried added extra washers etc but to no avail.  The SW1 has been customised and i was wondering if the whistle fitted to the wagon is of the wrong type, if there is such a thing?   The only way I have managed to get the damn thing to run is by removing the whislte and replacing it with a saftey value off one of my other engines.  Is there anything avalible which would block up the hole where the whistle goes if I decide to replace it altogether? Thanks Mav Mamodman123 Sounds like its broken buy a new one from Forest for about 5-6 quid! Wallace Re: Mamod Steam Wagon Whistle maverick wrote: I have recently purchased a second hand SW1 of ebay.  It is believe to be of approx 1970s vintage.  When I try to steam it up all the steam escapes through the whistle which does not allow me to create enough steam pressure to run the wagon.  I have tried added extra washers etc but to no avail.  The SW1 has been customised and i was wondering if the whistle fitted to the wagon is of the wrong type, if there is such a thing?   The only way I have managed to get the damn thing to run is by removing the whislte and replacing it with a saftey value off one of my other engines.  Is there anything avalible which would block up the hole where the whistle goes if I decide to replace it altogether? Thanks Mav Is it leaking out of the seal where the whistle screws into the thread, or out of the bit in the whistle which makes the whistle noise? If it is in the latter, where steam makes whistle noise, pull the whistle out, and check the end of it that screws into the boiler. If you pull the lever you will see a inner rod which moves down when the whistle is operated. The end of this rod will have a flared end. When the whistle lever is pulled, that flared end comes down letting steam through. The only thing stopping steam escaping otherwise the pressure from a spring in the whistle, and a very small oring. Often the oring deteriorates and that may be all that it needs, a new oring flywheel61 Wallace wrote Quote: Often the oring deteriorates and that may be all that it needs, a new oring If the engine is used enough, it sometimes gets lime scale on the whistle which can also stop it closing up properly.  I't obviously not blocked, but if lime scale is the problem try and remove it  as gently as posible. If you scratch it or worse it might not seal properly again, even with the 'o' ring in place.  If all else fails, as Mm said, get another one from one of the suppliers. Cheers     Chris tmuir If it is lime scale soak it in warm water and vinegar for 15 to 20 minutes and give it a good rinse with water and check. If scale is still there leave it for a bit longer. Do not leave it to soak for too long or the brass will turn copper colour, this can be polished off with brasso but its a pain to have to do. maverick Mamod Steam Wagon Whistle Here is the offending whistle (in a slightly blurred photo   ). There appears to be no sign of lime scale and o ring looks to be in good order. There are no leaks from the base of the whistle, all the steam escape through the actual whistle as though it is being operated. Thanks Mav MooseMan The bit with the O ring at the bottom should be held flush with the whistle body by an internal spring. Either the spring is broken, or the whistle is seized. Mamodman123 Spring is broken.... You need a new one   Minor1PJG Ding, ding - New Whistle Please!! johnreid Get a new Whistle, I like having a whistle as it eases letting off pressure when I am done running an engine, I can open the whistle and release the pressure so I can drain the Boiler before putting it up. maverick Mamod Steam Wagon Whistle Just wanted to say thanks for all your help. My new whistle arrive today which I fitted straight away, I can now report my steam wagon runs like a dream. Thanks Mav tmuir Glad you got it sorted.   Minor1PJG Glad to hear that it's full steam ahead with the wagon I really like them too: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=V23wlvSzJdA        The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum Forum Index -> Technical tips, Details, Home Builds and Help Me!! Page 1 of 1