The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum

johnreid · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 1:50 am Post subject:

I got the seam around the end cap sealed and now steam sprays from several pinholes on the face of the boiler. I really was at the limit of my patience. When I replaced the Firebox on the original plywood I discovered a bad split that was in fact clear through, the plywood was shot, I did have a 1 X 12 scrap in the garage so I stained and varnished it. I think it turned out looking real nice. But there I was a nice engine and no boiler.

Then two engines arrived today, a Jensen 60 ( a wee little thing ) and a Meths fired Jensen 75. Here the problem lies, I dont have the burner for the 75, but it has the prettiest boiler I ever saw sitting on top of it.

THis led to some serious head scratching, I am sure you know what I was thinking. Do I take that boiler and put it on a nicely restored Non Reversing 25 or do I wait and fashion a burner for the 75. I imagine the cartoons where a guy has a devil on one shoulder and AN angel on the other. Do I or dont I, restored engine with a brand new heater, or a not so common Meths fired 75. Hmmmmmm What do I do. One engine ends up getting used and the other is a display piece. One had a very heavy Cast Iron Flywheel and the other is a more modern looking Flywheel attached to an Oscillator.

WHAT DO I DO? It is so tormenting.

One I can play with tonight or one I will have to wait till I fashion a burner for before I can use it. Now or wait?

Wait a minute, I dont want to wait do I ? Instant gratification is the goal isnt it? It might take me weeks to fashion a burner. I can run the 25 tonight!

I carefully removed the boiler from the 75 and spent the better part of an hour scrubbing off soot and them polishing it, a good clean surface to contact the heater would be more than desirable. With a little finesse I managed to remove the old boiler from the 25 without rivet removal, it is tricky if you do not want to scratch the boiler but there is a trick that I discovered by accident with my Jensen 70.

I then very carefully installed the boiler from the 75 into the Firebox of the 25, 10 minutes later it was running like a brand new one. I ran it fast, I ran it slow using the regulator to control speed as I did not use the Variac this time. I then ran it fast for 5 minutes and then unplugged the cord from the wall and let it run till it stopped. Over 4 minute later it finally came to rest.

By far the best performing engine I own, I do not regret the decision I made. Photos tomorrow I hope.

The leaky boiler will serve as a display boiler on the 75 till I find a suitable replacement boiler.
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IndianaRog · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 2:09 am Post subject:

John, that read like a confession!!!! You are now absolved of your sin and in my opinion made a very right decision.

The meths burning 75 is a unique and somewhat rare engine, but the non-reversing, cast iron electric 25 is simply a lot more of the good stuff we love.

Glad the changeout worked. I think I know your tip for getting the boiler out from under the boiler straps without rivet removal, it takes care to avoid scratching the boiler, but I found grease on the boiler surface takes care of that, though I usually drill out rivets anyhow to give the firebox a complete refinishing.

I believe you are having fun with that 25...YES, pictures are mandatory and no later than tomorrow...that is an order!

Rog
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johnreid · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 2:20 am Post subject:

Normally I would drill or snip the rivets, a pair of miniature diagonal cutters cuts the heads off of the rivets without a chance of an errant drill bit going somewhere unmentionable and avoids my saying words that even the Cat doesnt like. However I have replaced the rivets on that particular 25 at least 5 times in the past week or so, I just did not want to do it again. I will clean the Firebox on the 75 next week and have it all ready for a new boiler, till then I will use screws and nuts to retain the boiler straps as not to waste the rivets. I have quite a few on hand, but why waste them.
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Les · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 6:08 am Post subject:

I am glad my PM helped with your decision.

When thinking about it why have two engines sitting there that you cannot use, it made sense to get one working engine out of the pair and then wait to get a replacement boiler.
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johnreid · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 7:06 pm Post subject:

Not the best photo, my truck isnt available at the moment and I usually photograph my engines on the bed cover. Plus it is just too danged hot outside so I did a photo by the window to at least show what it turned out like

Better photos next week.
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IndianaRog · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 7:12 pm Post subject:

Looks great to me John.
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Nick · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 7:15 pm Post subject:

That looks much better.

I know I asked when you bought it, but I'm not sure if it was answered. Is the steam
dome taller than the one on your 25 from Roger?

TRAPPERKEEPER · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 8:18 pm Post subject:

Looks great John, a fine Jensen

kusuchi · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 8:47 pm Post subject:

Looks really great. Thumbs up!

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Richard

johnreid · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 9:22 pm Post subject:

I dont believe that the Steam Dome is taller than the other Cast 25, it looks like it might be taller than my Hobby Grade 25 and 70. However I have not measured them.

The picture doesnt do it justice, but for the time being, that is what I have. Better pictures next week.
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IndianaRog · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 9:36 pm Post subject:

The early steam domes WERE taller than modern ones...just looked over mine and earliest were tallest, maybe 1/3 taller than modern.
Also early ones were sort of cone like at the top, modern pretty flat.
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Nick · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 3:38 am Post subject:

IndianaRog · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 3:42 am Post subject:

Hard to tell Nick...Jensen was famous for never wasting parts. He would make up whistles or steam regulators with either black (early) or red (later)...sometimes engines would go out with a black steam valve handle and red whistle handle...waste not, want not.

So, it makes dating difficult sometimes...Johns could be older or could bear a use it up part that makes it appear older. We'll likely never know.
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steamyman · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 4:08 am Post subject:

nice pic John, of your old Jensen.

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Wallace · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 6:19 am Post subject:

Very neat looking engine John

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