The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum

alan2525

Hi!

I'm a new member to these forums and currently planning a small live steam project using some pps parts, gas burner, cylinders, regulator etc.

The loco is based on a Kerr Stuart Sirdar 0-4-0 Tank Loco. I'll be fabricating the frames, cab and possibly boiler, or using the copper boiler available from PPS Steam Models.

I have one question regarding the boiler construction and in particular fitting the sight glass for the water level.

The pps sight glass is mounted to one side of the boiler, with the top pipe silver soldered to the side of the tee piece and the bottom of the sight glass is simply soldered to the underside of the boiler.

I'm trying to plan the boiler to keep silver soldering to a minimum and the arrangement as clean as possible to prevent problems applying heat to previously soldered joints. The whole look of the PPS boiler is a little heath robinson. I imagine trying to align the soldered parts to the rear of the boiler to ensure the sight glass fits could be problematic.

I'd prefer an arrangement similar to the original mamod boiler, using the aftermarket regulator in place of the whistle, however find it a little bit of a puzzle to locate the sight glass.

Here's a render of my proposed loco from my CAD model:

Any help would be appreciated!

Alan

Les · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:02 pm Post subject:

Sorry,can't help you with the loco but welcome to the forum.

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Steve_S · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:58 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the forum! I'm sure that the loco-minded members (!) will be able to comment on your question. In the meantime, welcome once again and I hope you enjoy your time here.

andysleigh · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 7:45 pm Post subject:

i may be able to help, as i am into locos.

but i do not understand your question, i am not to good at understanding many things.

could you please simplify it or somthing like that

andy
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barry1946 · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 7:49 pm Post subject:

to the forum Alan!
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DLR · Full member Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 562 Location: Blyth

i think the question is "where do i buy the sight glass used on the PPS boiler?"

alan2525 · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 9:12 pm Post subject:

Spule 4 · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:43 am Post subject:

Why not just use the IP/PPS boiler as in the photo of my loco above?

Glad that lubricator is GONE this weekend!!!!!
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Garrett

Spule 4 · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:48 am Post subject:

Or, if you still wish to do your own boiler, you can find the bits here:

http://www.steamfittings.com/asp/index.asp

Specifically:

http://www.steamfittings.com/asp/d-no.asp?ProductID=249&Process=1

Note the line fittings at the top and bottom, and they sell different size for different feeds.
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Garrett

alan2525 · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:39 pm Post subject:

Much more of a learning process to build my own little boiler though!

I purchased some of the steam fittings from steamfittings.co.uk, and I must say that they are really lovely quality. Started to flange the boiler ends, just need to anneal them and then give them another bit of a bashing with a hammer!

Fun Stuff!

Alan

Spule 4 · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 10:35 pm Post subject:

alan2525 · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 4:38 pm Post subject:

I used one of those bi-metal hole saws from screwfix in a pillar drill to cut the disks for the boiler ends.

http://www.screwfix.com/cats/A337704/Drill-Bits/Holesaws/Holesaws

I used the slowest speed available and cutting oil. They needed a little bit of cleaning up after but I saved this until I'd flanged the ends in the vice with a ball pein hammer.

I used one of these:

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/882...Start-Flame-Control-Torch-TS7000T

with a can of propane to anneal the ends, heating them up until they turn cherry red and then quenching in water.

Easyflo No 2 Silver Solder and flux to do the silver soldering...so far so good!

I got my steam fittings from http://www.maccmodels.co.uk/ The service is excellent and very prompt delivery too!

alan2525 · Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 11:49 pm Post subject:

I got my parts from PPS Steam Models today! The postman left it on the doorstep and didn't knock for it either! Was a bit of luck it wasn't nicked!

I purchased the gas burner and PPS cylinders and regulator. I must say the parts are very nice and the machining seems to be top class which inspires confidence!

As I've got the cylinders now I've been able to detail the 3d model to get the wheelbase and position for the cylinders. I've added crank weights to the model and some rivet detail from the Kerr Stuart drawing the loco is based on!

Here's how it's shaping up so far:

Reid · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:39 am Post subject:

This is so cool. Welcome from a loco-curious newbie to steam modeling.

With much admiration for your do-it and learn courage,
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Reid

alan2525 · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:26 am Post subject:

The great thing about Mamod's is that you can buy all of the upgrade parts from pps models, that way they really lend themselves to home builders as you can buy as much or as little as you need and make the rest!