The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum

WillH · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:08 pm Post subject: Cheddar Tram revisited

Greetings to all!

I’m new to this forum and live steam in general! Played with trains all my life-but not live steam. In the last couple years I have assembled two kits Roundhouse, ‘Billy’ and Katie’, also have a ‘Fowler”. My location is near Cottonwood, CA USA. That’s my history.

My post:

A nice little incomplete Cheddar Tram came into my possession. It’s not damaged and does not appear to have been steamed! Missing a cab and manual. Wish I could post pictures. I can email them to someone if they would post for me – I have an iMac, which makes it interesting, not much software support.

I would like a copy of the operating manual for the Cheddar Tram. Water level information, etc., would be fantastic!

Also, I can’t understand how the displacement oiler functions. I am very familiar with displacement oilers. There is no way to drain the water! Does one need to suck the water out of the oiler and then re-fill with oil?

There is a servo installed. How does the direction and throttle combination work? Will RCS work as a radio control unit? If so, how is it wired to operate a single dual function control unit?

The Cheddar Tram is actually very well made! Not a Roundhouse, but it looks like a fun engine to complete and run. I attempted contact with Stuart Models but they didn’t respond! I was actually thinking about one of their engines. Not too sure now! In any event I would appreciate any help, suggestions or general comments regarding my Cheddar Tram project!

Best,

WillH

Les · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:21 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the forum from Bournemouth.

Cannot help you with much, except the displacement oiler does need emptying and re-filling after each steam. You will need a small syringe with a long needle to empty it.
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Les · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:25 pm Post subject:

This thread might be of some interest to you.

http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/viewtopic.php?t=8159&start=0
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steamyjim · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

I don't have the instructions for the Tram but i have the insutructions for an Iver somwhere. Basicly thre same boiler and chassis

If i can find them ill scan them

I generally run my Iver with the boiler 3/4 full at the start.

You need a syringe with a long needle to empty the lubricator as Les says

Im not sure how the servo is wired up, but you only do need 1 servo

It has a rotary valve (on Iver it does anyway) a bit like the old Mamod locos

Aye Cheddar Models engines are beutiful and very well made!

Hope this helps.

Anything else about Cheddar Engines ask as im quite knowledgable with them. Very freindly with the people who used to run it
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CCairns · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 6:13 pm Post subject:

Great to see another member with a Cheddar Tram.

IndianaRog · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 6:22 pm Post subject:

Hi Will, welcome aboard from Indiana, USA. I see our resident Cheddar experts are already responding to your questions. That is the beauty of this forum, there is usually someone (or ten) who can answer such questions on most anything toy steam related.

cheers,
Roger
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WillH · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 6:34 pm Post subject:

Thank you gentlemen!

That was quick! You are indeed a very friendly group!

Les, thanks for the oiler info – I was afraid of that! Think I’ll drill a hole in the bottom then silver solder in a drain valve. I did read CCains posting regarding his Tram, copied it as a matter of fact. His Tram is much more complete than mine. I just have the boiler and frame as a complete unit. Nothing else……

Steamyjim, thank you.. It would be great to have some documentation on the engine. That’s kinda what I was hoping to get from Stuart Models. Anyhoo, I’m looking forward to getting the ole’gal running.

Chris, geeze you guys at too fast for me! As I was posting a reply and you answered. I'm going to send you an email with photos of my little project.

Best,

Will

CCairns · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 6:58 pm Post subject:

I've just scanned the Iver instructions but need some time to format them. Must stop for a Dinner break but will put them in the library, and some more info in this posting shortly.

CCairns · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:42 pm Post subject:

OK, got half of the instructions ready to upload. Just taking a break from using MS Paint to clean up the rest. If you have not found my Cheddar Iver it is here - http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/about4942.html

The Tram uses a modified Iver boiler, basically a shorter chimney with the exhaust steam pipe being a side entry, and a vacuum relief valve. The Iver boilers had a steam valve fitted on the later models, and this could be fitted to earlier models. This was used to shut off the steam supply at the end of a run to prevent sucking up the oil, etc from the lubricator/engine, but it also was used to restrict the supply of steam to the cylinders to stop the characteristic Mamod runaway tendencies that the early Ivers could suffer from (referred to as Low Flying Ivers on another online Forum).

With the demise of Cheddar we now have the Iver re-released by Stuart Models, so a possible source of spares, but at a high price. There is one ex-Cheddar employee who is a seller on ebay, but only small items like 'O' rings, oil, etc. His ID is clevedonsteam on ebay.uk

Look out for the Iver Instructions in the Steam Reference Library hopefully later tonight.

WillH · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 4:18 pm Post subject:

Chris,

Looking forward to seeing the written word. Is there an archive location on this forum for posting information?

Finally, have all the rust, and years of not so good storage, cleaned away and everything is smooth as silk. These Cheddars really are well made!

Hopefully, I will be able to try the Cheddar on compressed air tomorrow! I know just pucker up and blow…….

Best,

Will

CCairns · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 5:55 pm Post subject:

WillH · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 6:09 pm Post subject:

Chris!

Wow, that is great. Have the info printed off, will digest it later today. I certainly do appreciate your efforts - Thank you!

Best,

Will

WillH · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 4:39 am Post subject:

First little headache. There is a collar over the piston rod packing. It will not stay in place. There are no threads. There is nothing to secure the collar to the steam cylinder. So, how does one keep the collar in place? I thought about just a light dimple with a center punch…. hate to hammer on the ole gal. Is there a better way? What do you guys do?

Best,

Will

Nick · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 5:52 am Post subject:

from Minnesota!

Pictures would be very helpful.

Les · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:01 am Post subject: