coal fired tram

[bessytractor]

I've finally got this project in hand.  Basically its a coal fired steam tram with a double acting twin cylinder ossy engine and a vertical boiler.  I built a chassis out of K&S brass but I kept changing ideas as to how to do it, by the time I finished it looked dreadful so I've put it to one side for something else and I have CAD'd up a tab and slot chassis for my favourite laser cutter to get cut for me.  The boiler has been built (not by me I should point out, its far too good a job for that!) and the engine exists.  All the chassis will require is the holes drilling and then silver soldering together and some axle bushes made up, then it will be a very short step away from being a working engine. I've got the necessary Essel wheels and flycranks already.

[ACLR]

that looks like a very interesting project there. Look forward to seeing more

[Mr ACME]

I've finally got this project in hand.  Basically its a coal fired steam tram with a double acting twin cylinder ossy engine and a vertical boiler.  I built a chassis out of K&S brass but I kept changing ideas as to how to do it, by the time I finished it looked dreadful so I've put it to one side for something else and I have CAD'd up a tab and slot chassis for my favourite laser cutter to get cut for me.  The boiler has been built (not by me I should point out, its far too good a job for that!) and the engine exists.  All the chassis will require is the holes drilling and then silver soldering together and some axle bushes made up, then it will be a very short step away from being a working engine.  I've got the necessary Essel wheels and flycranks already.

I like the boiler. I've built gas fired vertical boilers before, but would like to try my hand at a coal fired one. How and where does the blower pipe from the exhaust fit? How many fire tubes are there and what diameters, please? Was it built to your design, or a published one by somebody else? Do any drawings exist and if so would it be possible to have a copy, please?

Thanks

Mike Ousby.

[bessytractor]

FOR PETE'S SAKE


I've just recieved the laser cut chassis parts and the buffer beams are the only correct bits on it. The footplate and main frames are 25% odd too small! This renders them completely useless. I've sent a less than impressed email.

[Mr ACME]

FOR PETE'S SAKE


I've just recieved the laser cut chassis parts and the buffer beams are the only correct bits on it.  The footplate and main frames are 25% odd too small!  This renders them completely useless.  I've sent a less than impressed email.

I bet you're not happy with that.

BTW if you feel the need at any time to sell it on, please let me know.

Best

Mike Ousby

[bessytractor]

FOR PETE'S SAKE


I've just recieved the laser cut chassis parts and the buffer beams are the only correct bits on it.  The footplate and main frames are 25% odd too small!  This renders them completely useless.  I've sent a less than impressed email.

I bet you're not happy with that.

BTW if you feel the need at any time to sell it on, please let me know.

Best

Mike Ousby

I shan't be selling it, its a project I really want to finish. Btw you asked about the boiler, its basically this one, all dimensions are in the article:

http://www.16mm.org.uk/newsite/publicat ... 42coal.pdf

its been modded a touch. For example the valve bushes are now in the top of the boiler instead of the barrel, as this affords a touch more water space, which is a bit important on a boiler this size.

[Mr ACME]

FOR PETE'S SAKE


I've just recieved the laser cut chassis parts and the buffer beams are the only correct bits on it.  The footplate and main frames are 25% odd too small!  This renders them completely useless.  I've sent a less than impressed email.

I bet you're not happy with that.

BTW if you feel the need at any time to sell it on, please let me know.

Best

Mike Ousby

I shan't be selling it, its a project I really want to finish.  Btw you asked about the boiler, its basically this one, all dimensions are in the article:

http://www.16mm.org.uk/newsite/publicat ... 42coal.pdf

its been modded a touch.  For example the valve bushes are now in the top of the boiler instead of the barrel, as this affords a touch more water space, which is a bit important on a boiler this size.

Thanks for your help.

I'd forgotten about that article.

Thanks

Mike Ousby

[bessytractor]

well here's where we are currently as of this week. The chassis exists in its entirity and the boiler has been kitted out with valves for the blower and throttle. Its also gained a gauge glass. These fittings came from Sandown Model Engineering show where I was helping run the 16mm layout for the Guildford Model Engineers. I paid Polly Models a visit and took advantage of the fact they were selling boiler fittings on their stand. The boiler has had a working pressure test (60 psi) hydraulically and its all hunky dory, with only minor weeping on the top gauge glass fitting where it goes into the boiler, I'm going to steam it before getting a club ticket in the hope that scale will seal it up completely.

next job, making it go!

[Sir haydn]

Dont rely on scale to seal joints. use a fiber washer to pack the joint or use some PTFE tape on the treads to seal it.

[Dr. Bond of the DVLR]

Looking good although I think you may want to consider running it on a larger gauge....

[bessytractor]

Dont rely on scale to seal joints. use a fiber washer to pack the joint or use some PTFE tape on the treads to seal it.

well its literally the tiniest of drips, I suspect it will take up under steam.

[TonyW]

well its literally the tiniest of drips, I suspect it will take up under steam.

Errrr... no. It will probably get worse. As SirH suggests, some PTFE tape or a fibre washer will sort it out.

[bessytractor]

well its literally the tiniest of drips, I suspect it will take up under steam.

Errrr... no. It will probably get worse. As SirH suggests, some PTFE tape or a fibre washer will sort it out.

I shall rectify this!

[bessytractor]

Latest update, the locos on its wheels and the engine has been reassembled and bolted on. The frames have been welded together. Outstanding jobs before I can put a fire in it are to plumb the steam line to the engine, and to connect the blower pipe to its valve. The transmission also needs to have its bearings made but I'd be happy to run the engine disconnected if I got the plumbing done first. We shall see! I got that gauge glass dribble sealed with PTFE tape.

[MTA]

I use PTFE Cord rather than the tape. It is more expensive, but I find you use less of it plus a better seal as it goes into the pitch rather than over the thread.

[bessytractor]

a good tip! I shall try to order some at some point!

[DaveWatkins]

A slice of silicon rubber tube makes a good seal for water gauge glass. Slip a length of silicon rubber tube over an odmment of of bar. Hold the bar in lathe chuck and cut off neat rings with a sharp knife as the bar spins.

[bessytractor]

A slice of silicon rubber tube makes  a good seal for water gauge glass. Slip a length of silicon rubber tube over an odmment of of bar. Hold the bar in lathe chuck and cut off neat rings with a sharp knife as the bar spins.

luckily the gauge came with those Dave, but thanks anyway. The leak was where the fitting screws into the boiler but its all gravy now.

[bessytractor]

after a little hiatus, I decided to get on with it. Went down the railway last night with my best mate before we hit the beer, and I did some silver soldering on both my engine and one of his.

The result:



I ran it on air and it was not brilliant to say the least. Nontheless I persevered and put a TE1a spirit burner under it as a test steaming to see what happened. (yes I know thats a Mamod loco burner under it in the picture, I swapped it soon after for a tractor one!).



The fire was lit:



And it ran straight off first time! Seems to prefer steam to air tenfold.



All it needs now is its transmission finishing off which is about half done. It ran ok on meths but not enough to keep it going, but its looking extremely promising, with a coal fire in the firebox it should be a really good steamer.

[SillyBilly]

That's looking pretty grand.