Garden Railway Forum

The simplistic answer is 12% more area, 12% more steam so 12% more water, since the stroke is unchanged. The real world isn't that simple. Bigger piston are means less regulator opening is needed to achieve the same amount of power so reducing the figure of 12%. If your pump performance is marginal,...

Hi I'm looking at Thermacure High Temperature paint as listed on ebay, Item number:150451365544 This is available in 22 colours. I grant some would look pretty unusual on a steam loco but there are a couple of reds, a green and the expected blacks, that look useful. I'm minded to try one to paint th...

I think, also, that the inside frames on the front engine provide more room for the larger low pressure cylinders to fit within the loading gauge.

Mike

To shove my three-ha'porth in, do use the by-pass set up. Full size Avelings use a shut off valve in the suction pipe to control the pump and all the ones I've driven have been absolute pigs. The major problem is always to get the pump to lift again after it's been turned off. The pump has been runn...

I've spent a chunk of the evening helping my son with his Roundhouse Bertie. He wanted to strip it down to do some work on it. Easy enough if it was as it was when it left Roundhouse. However, it's been professionally improved. Also not a problem judging by the photos I've seen when just completed. ...

I'm happy to have found this thread, directed to it by Dan himself after looking at his next version at Elsecar yesterday. Can I just expand a little on the 180° setting for the cranks. This is totally correct for two single acting cylinders. However, before someone has the idea of coupling the whee...

Bending together round a former is a goog idea. However, even if the rail is soft to start with, it will work harden as you bend it. Best to bend it part way, until you feel it start to go hard, then anneal it. if that sounds difficult, don't worry. It means heat to a dull red( in subdued light ) th...

Thanks guys, I'll try the craft knife/prise off approach. It would seem there is less risk of damage to the tank side than I'd have thought. I'll report back once I've done the deed, which won't be till the cab is finished. I'd like to keep the engine smart until the outdoor season is more or less o...

Does anyone have a neat way of removing Roundhouse makers plates? I have a Millie that I intend to repaint after making a cab and, if it's possible, I would rather remove the plates from the tank sides rather than mask and paint round them. Asking around, the suggestion is that they are fixed with e...

Hi Graeme Thanks for the clarification. I'll give the circuit a try as soon as I get a repair to a different loco out of the way. I take your point about that being what happens when you check your own drawing. My background is in mechanical engineering rather than electrical or electronic but I was...

Hi Thanks for the reply. You wouldn't believe what I can get a burning smell from. I started years ago by blowing the electricity board fuse with a shorted out transformer - long story :roll: I understand the way resistors, etc are described nowadays. My query related to the apparent discrepancies b...

Hi I can more or less follow how the variable speed circuit works (electronics aren't my thing!!) but can't reconcile the circuit diagram and the component list. I think I know which value resistor goes where but since I'm coming from a position of ignorance I'd prefer your clarification to a smell ...