The locomotive almost works. The boiler works the fire works. I can get and maintain steam. Both units work on air but of course there are minor air leaks which prevent it actually running on steam. The radio control works.
There are a number of modifications I want to make:
- replace the ball joints which transmit the steam to the different units.
modify one of the valves on the front unit.
make sure the articulation is sufficient for 4ft 6inch radius curves.
replace the clack valve the one I have has never worked properly and move the clack valve so it is closer to the water pump.
change the water level indicator for an electronic one like in Linda.
This is a short video to give a flavour of the pump operating: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qsoyofz2jut5r ... 1.m4v?dl=0
A Weir pump has two valves one on top of the other. So it is more complicated than a cylinder to drive a locomotive. The upper valve is knocked across when the piston reaches the end of its travel. That makes the lower valve move (its pistons are in the extensions to the valve chamber), and that in turn controls the piston.
I have stripped it down (yet again) to work out what has happened.
I can see straight away that the valve faces are worn where the valve has been moving back and for.
I started out honing the faces and valves.
Then I stopped. I realised that it will just wear again. I need to rethink this.
Perhaps the valve is too small. hence the wear. It shouldn't be lubrication.
So Im giving this some thought!
Trevor