Should I bring back H.G.Butler?

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

I have been toying with the idea of bringing my other Mamod loco, No.449 "H.G.Butler" back into service.
The reason why it is in preservation is because it is one of the Limited edition Golden Jubillee locos, and it is reaching 20 years old in december!
Here is a link to some pics of it:
http://dolwyddelanlightrail.webs.com/september09.htm
it is half way down the page onwards
When i last ran it (which was over 2 years ago now) it was leaking steam from everywhere, and it looked like it might need a major overhaul (new pistons etc)

[Dr. Bond of the DVLR]

Go for it! What I have found is that with about 3 locos at least one will be 'in the shops' at one time being modified, improved or fixed. So for more realiable services on your line it is advisable to have a back up loco!

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

I have taken the chassis off the main part of the body, and it looks like it is going to need new pistons (unless I can get into them to see why their so stiff even after lubrication), steam cascets, regulator, the lot!

[PCLR]

sounds like a great project hope it goes well

[DLRdan]

My advise if it is opne of the limeted edition locos is get it on ebay and let the collectors give you a rediculous amount of money











The get a Bertie

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

i would but i inherited it off my grandfather, and I have played with the loco ever since i was a young child, so I can't really do that

and i like it too much, cause it's always been a pain the a*se!

[mhlr]

Well what I would do, not saying you should, but I'd just leave it non-running, and use the money you would use to fix it up for something else, ie: save for a loco such as Bertie, Edrig or whatever perhaps second hand, or for use on the track and stock etc... You end up forking out a bl00dy fortune on Mamods as one thing you fix, leads to another breaking!

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

well, i'm trying to revive the existing bits, cause when i last ran it, it leaked from the pistons and regulator. I'm going to run her over half term (if i'm not building the railway) to see what she's like

[Hancockshire]

If you haven't run it before, it's advisable to replace some of the working parts e.g. Cylinders, reversing gear, steam & exhaust pipes

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

When i last ran it (which was over 2 years ago now) it was leaking steam from everywhere, and it looked like it might need a major overhaul (new pistons etc)

I have ran her before

[Endless, Nameless]

If you haven't run it before, it's advisable to replace some of the working parts e.g. Cylinders, reversing gear, steam & exhaust pipes

Why would that be advisable? Surely a better idea would be to try it/ check it over and see what needs replacing? You wouldn't buy a second hand car then replace all the electrical system, brakes, clutch, and steering mechanism without driving it/ checking them first would you?

[Hancockshire]

Why would that be advisable?

I know as a fact that Mamod's prefer to be run constantly (As I've found out with my Traction engine). The pipes could be full of s##t. Try putting vinegar in it & clean the pipes thoroughly. Cylinders & reversing gear are quite cheap so getting that mamod up & running should be easy. I mean, How hard can it be?

[Dr. Bond of the DVLR]

I think you may be missing the point. DLR wants to see what needs repairing/replacing first before spending any money on new parts- very wise in my books. I do suggest a make do and mend look on things where appropriate.
I look foreward to the progress

[Hancockshire]

I think you may be missing the point. DLR wants to see what needs repairing/replacing first before spending any money on new parts- very wise in my books. I do suggest a make do and mend look on things where appropriate.
I look foreward to the progress

That didn't stop me when I bought the track for my garden railway before I was allowed

[SillyBilly]

I know as a fact that Mamod's prefer to be run constantly

Not really the more often you run them the quicker you nacker them.

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

Not really the more often you run them the quicker you nacker them.

I do agree with you there, but mine are still running in almost!

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

An Update on the Overhaul:

I have decided to swap H.G.Butler's chassis with Britomarts (my "In service" loco") and fire Britomart up to see how the chassis takes it.

The main reason for doing this is because I have the actual side tanks and boiler perfectly clean ( compared to what she used to be) and Britomart has a better boiler capacity (i.e., higher safety valve, less leaks etc)

Here are some pics of her:



(Some of you may have seen a couple of these?)



This shows the swapped chassis better



This is the condition she's in now, and here's before:



This is what she was like before preservation!!!!!
One reason why I think she never performed that well is that I think the pistons havn't been worn in yet, because every time I seem to move the wheels, it gets easier and easier everytime (under compressed air)


I didn't manage to fire her over half term, so possibly I may go ahead when I'm home this weekend!

[Dr. Bond of the DVLR]

looks like good progress!

[ptlrcecil]

I mean, How hard can it be?  :roll:

Its a mamod dont say that.

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

Well, today I had a bit of time in the dying sun to run Britomart. I got a couple of vids, which are quite long and humorous(ish) so when I get the time I'll post them.