Tales from the Brass Monkey Series 1 - Mamod SL1

[Brassmonkey]

Me again...

So, it looks like I've caught the bug...
I can't leave this SL1 alone. I think that I've paid around £150 for a lemon, but I'm really hoping that I can make a nice example of what I have.
This has probably been done a thousand times, but I have been inspired by reading many of the restoration stories on this forum. It's all your fault!
Here goes...

So far I have started stripping the loco down and I'm already up against seized bolts and screws (of course you are, Tim. It's made of Britishinium). New sight glass and seals ordered, along with high pressure valve, water top up valve and 3 wick meths burner. I've invested in it now,so need to see it through.
I haven't decided on how far I'll go with modification as yet, but if I enjoy this and all works out ok, who knows?

Tim

[Brassmonkey]

I'm also wondering if she's an SL1 or an SL1K...

How do you tell the difference? I can only assume it's the large amount of cheeshead bolts as opposed to rivets, perhaps?

Also looks like the sightglass plate is held in with bolts instead of rivets, indicating that there is a tapped insert on the boiler for them. Could this be a point of weakness? Would it be advisable to seal them in with plumbers solder?

I'm even wondering if it's worth fiddling with the boiler or just buying a replacement?

Lots of questions at the moment!

[Old Man Aaron]

I believe the black Sl1s were the kit locos, the green ones being factory assembled.

As for the boiler, I once knew but can't remember..
I do know for a fact though, you'll find the answer within this subforum!

[Andrew]

I believe the black Sl1s were the kit locos, the green ones being factory assembled.

As for the boiler, I once knew but can't remember..
I do know for a fact though, you'll find the answer within this subforum!

Yep, I agree that the black ones were the kits.

And I think I recall that the sight glass was a weak spot that you'd sometimes read about. I guess lots were fine though? Mine was ok (it had plenty else wrong with it!) - if it ain't broke???

Good luck with it. I haven't run my Mamod in years, but I'd never part with it!

Andrew.

[Brassmonkey]

So... I have found manual for the SL Kit online and I can confirm that this is a kit built loco (as you said).

It turns out that the piece of metal held in place with/hidden behind a tonne of black mastik is actually a reflector for the sightglass.
Loco now disassembled and undergoing a jolly good clean...

[Brassmonkey]

Some nice new bits arrived from Dream Steam today...

A 3 wick meths burner

A high pressure safety valve

A water top-up valve...

Can't wait to get everything put back together for a test!

Bought some high temperature Matt black paint for the boiler/smokebox assembly today. I guess tomorrow's job is stripping off the old paint!

Cheers,
Tim

[dougrail]

How did it go? Dream Steam seem to have streamlined their upgrades range, but Evans Steam Services have taken up the goodwill of Roy Wood Models, so we have Janet parts on supply still.