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Post by IronMan on May 14, 2004 9:16:54 GMT -5
Hey guys,
I just received my copy of live steam for may, june. I quickly looked throught it 2 articles of note Guest editorial by Jim Leggett and In shop talk " Pennsy switcher boiler construction- Try, Try again. by Ed Hume really worth reading for those intending on making a boiler. Happy Reading.
Cheers,
IronMan
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Post by Jamie Harris on May 14, 2004 10:34:26 GMT -5
Definately, that was a good article. All of these boiler pictures and articles lately are making me want to buy a bunch of copper sheet and a new torch. Making tender trucks suddenly isn't as much fun...
Jamie
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Post by IronMan on May 15, 2004 8:26:15 GMT -5
Yes, I have that feeling also. However I may skip a few chapters and start on the boiler , since it is a big job I am going to spread it over a long period of time, nice and easy. Sometimes you hit a wall while doing something, so a change is good, plus it gives you incentive to "get there" quicker.  How are those trucks coming along? I have not seen any updates on your site for a while? are you putting the project on hold for the summer? Regards, IronMan |
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Post by Jamie Harris on May 17, 2004 8:09:31 GMT -5
Well, I have to admit that the race car and house projects have been taking precedence over the A3. I might get a chance to go into the shop a few nights this week. Hopefully that will happen and i'll get some pictures up on my website soon.
Jamie
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Post by IronMan on May 17, 2004 18:24:32 GMT -5
Hey Jamie,
You should post some pictures of your race car, I for one, would like to see it. I am going to spring the trucks this week, I will post pictures once that is done.
Have fun,
IronMan ;D
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Post by patyoung on May 17, 2004 21:56:47 GMT -5
Hi Ironman,
Thanks for the heads up on the Live Steam issue.
I went an got a copy and it pointed out the mistake
that I have read on other web pages. Silver soldering
is tough and getting it perfect on all the joints of a
boiler is tougher. This does not bode well for my
recent purchase of some non-cadium silver solder that
Kozo recommended. Wonder what brand the author bought...
Still think that Muggyweld still may be the way
to go (see my reply post to Ironman's copper bending
message). I'll contact them for more info about buying
additional flux, reheating options, what sizes it comes
in, etc.
Good metal bashing
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Post by IronMan on May 18, 2004 7:24:19 GMT -5
Hello Pat,
I took me a while to find, but I purchased the Easyflow 45 that Kozo recomends, its got cadmium in it. I used it to solder the columns , it worked real nice. WHen the times comes to solder the boiler I will used good ventilation, and probably a mask. I will of course make a few tests before I tackle the boiler, but I must admit I am really itching to try it out. Ever thought of starting with that if you want to cut your teeth on something diferent?
Cheers,
IronMan ;D
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Post by Jamie Harris on May 18, 2004 7:27:45 GMT -5
Hey Ironman, you inspired me. I spent about 3 hours in the shop last night working on the A3. I turned the second of 4 tender truck axles, and worked a bit more on the tender frame laying out lines, etc. I might get a chance to work tonight also, if I do i'll take some pictures and post them to my site.
On another note, I was thinking of putting up pictures of some of my other projects on that site. I'll see if I can post a pic or two of the racecar.
Jamie
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Post by IronMan on May 18, 2004 7:49:12 GMT -5
Hey Jamie,
Glad I could inspire you, anytime you have done it enough for me ! That is why I like this forum, but we need more pictures, I just uploaded a picture of my near completed truck in the Yahoo group. Take a look and let me know what you think, I am looking forward to seeing your updates.
Have a nice day ;D
IronMan
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Post by Jamie Harris on May 18, 2004 8:05:32 GMT -5
Wow, that tender truck looks really nice. Did you polish it before taking the picture? Nice work!
Now that I have a pair of axles done I can make the bolsters for that truck and assemble them for good. I think they'll look good with a coat of paint on them. Now I am really looking forward to working in the shop tonight.
Jamie
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Post by IronMan on May 18, 2004 8:54:39 GMT -5
Thanks for the compliment,I cleaned it up a little, but I am not finished yet you can still see the toolmarks on one of the journals, I dont have a milling machine so I must find other ways to do things. I only do the finishing when all is in working order,I painted the wheels red, because I needed to locktite them, I am not satisfied with my efforts, I am looking into Powder coating. I installed 12 springs like Kozo suggests, but I need to do some test on that, I weigh 200 #, plus the tender, ( which I am making out of copper and brass ) water, fuel, etc etc. I may need to add another series of springs. I may have more pics by the end of the day, depends on how things work out!!
Cheers,
Ironman ;D
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Post by Bluechips on May 23, 2004 2:49:47 GMT -5
Hi
I am new to this forum. I am following your progress eagerly. Kozo recommends building the tender first in order to gain the skills necessary for success later on. Silver soldering a copper pressure vessel is not a hit or miss willy nilly anything goes task, but requires a finely honed skillset that is beyond the present experience of most if not all of us. Before you begin this task, go and get some copper pipe and fittings from the hardware store and "practice" with your flux and solder first. I predict this will be a humbling experience. A couple of years ago my boss came to me in great frustration. It seems that code changes required a new type of solder in plumbing. He had spent the better part of the week soldering and resoldering pipe connections for the new bathroom and couldn't get them leakproof. The pipe and fittings are made to decent tolerances for soldering. We discovered a number of things necessary for that task. The new solder was about 6% silver and cadmium free. I think it is that cadmium free part that caused most of the problem. In boiler making we also have to make the formers that shape the copper and form the close tolerance fits needed for a leakproof joint. A cautious approach is best. Maybe we can collaborate in making our boilers. I think it would be easier to redesign the boiler in steel for welding. All the above is my experience and opinion.
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Post by IronMan on May 23, 2004 10:37:14 GMT -5
Hello Bluechips,
Welcome aboard the more the merrier they say!
I have bought the Easyflow 45 That Kozo suggests in his book, it is also suggested in other boiler making books. We have discussed their value in another post. I will try to get my hands on the one by K.N. Harris.
I have certainly the intention of practicing silver soldering extensivly before I do the boiler, or till I feel I am ready, or depending on how much patience I have, or how much I cant wait to get to it!!
Like you said it will certainly be a humbling experience, but it has been done before, I also would like to think I have an advantage I am a golfer ;D
I already have some experience with the copper forming, also if you notice the pieces for the boiler are machine on the outside to achieve a good fit.
What are you intending to build? in what scale? Have you done anything previously? If you got pictures we would like to see them.
Cheers,
IronMan
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Post by Bluechips on May 23, 2004 15:25:27 GMT -5
Ironman I have it from an excellent source that golf is the most humbling experience known to man! ;D I am going to start the 3/4 inch A3 soon. I have worked on a 3/4 inch Hudson that was hoplessly botched down to the frames and axelboxes(journals). I have to get nearer to completion of the sailboat project first! I will probably also begin on the 1 1/2 A3 also. My equipment will make light work of it all. I'm just up to my tail in alligators with other things right now. One bit of advice to us all- Don't be afraid to slow down a bit, and spend a little time in the "moaning chair". That is where we figure our way out of the mistakes. Marcus PS. I don't have any pictures cause I'm not that computer literate yet! I am waiting for my seconc childhood so as to catch up to my kids!  |
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Post by IronMan on May 24, 2004 19:17:05 GMT -5
Hello Marcus,
IN the Shay Book Kozo's 1.5 scale boiler is out of steel. In the A3 its copper, I only have those 2 books at the present but I think it would be a big help to have them all. Because it seems someone is always quoting something from different books all the time. In the Shay he uses 6 " pipe probaly easy enough stuff to get our hands on. I am seriously thinking of making the boiler formers in steel, I will have them flame cut at work, machine what I can, and get the rest done. For sure the tube plate former will need to be made in steel, I have the copper for it already its .187 now there is going to be some bashing for sure ! I think I will end up with more than one boiler, maybe I will get rid of it, pennies for my milling perhaps?
I dont have a "moaning chair" It is more of a "reflection couch" where the lady who sits in the "moaning chair" and does it justice says that I study the inside of my brain. LOL ;D Now let me add with a touch of hummor that I am glad she is not reading this, I may find the courage to show it her one day, ( no time soon) LOL
Have a nice day
IronMan
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