Cylinder Blocks

The latest batch of cylinder blocks were completed on the machines last night. After 5 weeks solid work 5 of the 15 ended up in the scrap bin!!! Heartbreaking to say the least!!!

We intend to send them of for impregnation today which normally has a relatively quick turn around before final testing in house and then despatching.

I will update everyone further once I've spoken to the impregnation company for a estimate of when we are likely to have them back.

All the best

Dean

Are there no other tests that can be performed before machining commences, to help cut down on the massive failure rate?
Can't imagine how frustrated you must be after all that machine time
Is it the same type of failure on the casting, or are they being "ditched" for different reasons?
Regards,
Tony

I've not had much to do with them but if im right, the problem for these five was in the area of one of the steam chests and only came to light after a certain point in the machining. as the machining is set up to follow a certain sequence it is necessary to "suck it and see" to a certain degree. also i don't believe we have had this problem before. possibly something to do with one of the inner cores being out of position.

steve may know more

I read a while back that Porshe scrap 1 in 3 of their engine blocks after machining & testing so STW are matching Porshe in that regard.

Cylinder blocks are ready and will be in the post today!!

My wife is collecting mine as she is already on her way to Sonic45's (noisy??) house to collect the finished belly tank - no sleep this week then as its Chipping Steam Rally at the weekend!!

Brian

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Hi everybody I haven't been on here for a while, just reading about these blocks, don't no how to check my block as I haven't got anywhere near finishing my engine yet, what shall I do wait till my engine is finished and see if its all ok or try check it now some how? If I wait til the end will I be able to swap it ok with traction world? Many thanx mike some great engines coming on well done to everybody there all looking good

Hi does anybody no how I can check my block before its in steam?

It seems that the problem with the blocks has shown itself when the engine is first steamed, so presumably the steam pressure is needed to "test" the cylinder block. As has been pointed out, the "fault" might be possible to see, if you look into the exhaust port & see if there is any "cracks" from the steam passage the comes up from the boiler.
I don't imagine there will be any issues if you have a faulty cylinder, STW have proved to be very honorable when parts have had "issues"
Regards,
Tony

Hi tony thank u for getting back, many thanx mike

Hi Mike,

Sorry if I'm incorrect but aren't you a single cylinder customer rather than a Road Loco or Showman's?

All the best

Dean

Hi dean
I'm a road loco builder sorry I haven't had many kits lately I been a busy boy and Im gonna b a dad again and now I've got all the stuff ie cot pram and all the rest, I might be able to get some more kits now so hopefully I will be in contact soon
Many thanx mike

Cylinder block now fitted and tested last night - yipppeeeeee!!!!!!!!!

Well done Brian, can't imagine the relief now it's all systems go again!!

Regards,
Tony