Mikes Road loco

👍just starting to think about what shows the engine wil be going to this year, I think my tractors might have to be put up for sale so I can spend al the time with priscilla

Only steam related thing I have not seen yet as far as I can tell is the blower valve and pipework. Need to dig around one of the boxes as it has quite a lot of brass and copper in it. The pipe and valve might be in there.

Not seen the steam lifter assembly either but it is not critical to getting to steam testing stage.

Hi Lynnr, this is a very interesting build/finishing snag list you showing, It would be great if you do a video clip of the first steaming it would show engine coming to life if pos.,How does the start valve work, is it directing steam into the LP side, also could you tell me the voltage & amps the generator can put out when under load on your engine just curious.
I see you have snow we just get rain & more rain over here
regards mick

Yes Mike. Get rid of those new fangled diesel infernal combustion noisy machines and stick with tried and tested steam technology.

I hope to have video of the first steaming sessions. Might even get round to post production narration etc.

I am also pleased folks are finding the thread interesting and enjoyable. Passing 5000 views in 3 weeks. Not bad going.

Mick. The start button puts boiler pressure steam straight in to the LP valve chest totally bypassing the regulator and HP passage. Used primarily to turn the crank off dead centre on the HP side. No requirement to palm the flywheel. It can also be used to nudge the engine if moving in tight quarters or as I do reversing on to the wagons to hitch up. Some people use it on hills for extra power as it makes the larger LP piston act as a HP. But that will put a strain on the crank.

The Dynamo volts are dictated by engine rpm. I aim for just under 12v. All the lights on the current draw is around 27 to 30 Amps and Crystal is notched right back with only a tickle of regulator open.

I am guessing that's not an STW lubricator? Where is it from? I was kind of hoping STW would improve theirs as the writing on the side being in the Solidworks default font really bugs me. (I am sad and like fonts to be correct!)

Great work Lynn!

Hi CriX

The lubricator is from R.A Barker

More progress. Little backwards work then managed to go forward again.

Got the starter button finished up now the O ring arrived. Had to thread the bar longer then cut a bit off to get the balance for the lever closed position.



Next it was on to the reverser lever. Wondered why it would not move and upon taking apart for inspection.



Looks like the platers dipped the lever as a single unit and did not take apart. Just like the piston covers.

Now fitted and functional. Just need to measure the mid gear, full forward and full back before cutting slots in the quadrant.





Lubricator pipework fitted with the non return valve put in the correct way.



Regulator puck fully fitted and set.



Got a couple problems to solve with replacement parts needed but otherwise I am getting there.

I think I may confidently state that the patient will live.

Also fitted the motion drip tray but no picture as black on black in the dark.

Your getting there Lynn well done, more fitted looks really good

Nothing exciting to photograph this morning but that is the mech pump clack valve thread recut and pipework fitted.

New feral on the end of the water feed pipe as the original bit too damaged to rescue.

Hi Lynn what have I told u about working on a Sunday

Progress and it is not Sunday!

Making up oil pots



Damper rod pin fitted. This took over a hour due to having to remove the water pump and a very stubborn bolt where you could only get 1/2 a flat at a time.



Brakes on





Oil pots on the eccentrics.



The oil pots for the big ends and cross slides are currently AWOL.

Water pump clacks fitted now the thread is correct. Thanks STW for the loan of die.



Gauge glass cut and fitted.



That is it for today. Need to go food shopping this afternoon.

Good progress Lynn well done really happy with what I'm seeing

Hi Everyone. I'm back!

Progress in reverse again.

What's missing?




Oh it's the belly tank



The tank as been installed without the modified brackets. So too close to the cleading and does not give enough space to fit or remove the front wash out plugs.

So parts needed from STW towers.

I dribbled a bit of oil in to the bearings and eccentrics and palmed the flywheel. She is easing up so looking good for running in once in steam.

Had some fun with the dog before the snow melts fully away. This is about 1/5 of what we had on Sunday.

Hi Lynn good to see you back, more problems then, sorry , more snow there then it's nice here today, so we might get a fire in it then

I had to adjust the bracket anyway because it wouldnt fit I don't no if u have seen that lynn

No worries Milke. Most of the modified parts are on their way.

lynnr wrote:

Someones been playing with a drone eh

What! Who me?

Box of goodies arrived from Steam Traction World. Hope to have Pricilla steam tight this weekend. Well let's say as steam tight as first test firing would expect.

My face just lit up Lynn reading that wish I was there to see it but let's just keep fingers cross there ain't many issues with it

I'm looking forward to one of Lynns great videos of the lighting up and first steaming

No pressure Lynn

Excuse the pun

Yes the GoPro and Canon EOS5D Mark 2 will be fully charged and on duty.

I will see what we get. Not enough room to fly the drone for high level shots.

I did go fishing this morning and dragged a few good lumps of swarf out of the boiler. Any that is left now will soon stick in place and even if it does not will not cause any concern.

If all goes well it will be a steam to 50psi and hold for couple hours. If time then permits rising up to 100psi for a while before, if we are lucky, run up to full pressure. Cornflake packets and spanners at the ready.

Filling holes and cleaning threads out!

If I help build another engine I think I will charge £5 per thread cleaned.

Good progress. Some very large holes filled and a few smaller ones.
Mike. Have you got the name and number plates for the valve covers as not in the kit. Think you have to request them as comes with your choice of engine number on one.

That is all the holes in the foundation ring area filled.



Also took of the blowdown valve and changed from the blanking plate to a couple washers. The reason being it removes contact with the horn plates in case they move and put strain on the brass of the blowdown. Also got it pointing in a better direction as well.



More potting. Big ends and valve spindles. Just waiting for the slide oilers now. If it comes to it I don't think Crystal will mind me borrowing hers for testing purposes.




Water lifter valve fitted.



Blower valve fitted.



Can you spot what is wrong with the governor?








Nice try on the spring.



Correct way now.



LP valve chest buttoned up. Temporary screw to fill the holes for the maker plates.





HP valve chest buttoned up.





Blower pipe fitted.




Chimney back on with some sealant on the joint.

I think put the rear wheels back on and fill her up. she might be ready for a test firing.

Tonight's activity.

Lapping