Idiot's Guide to Steaming Needed

I am reaching the completion of my 2” Burrell only 9 years after I first started back in 2007! It runs successfully on air but with a few leaks that are difficult to locate exactly. I filled the tender and boiler for the first time today and lit my first fire. This was just to find my way around the engine as I don’t really know what I am doing. Does anyone have any links to an instructional video for the STW Burrell. I have STW's notes but really need an idiot’s guide pointing out each step and each control, valve, etc. Also, things like how to check each element is working properly.

I keep meaning to do one for the 4", which is the same as the 2" just a bit bigger, trouble is its unlikely to happen for a while

Are there any specifics you're concerned about ? or is it all of it ??

Hi, you can always go back to STW and they will help you steam your engine for the first time. When I started my build, I went to STW and was told, as a part of your build, they will happily be happy for you to take your completed engine back to them, for first steaming.
It might be your best option, as your not sure what you are doing.

Charlie

As they say on Blue Peter.

"Here's one I prepared earlier" 

Thanks for your comments. I completed most of the build a number of years ago so have forgotten quite a bit about some the inner workings. It would great if there was a video for us newbies, something like the following:

- identify the main controls and what they do
- walk around the engine identifying other main components and their purpose
- how to fill tender and boiler, how to identify when tender is full or empty?
- how to set the various valves and controls (and why) before lighting up
- lighting up and building steam
- how to check if each component is working, e.g. injector, check valves, lubricator, pump, lifter
- what to watch out for once steaming and how to keep topped up, etc.
- boiler and safety valve test example
- how to shut the engine down and empty ready for storage

I found this video on a loco which is exactly the kind of thing I think would be great for us STW builders.

https://youtu.be/z1j68cgqagA

I know I'm needy ;-) If there isn't anything available, but someone could help with some details, I could probably make a video.

P.S. Is there anyway to know if the Check Valves are open or closed without disassembling them? I put them on a while back and can't remember how I set them?!

I was going to suggest your video Lynn but I did wonder if it didnt give enough detail.

If it was earlier in the year I'd have put something together but its a bit late in the year, but I think I'll put it on my todo list for next year.

Another suggestion is find someone close by with an engine and ask if they would show you round it, its a shame you are 90 odd miles away from me as I'd gladly show you round it and pop some coal in it. I'd think there must be a 4" or 2" owner up round the bucks/berks area who could assist.
Or what about popping down to the High Wycombe club http://hwmec.webplus.net/ as they shouldnt be too far from you.

Thanks again. I'll take a detailed look at Lynn's video and go again at the weekend if the weather allows! I just want to raise a bit of steam to identify the leaks, then once I get the main ones sorted I'll contact STW for some help.

Brilliant video there Lynn.
I too would love to see a video that explains what everything does as I too am a complete novice and learning as I go along ,perhaps Stw or someone would consider putting on a morning or day of instruction,I would sign up immediately.
Now there's something to think about.

John.

Try to get hold of a copy of "The modern manual for drivers of road steam vehicles" by Michael Salmon, published in 1967. The was written as the traction engine movement was getting underway, an excellent book and most of the contents transfers to miniatures, or there is Model Traction Engine Construction by John Haining.
Or there is your local Model Engineering Club / society.

NTET's code of practice makes for a good worth while read http://www.ntet.co.uk/owners-drivers/code-of-practice/

While its aimed at full size, its easy to scale it to miniatures.