New boy on the block!

Sorry for the late reply, been waiting to get all the tubing together to fill up with water.

LiveSteam, I have replaced the plugs on the bottom of the boiler, there was another plug I took out of the smokebox, does it need to go back in also or is that the fusible plug you mention?

Thanks
Nigel

sorry to jump in:
yes, you need to install also the plug in the smokebox. The fusible plug is at the hottest part of the boiler, i.e. at the top of the firebox. Hope you've installed that already - else you would notice a massive leakage in the firebox as soon as you start to fill up the boiler .

Background: The fusible plug MUST be installed as it is kind of last line defence in case of low water level in the boiler. If the temperature at the firebox gets too hot - when there is no or not enough water on top of the firebox - the fusible plug will melt, thus releasing the steam pressure and killing the fire. Without it the firebox top plate would possibly be weakened to a point where it might loose its strength and release the pressure all of a sudden - google for steam locomotive boiler explosions.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Elwood

I'm surprised the build instructions dont go into what needs to go where and carrying out the first steaming, certainly the instructions for the 4" does have a reasonable run through of what needs to be done for steaming.

Sorry again had few days in the sun, while it lasted.
Thanks elwood and livesteam for your input, yes more informative instructions would help immensely.
Back to the plugs I fitted the fusible plug when I fitted the boiler, I assume that's what we are talking about but I fitted another plug in the smokebox which I thought was just to get it through the air test. Now found the old bag and it says Tubeplate Plug BU22115 on it, again sorry if I've confused everyone, do I need to replace this plug or leave it out?
Thanks Again
Nigel

Hi,

Cannot say for sure, as I only have the instructions for my 4“ DCC🤪. So I do not know which part BU22115 is, but judging from my instructions I would expect you would have 5 plugs plus the fusible plug. All must be in for pressure test or steaming. I used the smokebox plug to attach my air hose when running on air as a test. Later I replaced it with the normal plug and use Pied Piper like that ever since.

Hope this helps

Elwood

Thanks elwood it sounds like I should put it back in. I'll try and fill it with water tomorrow and god willing even might get some heat going. Wish me luck!

Nigel

Nigncoz wrote:Thanks elwood it sounds like I should put it back in. I'll try and fill it with water tomorrow and god willing even might get some heat going. Wish me luck!

Nigel

Well if you dont you wont get any pressure

Thanks for all your help now and during my build.
It is with great regret I have to sell my engine now it's finished due to personal unforeseen circumstances.

Dean has listed it for me on the Sales and Wanted page of this website and the Facebook page if anyone is at all interested.

All the best for the future and build on!!
Nigel

That a shame

Oh, that is a real pity! I am very, very sorry for you. You have put so much work and heart blood into your machine, and now you have to get rid of it. I wish you good luck for selling it for a reasonable price. And I wish you all the best for the future.
Karl Heinz