Reply To: Steam plant for a Graham Industries VR1A

[Henry ArtistParticipant @henryartist43508]

A couple of years ago I got a Graham Industries VR1A and made a simple horizontal boiler which was heated with gel fuel to run it. This worked well but I decided to make a better steam plant for the engine… because I can.

While visiting Blackpool Model Boat Show last year I acquired a Brue boiler made by Helen Verrall-Stait for a very reasonable sum. The boiler came with wood cladding and a chimney but no fittings. Most importantly, it did come with a test certificate and paperwork.

A quick rummage in the bits box produced some fittings and the chimney was replaced with one from another boiler.

I wanted the burner tube at the rear of the boiler and of course some means must be found to secure the boiler to a base. (Otherwise it may wander off when I'm not looking…)

So this is what was required –

• A firebox for the boiler which should be raised 12mm to allow a Bix 009 burner to function efficiently and have sufficient ventilation.
• A means to affix the firebox to a base.
• It should have a door on the front so the burner can be lit (and to allow for observation of the burner flame).