I have always been a little concerned about LBSC's boiler design for Lion. Using a cast gunmetal firebox top is not the best way to do it, and neither is it prototypical. Metal defects in castings often occur, and using them as a pressure vessel invites problems. Yes, I know there have been many built, but I can't imaging the Australians, for example, passing the design as sound.

The real Lion has a round-topped affair of fairly conventional construction, with the "haystack" effect merely cosmetic. I am sure it would be much easier to build like that, using copper sheet.

Comments, anybody?

Hi Neil

I could do with a couple of off cuts from that for a smokebox, I like a litte extra thickness as a rust allowance!

Regards,

Bob

Over here (at least my main club here in Canada) use the Australian code as the authority when someone designs or modifies a boiler.

It is a well written document. My copy is an older one, the club boiler inspectors have newer versions, but my modification proposals have always met with approval.

John.

> In my opinion a classic example of the difference between our two cultures, one back covering set of rules and one "just do it" set of practical advice.

It is a cultural thing. I'm sure the Australian code encourages people to make their own boilers and helps them design them,but as I understand (I'm not going to buy a copy of something I am not going to use and I can't find it online) it is rather conservative in terms of materials and designs.

I think the difference reflects the UK obsession with 'over-regulation' – the 'nanny state' and 'elfin safety' etc. etc.

Another example is other country's laws on jay walking, when I can cross a 70mph dual carriageway with no questions asked.

Neil