P V Baker (again)

[Ron HancockParticipant @ronhancock63652]

Hi well thought i had finally sorted my PV Baker got through pressure test again.

Also got through steam test with flying colours.

Then took it on the Track so looking forward to driving it at long last.

Started fire soon up to 30 PSI so on goes Loco Blower soon hits the 85 so ready to go.

As soon as i open Regulator steam drops to 30 PSI so close regulator.

Fire still very good and soon back up to 85 psi same thing happens as soon as you open the regulator steam is lost.

I have fitted new screw down regulator also new super heater new pipes ect.

I have tried filling boiler with water the connecting air hose at 100 PSI no leaks to be found none from super heater or into fire box or smoke box.

I have tried putting another fire in tried running train on Blocks again looses pressure in seconds.

I opened fire door brilliant fire so no water getting in their.

I opened smoke box and tried opening regulator no leaks their.

So no leaks as i can find good fire so how can i be loosing pressure so fast.

If anyone has any idea's i would love to hear them please.

Ron Hancock

[Ron HancockParticipant @ronhancock63652]

3 1/2

[John BaguleyParticipant @johnbaguley78655]

Hi Ron,

You must still have a bad leak in the steam circuit somewhere. If you open the regulator with the wheels locked do you get steam escaping up the chimney from the blast pipe? You may not notice this with the wheels turning as it will be hidden by the normal exhaust. If so, one or both valves may not be seating/sealing properly or the piston packing is leaking. You should be able to maintain pressure if the valves and pistons are ok, especially running light load on chocks.

Keep at it, you'll get there in the end

John

[Ron HancockParticipant @ronhancock63652]

Thank you John yes their is a lot water steam coming out of Blast pipe so thats where i must look next

Ron

[julian atkinsParticipant @julianatkins58923]

hi ron,

i am very sorry to hear of your further problems after all your hard work.

try and get a decent run at the club perhaps with someone else having a go driving. it might be something quite small, or coal not properly covering the grate. given all the time you have spent sorting out the 'innards' i doubt if there is anything seriously wrong. my guess is lack of experience firing a small loco. they can take a bit of getting used to !

john is used to firing much smaller locos than me and may be able to give you a few tips! what he doesnt know about firing small locos isnt worth knowing!

cheers,

julian

[Alan Wallace 2Participant @alanwallace2]

This may sound daft and this is my first post but is it possible that there is no packing/ piston rings on your pistons!

As I say, first post and only been "steaming" for one year! I have been " engineering" for 50 odd years though, sometimes even being paid to do so!

 

edit to say :- just noticed John B has touched on this.

PPS, were you ever in Milngavie John?

Edited By Alan Wallace 2 on 30/08/2014 15:24:55

[Ron HancockParticipant @ronhancock63652]

Hi Alan yes i have had problem with one of the Pistons it was alloy and a hole through it so made new ones with Stainless steel.

I then repacked them with new wadding still have small problem its leaking where Smoke Box joins the Boiler simple fix but not done yet.

At moment been very busy building a new super Simplex so PV Baker has took a back seat for moment.

I am putting on show at Warwick show on Rugley stand as by then will have sealed boiler.

Its good to see it build a good fire now soon raises steam.

So much work been carried out as its been a team effort at our Rugley Club.

New regulator gages blower pipes Glass gauge for water level so much changed hope when it next runs will have no further problems.

Not going to complain as i have learnt so much from this little engine that it has given me confidence to build a super simplex.

At moment i have frames buffer beams wheel axles horn blocks completed got to make the Axle boxes next week.

I am very slow as big learning curve but sure i will get it sorted with all the help of this site plus our club .

Thank you all again for all suggestions and help

Ron

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