Regulator control.

[wendy jacksonParticipant @wendyjackson]

Hi chaps. I am a bit worried about the regulator control connections on a Martin Evans Columbia locomotive I am working on. The regulator is the twin popper type that is mounted on the front of the boiler within the smoke box. A control arm 56mm long complete with a 4mm face square formed end, extends to just outside the smoke box. The control arm needs a clockwise turn of 45* to fully open the regulator. Onto this square is fitted a connector as per the picture. My worry is that the connecting area is very small with only a very small locking pin to hold both together.
my question to you all out there, is three fold. Is this connection up to the job and safe. Is there a better way of making this connection. Would making a larger connection surface be better. Thanks, Michael

[wendy jacksonParticipant @wendyjackson]

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

The square looks to be smaller than the rod can accommodate, unless that part visible is actually a sleeve carrying the shaft inside it.

Perhaps more to the point, it looks a bit short rather than too small. I'd suggest it ought end flush with the face of the operating-arm for maximum strength and contact area.

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