spring loadede clacks

[nigel jones 5Participant @nigeljones5]

ive just finished 2 nitrile ball clacks fot my loco but saw spring loaded ones on (i think) pansy – anyone tried this type??

[nigel jones 5Participant @nigeljones5]

[nigel jones 5Participant @nigeljones5]

ping!

[WindyParticipant @windy30762]

Would like to know if spring loaded OK on laid over stainless ball valve pump and burner feed pumps on the flash steamer.

[Clive HartlandParticipant @clivehartland94829]

Is the spring to stop them ' Fluttering' that's a nice word aint it! Relying on back pressure may not be enough so it needs spring loading?

Clive

[Chris GunnParticipant @chrisgunn36534]

I have always used a light spring for my traction engine clacks, albeit a slightly bigger size than for a 5" loco. I felt that the spring helped to keep the ball under control over the top of the incoming port, and stopping it moving sideways and blocking the outgoing port. However Gordon Smith wrote an article in January this year on making clacks without a spring, keeping the ball above the hole with a sleeve, without a spring. This is worth a look.

Chris Gunn

[julian atkinsParticipant @julianatkins58923]

hi nigel,

ive never come across spring loaded check valves on miniature steam locos and certainly not by LBSC other than for mechanical lubricator pumps.

a properly made steam check valve shouldnt need a spring. ive got a few fitted of 'inline' type in the horizontal position. they have never caused any problems.

cheers,

julian

[nigel jones 5Participant @nigeljones5]

thanks all – I have made lots of clacks over the years, none with a spring and all worked well – seems like its a mixed bag

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