Uncomplicated Steam Boiler for first wobbler please

[BWParticipant @bw]

Hello,

This one seems too simple anybody built it ? Any comments ?

http://npmccabe.tripod.com/simpleboiler.htm

Am getting a tadge confused about boilers – have done some googling and they seem to be complicated things.

Any recommended boiler plans / websites / books for a novice builder to consider ? I only want to run little models of wobblers ie over the next few years maximum bore 25mm maximum stroke congruent with that.

My first wobbler running quite happily on 12volt car tyre inflator but would like to have a go at running it on steam.

Bill

[BWParticipant @bw]

[BWParticipant @bw]

……. and this one doesnt seem to complicated

http://www.steves-workshop.co.uk/modelboats/steamlaunch/boilerdesign/simpleboilerdesign.html

[Brian GParticipant @briang]

You could look at Tubal Cain's "Building Simple Model Steam Engines". **LINK**

Brian

[Former MemberParticipant @formermember19781]

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[TomfileryParticipant @tomfilery]

Bill,

Your first proposed design is awful – made literally from a soup tin – don't even consider it!

Your second one looks a much safer bet.

Regards Tom

[Former MemberParticipant @formermember19781]

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[BWParticipant @bw]

Thanks for your comments.

Have ordered the first Tubal Cain book and shall commence learning how to silver solder. Have been avoiding doing this for some time now.

FYI …….. Interesting that I just saw a thread on the Mamod alternative forum where the use of silicon rubber tube to carry steam is considered. That might make things easier for us novices.

My wobbler only needs 5psi ………. I saw a thread somewhere recently where a garden weedspraying backpack with the long lever manual pump handle was used to power a wobbler.

Bill

[Martin WhittleParticipant @martinwhittle67411]

Even more simply one can use a bicycle pump for a quick demonstration. The speed is a bit erratic when pumping, but it works!

I used a schraeder valve body for the air connector on my Reeves Master HO. So the model is easily connected to a compressor, or a bike pump.

Martin

[Eric CoxParticipant @ericcox50497]

If you are unsure of your silver soldering capabilities why not buy a cheap Mamod system from flea bay or your local auction house. Don't forget to pressure test the boiler though.

[BWParticipant @bw]

Posted by Eric Cox on 27/01/2019 09:54:25:

If you are unsure of your silver soldering capabilities why not buy a cheap Mamod system from flea bay or your local auction house. Don't forget to pressure test the boiler though.

Thanks, I always assumed they would be hideously expensive to buy and rarely available.

I will have a look.

I used a schraeder valve body for the air connector on my Reeves Master HO. So the model is easily connected to a compressor, or a bike pump.

Martin

Martin, thanks for the tip, I need to learn the names of various fiddly little things like "schrader valve body" and the different types of tubes and tube fittings etc

Bill

[Former MemberParticipant @formermember19781]

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[BWParticipant @bw]

Posted by Bill Chugg on 27/01/2019 14:43:11:

BW

Have a go.

Bill

Bill,

Thanks for the advice. Am having a go, investigating required tools and materials. Got some books ordered from library.

Will be quiet for a while then shout out after first boiler completed.

Bill

[Paul Relf-DaviesParticipant @paulrelf-davies37806]

I'm not sure where you are based, but you could do a lot worse than to sign up for the Society of Model & Experimental Engineers' 'Polly' course, starting in May (in South London). 

You will end up marvellous little vertical boiler & wobbler engine, plus get a great grounding in a wide range of model engineering techniques.

The ability to ask questions & get feedback on on you progress – plus getting your boiler properly pressure tested – is invaluable. You can't get that from books & videos  

P.

Full disclosure: I built this on the course last year…

Edited By Paul Davies on 29/01/2019 12:59:50

[BWParticipant @bw]

Thanks Paul that looks stunning.

Have applied to join Melbourne branch of SMEE

Bill

[Paul AinsworthParticipant @paulainsworth93685]

Posted by Bill Chugg on 27/01/2019 14:43:11:

54mm copper tube from the plumbers merchants is ideal. I got a 3 foot offcut for £10 from mine, enough for 5 boilers.

My boilers are silver soldered and pressure tested to 60 psi and cost a lot less than a mamod one.

Bill

What thickness end plates do you use?

Edited By Paul Ainsworth on 12/02/2019 16:47:39

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