Unfinished vertical boiler

[Maurice Cox 1Participant @mauricecox1]

Does anyone recognise the design of this boiler please? It is 13"high to the top of the barrel and 6 1/4" in diameter. I acquired it recently and wish to finish it, but I have several questions about it.

First, there is no bush fitted for a safety valve to screw in. There is room for one in the top tube plate, but it would have to emerge through the smoke box lid. I assume the smokebox should be airtight, and this may be difficult to achieve. I suppose that the safety valve could be fitted on the side, at the top of the barrel, but I have never seen this.

Secondly, what is the purpose of the large tube in the centre of the tube plate. it would seem to be either to accommodate a couple of hairpin superheaters fed from the steam fitting on the tube plate, or it is normally covered with a lid, and is used to scrape ashes into, and thence to the ash-pan, when cleaning the boiler, having removed the chimney.

Lastly, how should the smokebox lid be fixed; should it be a semi-permanent fixture, only remover occasionally to what?

I would like to finish it off with a full complement of fittings, but the absence of a drawing makes it a little problematical. Any suggestions will be welcome.

[Maurice Cox 1Participant @mauricecox1]

[Martin WParticipant @martinw]

It may just be the way that the photo was taken but the soldering shown in your picture Vert Boiler 2 looks decidedly 'iffy' and looks as if it hasn't wetted the joint properly between the tube plate and the boiler shell. As I say it may just be the way the photo was shot but a closer examination might reveal more.

Cheers

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Large tube could be to take a superheater

Top comes off so you can sweep the tubes

[Maurice Cox 1Participant @mauricecox1]

I agree with Martin about the solder. I intend to faux it well and reheat it. I also agree with Jason about the superheater. I may have to make a new top as the one that came with it only has about a quarter of an inch parallel with which to fasten it down and seal it. Have to take a closer look and do some drawings. Thanks for the feed back gents.

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Some vertical boilers (especially steam waggons) had a big flue down the middle so you coud fire them from the top, just lift a lid on the smokebox and tip coal down. There must have been a divider in the smokebox or it would have killed the draft. This one looks a bit small for that tho'. The normal firedoor would be used for getting rid of clinker etc.

[nigel jones 5Participant @nigeljones5]

Is that not a safety valve tapped into the top tube plate in picture two? If you get proper stuck pm me and I will help you sort it out for free – I make boilers full time. If firing on coal you will need to get the steam blower right also (doesnt seem to be one?)

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