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Author Topic: COVID Steam Engines  (Read 918 times)

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COVID Steam Engines
« on: April 30, 2020, 01:08:46 pm »
I haven't bought much in the last 8 weeks.  I returned home on Monday after 45 days at the Ranch.  I had a few eBay boxes waiting for me (my wife asked me, "Early birthday presents to yourself?").

First, a group picture to the recent additions to the collection:

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Ind-X Engine.  I always wanted one of these and I hit a BIN (and then had regrets).  Missing sight glass, stuck whistle and missing the chimney.  But, the boiler is in pristine condition.  So, I bought a second one that has all the missing parts.  I have not yet tested the heater.

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Bowman M122.  I started restoring this one in early March.  I have not steamed it yet.

Here is a before picture:

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And an after picture (lots of elbow grease applied):

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Next up is an unidentified engine.  It is much bigger than it looked in the pictures.  It was missing the whistle, safety valve and burner.  I had a whistle in my parts box that fit (5mm).  I still need to source a replacement safety valve and burner.  Any ides on the maker would be appreciated.

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You can also see the Bing Water Tower and Bowman Punch in the group picture.

That's it for now.

Stay safe and Sane.

Cheers,
Charlie
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Re: COVID Steam Engines
« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2020, 04:47:35 pm »
I was watching that Ind-X-Engine on Ebay and couldn't quite pull up on it. Is that site glass tube faceted?
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Tommy

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Re: COVID Steam Engines
« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2020, 11:11:00 pm »
I like that Bowman punch  8)
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Nick

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Re: COVID Steam Engines
« Reply #3 on: May 01, 2020, 09:24:06 am »
Quote from: Woe is me on April 30, 2020, 04:47:35 pm
I was watching that Ind-X-Engine on Ebay and couldn't quite pull up on it. Is that site glass tube faceted?

The threads for the sight glass are OK.  A bit rusty. But they cleaned up.  It takes a 3/8" diameter bolt.

I used some gas pipe compression fitting elbows and a small piece of high temp tubing as a temporary fix so I could run it on air.  I would have just put bolt plugs in it, but I didn't have any in my shop.

Initially, it took about 20 psi to get it going.  After a couple hours of running it, I can now get it to run on 10 psi.  Still won't work with my air brush compressor. 

The biggest problem with this one was that someone had applied grease everywhere.  And after 40+ years, the grease had hardened.  I completely took this one apart, soaked all the parts in Baltisol and cleaned them with a scotch brite attachment for my Dremel. 

I was thrilled to get it running on air at all.  Now, it just needs more fine tuning.

Next up will be a test of the heater.
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Re: COVID Steam Engines
« Reply #4 on: May 01, 2020, 10:12:15 am »
  My experience with IND-X engines leads me to
believe it is a steam-hog.  Either that or my
heater is only sort of working, but I think it
would be an all-or-nothing heater.  I'm thinking
of putting a new electrical heating system with
more ooomph in place - the boiler is heavy-duty
strong and can take it (save the working original
heater, of course).  But, I've a couple of projects
ahead of that so...

Good Luck,
Wayne 
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Re: COVID Steam Engines
« Reply #5 on: May 01, 2020, 12:24:04 pm »
Quote from: komet163b on May 01, 2020, 10:12:15 am
  My experience with IND-X engines leads me to
believe it is a steam-hog.  Either that or my
heater is only sort of working, but I think it
would be an all-or-nothing heater.  I'm thinking
of putting a new electrical heating system with
more ooomph in place - the boiler is heavy-duty
strong and can take it (save the working original
heater, of course).  But, I've a couple of projects
ahead of that so...

Good Luck,
Wayne

Wayne:

I hope you will provide an update if and when you replace the heater.

Regards,
Charlie
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Re: COVID Steam Engines
« Reply #6 on: May 01, 2020, 12:53:57 pm »
  Well, I actually have 2 IND-X engines.
One is complete and works.  The other
isn't and doesn't - but I have plans for
both, after my current projects.  That's
when I'll experiment w/heaters that are
up to the task.

Wayne
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Re: COVID Steam Engines
« Reply #7 on: May 01, 2020, 03:14:40 pm »
Nice stuff Charlie.  Really like the M122.
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Scott

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Re: COVID Steam Engines
« Reply #8 on: May 01, 2020, 04:18:54 pm »
Quote from: oilfield_steam on May 01, 2020, 03:14:40 pm
Nice stuff Charlie.  Really like the M122.

Thanks Scott!

The M122 was a great Quarantine Project.

Stay Safe and Sane.

Charlie
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Re: COVID Steam Engines
« Reply #9 on: May 01, 2020, 04:42:56 pm »
Neat haul there Charlie, I especially like the water tower.
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ALWAYS WORKING TO FIND A CURE FOR CENOSILLICAPHOBIA
Cheers. Dave.
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