Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

Disclaimer:

I Do want to point out that pure copper is Not a traditional oil cup material. It is sometimes added to jewelry like gold rings to change the "color"...this is how we get "Rose Gold" however "pure" copper is not super benefical in the durability dept, it is a bit like chucking up a wet noodle in my lathe! (slight exaggeration) but really soft, the the ring makers add in Silver to give the ring much needed stiffness and durability. I am going out of my way to add some copper color to my engine (because I CAN, not because I should) and in this tiny scale the copper will be just fine in its task as a vessel that holds 1 to 2 drops of oil.
  I suspect Bronze and brass would be most correct for oil cups...You now have been Cautioned!
  We now return to our regularly scedualed programing...

Will do Nick. While I am here I wanted to point out the extra (stuff) I am doing is not needed to get this kit assembled and running. One of the first instructions in manual is sand all the places (where gaskets go) with some fine sandpaper (included) placed on glass or Granite surface plate...or just the flatest thing you have. This removes machine marks and small imperfections and greatly improves your chances of engine being steam tight in first go.
  Then you are advised to wash sanded parts with dish soap and water being careful to try to remove 100% of grit residue...I would say after this step is complete you would need less than 2.5 hours to assemble...this is allowing tons of time to look back to manual and work with care. After you are familiar with model you could likely tear it completely down and re assemble in under an hour.
  Many parts ARE small, I have been working over a plate but a light color towel would also work well. In my old house the wood plank flooring has gaps many over 3/16 wide so most parts smaller than 1 to 2mm that hit the floor are just...gone forever!
  The tinkering and wrenching and personal mods are my favorite part so I am making it last!
But I did not want potential kit buyers to think this was a several day project.