Author Topic: I think I got a rare one. (Read 4401 times)

SteamerJ · « **on:** August 06, 2025, 04:02:58 pm »

I just got this Stuart 500 boiler from eBay. I assumed from the pictures that someone just had the safety valve and the valve swapped. I unscrewed them and saw that they were correct. Every picture that I have seen has the safety in the back. The valve has a 3/16-40 thread and that’s what the back bushing is. As you can see from the picture, the superheater tube also lines up with the back bushing.The boiler is in fantastic condition but I took it apart to remove the asbestos. I had to repaint it after I fired it without any insulation. I don’t recommend it.

txlabman · « **Reply #1 on:** August 06, 2025, 05:29:36 pm »

An eBay seller is offering replacement ceramic panels for Stuart boilers.

https://ebay.us/m/LgofFQ

SteamerJ · « **Reply #2 on:** August 06, 2025, 07:23:32 pm »

Quote from: txlabman on August 06, 2025, 05:29:36 pm

An eBay seller is offering replacement ceramic panels for Stuart boilers.

https://ebay.us/m/LgofFQ

I bought a set from them, as soon as I won the boiler Sunday. It doesn’t look like they shipped yet. I’m itching to get it back together and ordered some from Amazon and will have it tomorrow.

SteamerJ · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2025, 10:10:45 am »

After thinking about it, I think they got the ends mixed up and put them opposite of what they should be. I wonder if it makes more valuable like the imperfect coins.

Stoker · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2025, 11:27:35 am »

Quote from: SteamerJ on August 07, 2025, 10:10:45 am

After thinking about it, I think they got the ends mixed up and put them opposite of what they should be. I wonder if it makes more valuable like the imperfect coins.

Not sure what you mean by "opposite", but the Thermic Syphons typically do hang down further in the back, away from the boiler face that has the sight glass, just as yours seems to be made.

Jim · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2025, 06:42:35 pm »

Quote from: SteamerJ on August 06, 2025, 07:23:32 pm

Quote from: txlabman on August 06, 2025, 05:29:36 pm
An eBay seller is offering replacement ceramic panels for Stuart boilers.

https://ebay.us/m/LgofFQ

I bought a set from them, as soon as I won the boiler Sunday. It doesn’t look like they shipped yet. I’m itching to get it back together and ordered some from Amazon and will have it tomorrow.

G'day John
The 504 I bought off you years ago I have run hundreds of times with no insulation, just the metal Stuart sides and there's heaps of heat and no loss that I can tell (I've taken the asbestos out of my three Stuart boilers) I would be very careful using that ceramic stuff.....its just going to be the new 'asbestos' in years to come.

I made this video around 10 years ago -

D E Jones · « **Reply #6 on:** August 08, 2025, 12:41:49 pm »

You are going to like that boiler ! I have one with a Bix burner , and that little dude will make a lot of steam . Here is a picture .

SteamerJ · « **Reply #7 on:** August 08, 2025, 05:42:08 pm »

Quote from: Jim on August 07, 2025, 06:42:35 pm

Quote from: SteamerJ on August 06, 2025, 07:23:32 pm
Quote from: txlabman on August 06, 2025, 05:29:36 pm
An eBay seller is offering replacement ceramic panels for Stuart boilers.

https://ebay.us/m/LgofFQ

I bought a set from them, as soon as I won the boiler Sunday. It doesn’t look like they shipped yet. I’m itching to get it back together and ordered some from Amazon and will have it tomorrow.

G'day John
The 504 I bought off you years ago I have run hundreds of times with no insulation, just the metal Stuart sides and there's heaps of heat and no loss that I can tell (I've taken the asbestos out of my three Stuart boilers) I would be very careful using that ceramic stuff.....its just going to be the new 'asbestos' in years to come.

I made this video around 10 years ago -

Jim I’m more concerned with the paint. I fired it up without any on one side and it destroyed the paint. It was like a Jensen.

I don’t worry excessively about most things. I’m 63 and have been a smoker for about 50 years. We are all going to die from something. I do appreciate your concern though mate.

Those 504s are terrific boilers. This is my first smaller one. I think it will run my PM Research #3 quite nicely.

SteamerJ · « **Reply #8 on:** August 08, 2025, 05:43:39 pm »

Quote from: D E Jones on August 08, 2025, 12:41:49 pm

You are going to like that boiler ! I have one with a Bix burner , and that little dude will make a lot of steam . Here is a picture .

I have had a couple of 504s and know that I will be happy with this one.

Jim · « **Reply #9 on:** August 08, 2025, 06:04:46 pm »

Quote from: SteamerJ on August 08, 2025, 05:42:08 pm

Quote from: Jim on August 07, 2025, 06:42:35 pm
Quote from: SteamerJ on August 06, 2025, 07:23:32 pm
Quote from: txlabman on August 06, 2025, 05:29:36 pm
An eBay seller is offering replacement ceramic panels for Stuart boilers.

https://ebay.us/m/LgofFQ

I bought a set from them, as soon as I won the boiler Sunday. It doesn’t look like they shipped yet. I’m itching to get it back together and ordered some from Amazon and will have it tomorrow.

G'day John
The 504 I bought off you years ago I have run hundreds of times with no insulation, just the metal Stuart sides and there's heaps of heat and no loss that I can tell (I've taken the asbestos out of my three Stuart boilers) I would be very careful using that ceramic stuff.....its just going to be the new 'asbestos' in years to come.

I made this video around 10 years ago -

Jim I’m more concerned with the paint. I fired it up without any on one side and it destroyed the paint. It was like a Jensen.

I don’t worry excessively about most things. I’m 63 and have been a smoker for about 50 years. We are all going to die from something. I do appreciate your concern though mate.

Those 504s are terrific boilers. This is my first smaller one. I think it will run my PM Research #3 quite nicely.

I painted your 504 sides with high temp paint and went through the baking process and its been good for years.
Great to have you back in the hobby mate.

RedRyder · « **Reply #10 on:** August 09, 2025, 07:52:34 am »

Hi John, You have acquired an interesting Stuart boiler that is clearly in great shape.

That boiler will also very nicely power an S-50, 10V, 10H, Stuart Beam, Jensen 20, etc., all with generators or other work load. May also work well with a well built Stuart D10 or Score.

By the way, I still have your twin heater S-50 steam plant with the prototype ball bearing generator.

As for asbestos that came originally in fireboxes, I take them outdoors and treat them with ladies hair spray. Once it sets it prevents the asbestos fibers from flying off in your home or shop.
It is not a perfect solution but it sure makes them safer.

Gil

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

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Author Topic: I think I got a rare one. (Read 4401 times)

SteamerJ

I think I got a rare one.

txlabman

Re: I think I got a rare one.

SteamerJ

Re: I think I got a rare one.

SteamerJ

Re: I think I got a rare one.

Stoker

Re: I think I got a rare one.

Jim

Re: I think I got a rare one.

D E Jones

Re: I think I got a rare one.

SteamerJ

Re: I think I got a rare one.

SteamerJ

Re: I think I got a rare one.

Jim

Re: I think I got a rare one.

RedRyder

Re: I think I got a rare one.