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

I have seen these on some talented Steamers models on YouTube...they are available machined OR as very affordable casting kits you machine your self.
  I think putting these on a hobby grade model like Wilesco or Jensen REALLY makes the model look better than factory bent steam pipes.
  They sell them in 3 sizes all the way down to 3/16 Outside Dia steam tube.
  The factory machined variety seems to be tapped with tiny tapered pipe taps, my question is: If I buy the casting kits I can machine what ever connection methodology I like...could these be just solder joints?...or even more non conventional? Loc tite normally fails at about 275 deg but Loc tite now makes a super high strength AND High temp grade good to 600 degrees!
  It would be so Easy to simply Ream my casting pipe fittings out to slip fit of my steam pipe...then "glue" my steam fittings together when re-plumbing my model stationary engine.
  I wanted to reach out to the Experienced Steamers on this forum to see if this is a bad idea or get recommended methods from those who may have used PM Research fittings in the past?
These are photos of the fittings I am interested in!

Thanks Jim!....so if you are using the factory finished fittings and replumb a model, are you talking straight pcs of steam tube and cutting to length for your engine and then running a thread die on the ends of tube to create your own custom plumb job? Or other method? Sorry so many ?s...but a newbie has got to learn some how!

Loved the video Jim!
  I realize PMR fittings are Way overkill on my hobby "toy" grade Steam  models...however I am to new to start investing in the "Big Boyz" yet and need to learn more....also I am very hands on and love to tinker and modify...it will be great practice if I ever Do get a valuable steam engine.

PS: really loved the "boilermaker" brewed tea at the end...will have to try that Lol!

I'm ready for tea!

Nice video, Jim!

Gil

I'm ready for tea!

Nice video, Jim!

Gil

Thanks Gil

I have made up many fittings from the parts casting tree , it is tedious & difficult & sometimes I still ruin one , very difficult to get them 100% (true) ,but it is a lot cheaper than buying already made up , & sometimes I use un-threaded fittings & soldered together. A vertical mill is a must imho.

I have access to several vertical milling machines and lathes....my primary reason for ordering the kit version is so I am not locked in to a particular steam pipe size or brand....I have learned many Wilesco engines run 3.5mm steam tube...2.5mm Internal diameter. I believe Wilesco steam pipe is mostly nickel plated brass and sometimes polished brass. My favorite color metal is Copper...the size used is common refrigeration size in copper. I can purchase in 10ft lengths for $10
   Most Wilesco pre bent steam pipes are $30-$50 for 1 pipe. I can make that pipe for $1 material so I have $29 left to spend on pretty steam fittings....I never lack for argument to spend $ on toys

There is nothing wrong with drilling fittings and soldering the pipes to them. It works fine.

Brad is quite right , when I do thread them I don't like any exposed thread to show , so I keep it pretty tight when I can , looks more professional imho.

I have had my PMR fitting kit ordered from ministeam for a couple days now, and want to make a fixture (for machining) to hold the 90 deg fittings tonight after work...looking the fittings over and taking some measurements, I suddenly realized they did not send my Globe valve kit! I am usually real good at taking inventory of a shipment...a quick call to Susanne at ministeam, she said she had my Globe valve on her desk with a note...she knew she had shorted someone as it was on the ship table after everything left...but she had no idea who...said she was expecting a call...Lol! 

My globe valve kit should be in the mail today.

Let me know how you do on the globe valve build Ben , I believe that one is above my current skill set.