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

I completed the model last weekend.  Using solid-fuel tablets and distilled water, I heated the water until the pressure gauge reached maximum indicated pressure.  I opened the steam valve and pushed the flywheel to start the engine.  It attempted to run but would not continue, acting as though it was not getting sufficient steam pressure.  I closed the steam valve, waited a few minutes, and repeated the start procedure.  I received the same results.  Does anyone have any idea why it will not run?  Everything is oiled and turns freely.
Thank you…

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I have this engine and have had a lot of fun with it from building it to running it.

I've used a multitude of fuels to bring the water to boil in the boiler, though solid fuel tabs not being one of them.

Is there enough build-up of steam that the safety valve is lifting and steam emitting from it?

I did take the valve/oilier off and could blow air through it.  I'm not sure if that is indicative of a valve with free flowing air???

Please help me out, I'm new to the steam business and I'm not familiar with the "slide valve set properly" you are referring to. 

I had watched a YouTube video regarding the cotton substance in the fire chamber and discarded it.  I have purchased 99% Isopropyl Alcohol as a fuel for the engine, however I'm unsure how to effectively burn it to achieve maximum heat.     

No, I have not yet had sufficient pressure to lift the safety valve.  I guess I was reluctant to try that. 

Thank you all for your replays and suggestions and am looking forward to getting this very nice looking machine running.

Charles

Thank you very much, I'll give it a try this evening.
Charles