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

Not just a ? For the Early D5 but any model steam engine with no sight glass, I know Wilesco plans for (1) load of Esbit will not run the boiler out of water but I use gel fuel, and soon BIX burners as well. Obviously by trial and early checking, one can keep a timer handy and see how long the water lasts...just checking to see if the heavy hitters have a more clever way of knowing when the water level is low on the boiler but still remain "boiler safe"

 Here is a sample of no sight Glass.


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Ben , I have had that exact engine , for me (& I suspect most us) its a bit of trail & hopefully no error. I just filled the boiler to the correct (same) amount everytime ,and run it for a period of time and shut it down and see how much water you have left , then if its an ample amount ,you can go a bit longer each consecutive run until you reach what you consider a relatively safe water reserve.

Thanks guys, I have timers for my freeflight model airplanes. Also a logbook makes sense to keep different engines and burn rates noted....I have been told as I get older, memory is the Second thing to go.....I can not seem to recall what the first thing was

I know that probably seems a bit anal, but it just works well for me to make notes etc it doesn't take long to do and I actually enjoy it and its interesting to look back and see how many hours you've put on an engine since you've owned it.

Quote from: Jim on May 09, 2021, 08:07:35 pm

Quote from: ShadetreeMotorcycle on May 09, 2021, 07:19:43 pm

Thanks guys, I have timers for my freeflight model airplanes. Also a logbook makes sense to keep different engines and burn rates noted....I have been told as I get older, memory is the Second thing to go.....I can not seem to recall what the first thing was

I know that probably seems a bit anal, but it just works well for me to make notes etc it doesn't take long to do and I actually enjoy it and its interesting to look back and see how many hours you've put on an engine since you've owned it.

Coming from the man that Needs to install the "West Wing Expansion" on his steam room....a logbook makes PERFECT sense to me!

LOL I did warn you Ben months ago now mate......when you said you wanted to buy "one" steam engine.

These things are like drugs for middle aged men.......oh and calling @Nick are you middle aged?


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Quote from: ShadetreeMotorcycle on May 09, 2021, 09:51:32 pm

Quote from: Jim on May 09, 2021, 08:07:35 pm

Quote from: ShadetreeMotorcycle on May 09, 2021, 07:19:43 pm

Thanks guys, I have timers for my freeflight model airplanes. Also a logbook makes sense to keep different engines and burn rates noted....I have been told as I get older, memory is the Second thing to go.....I can not seem to recall what the first thing was

I know that probably seems a bit anal, but it just works well for me to make notes etc it doesn't take long to do and I actually enjoy it and its interesting to look back and see how many hours you've put on an engine since you've owned it.

Coming from the man that Needs to install the "West Wing Expansion" on his steam room....a logbook makes PERFECT sense to me!

LOL I did warn you Ben months ago now mate......when you said you wanted to buy "one" steam engine.

These things are like drugs for middle aged men.......oh and calling @Nick are you middle aged?


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I would not put Nick@ "Middle Aged" as of just yet....
  He might be described as "Early Bloomer" or some institutions of higher learning may have put him in the "Gifted Student" program!