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

Builds, Repairs, Show Your Machines! => Videos The Office of Steam Cinema => Topic started by: St Paul Steam on August 10, 2021, 07:10:45 pm

Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on September 18, 2021, 01:53:14 pm
Hi folks
got a few more things done to the big boiler

I made some oak knobs for the steam valves (not sure if I like em' yet) but the grain of the wood runs with the valve handle so it easy to tell when they're off/on. I put a copper sleeve in them to make them a bit tighter on the valve handle.

I started off with a nice piece of Oak & used a hole cutter with the center drill raised all the way up.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210909_071818.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/bb4f0bdb-cb23-42a0-ae9c-cd30c26a0f5f)

then I used a end mill to cut the slot

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210909_073012.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/e77f6482-9d89-4752-a857-8df4b96c3981)

I started off with 1.1/8" OD & found it just to small, I went with the next size up which was 1 5/16"

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210909_144755.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/c6f0cc35-bdcd-4530-ac83-6ffe545fa8f5)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210909_144642.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/620c0a6d-a117-4a97-940e-05f58f499016)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210910_210413.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/b762e449-8251-44b2-817b-dbcca1cca79d)

 (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/5f578a1d-68bb-4e41-bc52-7b837930e989)
[URL=https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/d2fcf47d-838e-4d05-b1ec-cc9d3e5b967a](https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210918_143752.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/d2fcf47d-838e-4d05-b1ec-cc9d3e5b967a)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210918_143822.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/46178ad8-defc-409f-8d2a-42c71573a531)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210918_143808.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/9f199d9c-4e32-4a2d-a433-ce94b1f9bccc)

I bought a nice little Brass whistle w/valve from Ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/324004916113?hash=item4b7032ab91:g:bZ4AAOxyaURTfWcS

https://youtu.be/xLC0hrluxHs

it sounds a little tinny & air wheezy ...but that's just the proximity of my camera , I can assure you its quite crisp & clear.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: txlabman on September 07, 2021, 04:34:03 pm
Enjoying following this thread Bruce :)

Me too Jim!

And hopefully two suitable engines will be delivered to Bruce at Cabin Fever. :)
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: Jim on September 06, 2021, 09:15:54 pm
Enjoying following this thread Bruce :)
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on September 06, 2021, 05:09:38 pm
Superb!  That boiler has plenty of grunt and it ought to keep up with a good sized engine quite nicely.
Thanks Gil, running a big engine (or 2) is the plan. 😊👍
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: RedRyder on September 06, 2021, 04:39:10 pm
Superb!   That boiler has plenty of grunt and it ought to keep up with a good sized engine quite nicely.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on September 06, 2021, 04:05:38 pm
Hi Folks
I got a bit more plumbing installed & had a nice steam up

https://youtu.be/ztSnlL63CdQ

another test of the S/V

https://youtu.be/06b5_YJR7cE

I knocked this out & its been such a help in filling the boiler , screws right into the 1/4 npt hole in the top of the boiler and only takes about 30 seconds to fill the boiler now.

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210906_153929.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/6afd77df-5922-43d4-aeed-1b92dbad075b)

now to install the water injector...
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: txlabman on September 03, 2021, 06:33:39 pm
Scott had a 1/2 hp Sipp which I think will be FS.

Yes.... I believe he got it from me (if it is this one).

Gil

https://youtu.be/4CSqNw_wfy4



(Attachment Link)

It is the one. :)
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on September 02, 2021, 08:20:21 pm
That engine would be a perfect companion for this boiler I think.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: RedRyder on September 02, 2021, 07:20:35 pm
Scott had a 1/2 hp Sipp which I think will be FS.

Yes.... I believe he got it from me (if it is this one).

Gil

https://youtu.be/4CSqNw_wfy4



[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on September 01, 2021, 08:45:02 pm
Wow that's a helluva lot of fittings Bruce!

Surprised it’s only $100 worth!  :D
We're not near done yet nick 😊
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: Nick on September 01, 2021, 08:43:06 pm
Wow that's a helluva lot of fittings Bruce!

Surprised it’s only $100 worth!  :D
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on September 01, 2021, 08:39:52 pm
Wow that's a helluva lot of fittings Bruce!
Lol...Jim , I bought more Brass fittings today , I really want to get the steam injection water pump up and running although I know very little about them , but am reading up on them.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on September 01, 2021, 08:36:07 pm
Bruce, thanks for the reply.

  Like I said, a really nice looking boiler now that
you've cleaned it up.  Apparently from testing, it
is sound to a healthy pressure.  And that burner.
well, what more can I say.

  So, will somebody offer this steamer an appropriate
engine for his boiler, one that can do some work?

Happy steaming,
Wayne
I'd be good with an proportional size engine to run with it Wayne , As you have said very well , it needs something to do , a boiler without an engine to run isn't of much use.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on September 01, 2021, 08:32:24 pm
Bruce used to have 1/4hp Sipp, till he sold to me. That would have worked.
I remember it well Tommy 😉👍
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on September 01, 2021, 08:31:46 pm
You know that this now requires a very serious steam engine.
Might as well ....lol
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: Jim on September 01, 2021, 06:35:22 pm
Wow that's a helluva lot of fittings Bruce!
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: komet163b on September 01, 2021, 09:32:00 am
Bruce, thanks for the reply.

  Like I said, a really nice looking boiler now that
you've cleaned it up.  Apparently from testing, it
is sound to a healthy pressure.  And that burner.
well, what more can I say.

  So, will somebody offer this steamer an appropriate
engine for his boiler, one that can do some work?

Happy steaming,
Wayne
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: Woe is me on September 01, 2021, 08:55:12 am
Bruce used to have 1/4hp Sipp, till he sold to me. That would have worked.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: parallelmotion on September 01, 2021, 08:01:37 am
Scott had a 1/2 hp Sipp which I think will be FS.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: RedRyder on September 01, 2021, 07:58:52 am
You know that this now requires a very serious steam engine.
Sure does! Like a 1/4 HP or 1/2 HP Sipp.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: parallelmotion on September 01, 2021, 07:22:48 am
You know that this now requires a very serious steam engine.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on September 01, 2021, 06:34:43 am
well $100 of Brass came by Amazon yesterday , time to start doing some plumbing work  :)

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210831_190558.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/fd78a5e8-cb97-45ed-ae98-922643d9ea9f)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210831_191137.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/8ad7402a-9b2f-467c-adbb-aa65a01c2f92)
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 31, 2021, 09:20:50 pm
Very impressive boiler, you've done a great job restoring it. I haven't seen a safety valve. Did it come with one, and where will you set the pressure?
Good catch Bret , I was wondering if anyone would notice 😉👍
Yes , it does have a SV , I don't have it on it right now as its part of the plumbing I temporarily removed along with the steam operated water feed pump. Since I had hydraulically tested the boiler to over 150psi I was careful to not push it past 100psi when steaming it. I don't know what the SV that came with this is set too, but I think 100-125 psi is enough for my needs.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 31, 2021, 09:14:06 pm
Really good luck, all the way 'round.

The original owner was right to get it to you.

You did a beautiful cleaning job and the boiler
and fittings looked great.

Now.....where did that burner come from?  I'm
guessing the craftsman did not make it.  What
was its original purpose?  It must have a story.
Inquiring minds want to know...I'm sure.

Good Luck,
Wayne
thanks Wayne
I have no idea what the original purpose of the burner was , I'm sure it was factory made for a certain application...but it works well for this boiler , I can see where the boiler builder "nipped" a bit off of 2 of the ears to make it fit. Incidentally the slits on top of the burner are slighty narrower than a razor blade because when I blasted it with walnut shells I had to clean (for hrs) the shells out of the slits and used a roofers hook asphalt shingle blade that I thinned down using my 1" belt sander. I'm glad the burner worked because I had quite a bit of time in it before a got my propane kit to test it.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 31, 2021, 09:03:45 pm
Wow, Bruce, this is really nice--it's the first time I've seen this thread. It's a great boiler and you've done a beautiful restoration. I was particularly impressed with the burner which would also work well for a hot air engine--very well engineered. Did you have to change out the jet to a smaller size for propane? Any way to refit those nice early try cocks with the round handles? I still have a hard time believing this was home built in a shop--looks factory to me.
Brent
thanks Brent
I didnt change the jet out , I tried it as is and fortunately it worked, I was given a 2 gallon canister along with the boiler that had several valves and probably had a hand pump that went in the center (missing the pump upon receiving) this part looked a little to sketchy for me to use and a propane kit was cheap and easy $25.00 , although I only used the Hose connection since the burner proved out satisfactory. I really wanted to keep the 3 Round handled cocks (even posted in the wanted section about them) but came up empty in finding similar petcocks ( I really liked the originals , but one was bent badley)
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: Steamloco on August 31, 2021, 10:44:40 am
Very impressive boiler, you've done a great job restoring it. I haven't seen a safety valve. Did it come with one, and where will you set the pressure?
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: komet163b on August 31, 2021, 10:18:21 am
Really good luck, all the way 'round.

The original owner was right to get it to you.

You did a beautiful cleaning job and the boiler
and fittings looked great.

Now.....where did that burner come from?  I'm
guessing the craftsman did not make it.  What
was its original purpose?  It must have a story.
Inquiring minds want to know...I'm sure.

Good Luck,
Wayne
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: parallelmotion on August 31, 2021, 09:59:54 am
Wow, Bruce, this is really nice--it's the first time I've seen this thread. It's a great boiler and you've done a beautiful restoration. I was particularly impressed with the burner which would also work well for a hot air engine--very well engineered. Did you have to change out the jet to a smaller size for propane? Any way to refit those nice early try cocks with the round handles? I still have a hard time believing this was home built in a shop--looks factory to me.
Brent
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 31, 2021, 05:26:43 am
This is a seriously impressive boiler Bruce.
Thanks Jim ,I'm putting quite a bit of time & money into it , I have no application for it yet...LOL
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: Jim on August 30, 2021, 10:45:40 pm
This is a seriously impressive boiler Bruce.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 29, 2021, 06:55:30 am
The burner works as designed

https://youtu.be/i4ZRXIrwhvs

second adjustment & working a bit better, I removed the metal shavings and grit that were still blocking some of the slits (mostly walnut shell particles that were hard to see when not lit, but very evident under flame)

https://youtu.be/Y8rbiGJx1BU

THE FIRST FIRING
the original burner is back in place and adjusted (so glad I was able to keep it) and it works more than satisfactorily for its application , the burner took approx. 20 minutes to achieve 90psi from stone cold , there is 70 lbs. of steel & about 1.5 gal. of working usable water to heat up. although I'm confident this was not a factory build , it WAS built by someone who obviously knew what he was doing , everything is super heavy duty, "HEAVY" & well thought out. judging by some of the build materials I would put the age of this boiler in the late 1950's to early 1960's , the boiler side walls are 3/6" thick & the welded port bungs were done by someone with a high degree of competency. the base plate is 12.5" od & is 9/16" thick on the outer rim & approx. 1/2" thick where the boiler sits.

https://youtu.be/XkAbBbu-E54
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 23, 2021, 03:09:43 pm
Coming along very nicely, great job you did cleaning those parts.
What media did you use in the cabinet...glassbeads?
I use walnut shells,  the boiler I used several different wire wheels to get it pretty smooth sided.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: classixs on August 23, 2021, 12:38:01 pm
Coming along very nicely, great job you did cleaning those parts.
What media did you use in the cabinet...glassbeads?
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: Dampfopa on August 23, 2021, 12:33:51 pm
Hi Bruce,

I am very excited about the work you have done on the boiler so far. Keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 22, 2021, 09:44:59 pm
I made some pretty good progress the weekend

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210822_084833.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/ccbf0cdf-44c5-42b2-aae5-ed27e989db63)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210822_150223.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/66aac6af-abfb-4af3-adb6-17a9fd05388e)

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210822_084846.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/de6980bc-504e-4086-b095-2da4ec028261)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210822_150209.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/d3706169-31a5-4712-827f-ad018585b25a)

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210822_184838.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/3cc1c4d4-e3c7-4e79-a7ce-512bba1abfed)


(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210822_183706.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/53f7a2c4-c7fa-432a-89ca-c0befb85751a)

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z440/bruceang1/20210822_203825.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/bruceang1/p/6b435aec-a9ca-465c-9c16-ab98521104f2)


https://youtu.be/gK4hA-6sZ84
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: txlabman on August 22, 2021, 07:19:56 am
Great news Bruce.

Now you can get on with the restoration. 🤠
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 21, 2021, 09:12:02 pm
The volume of the boiler from completley empty to very tip top full is 232 oz. using the 3/4 full calculation & thus leaving 25% outage volume for steam , that means 174 oz. for a boiler fill , or just 24 oz. less than 1.1/2 gallons water capacity. the test came out very well with very minimal seepage .

https://youtu.be/bBO_ndyz76g
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: Jim on August 15, 2021, 06:36:12 pm
That's one impressive boiler Bruce.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: classixs on August 15, 2021, 02:06:57 am
A VERY interesting project Bruce, will be looking forward to follow your progress :)
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: txlabman on August 13, 2021, 09:54:14 am
Good progress Bruce!
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 12, 2021, 09:06:45 pm
Disassembled a bit more, this is a  very professional build ,I still don't think its factory made but the builder certainly does superior work. the side walls are approx. 1/4" with 64 tubes that I believe are brass or copper, the burner is a very nice fit & cast Iron & made for a lifetime...very heavy duty , I hope I can use it. I had an reducer break off in the bottom side port of the boiler so I need to figure out a way to remove it or tap it in place , I would like to hydraulic test it this weekend.

https://youtu.be/AyFfWIOqHZI
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 11, 2021, 09:17:39 pm
I wish good luck with the restoration of the boiler.
You will do a good job, Bruce.
Thanks Jürgen , I will try , I just dropped the topper off at the nickel platers yesterday. (hope the boilers sound  :D )
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 11, 2021, 09:15:57 pm
Very nice Bruce.  The donor definitely found the right guy to restore this boiler!

Will it be big enough to run the big engine that you bought and got running?
Thanks Charlie, but that rather large steam engine has been sold just a few weeks ago. I don't think this boiler would have been capable of powering it though, I haven't checked its capacity yet , but I'm thing it would hold a gallon or slightly more, I will let you know soon.               
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 11, 2021, 09:13:05 pm
That boiler is a real nice gift to receive and well deserved.
It is a great size for a 1/4 HP engine or several engines with the manifold set up.

I am hoping that is a gas burner underneath it.

Congrats, Bruce!

Gil
it does have some sort of vaporizer type burner under it ,but I have already found a propane burner that should work quite well.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 11, 2021, 09:09:41 pm
Bonjour Bruce,
Too big for a model boat, to small for a real one, including a water injector, I would be curious to know the history of this original boiler.
Never mind, I am sure you will restore it successfully and share with us the result  ;)
I am hoping to Raphael     
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: Dampfopa on August 11, 2021, 10:47:40 am
I wish good luck with the restoration of the boiler.
You will do a good job, Bruce.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: txlabman on August 11, 2021, 10:32:20 am
Very nice Bruce.  The donor definitely found the right guy to restore this boiler!

Will it be big enough to run the big engine that you bought and got running?
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: jkbixby on August 11, 2021, 08:02:42 am
A great present and one worthy of your abilities Bruce - will be following with high expectations.
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: RedRyder on August 11, 2021, 07:23:12 am
That boiler is a real nice gift to receive and well deserved.
It is a great size for a 1/4 HP engine or several engines with the manifold set up.

I am hoping that is a gas burner underneath it.

Congrats, Bruce!

Gil
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: Raphael on August 11, 2021, 02:41:08 am
Bonjour Bruce,
Too big for a model boat, to small for a real one, includong a water injector, I would be curious to know the history of this original boiler.
Never mind, I am sure you will restore it successfully and share with us the result  ;)
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 10, 2021, 07:59:53 pm
best of luck with your big boy boiler , that pump is a steam injector . Looking forward to seeing videos of your restoration
thank you. 😊
Title: Re: Large model Boiler project
Post by: eifion on August 10, 2021, 07:26:33 pm
best of luck with your big boy boiler , that pump is a steam injector . Looking forward to seeing videos of your restoration
Title: Large model Boiler project
Post by: St Paul Steam on August 10, 2021, 07:10:45 pm
I was given this by a fellow during my model steam show Sunday at the Pioneers Engineers reunion.
I will see what I can do with it. I received this boiler 08/08/21 & its 23" tall by 8.5" OD, I'm guessing it weighs 70-80 lbs. , it needs restored & I'm going to see what I can get done with it. I will post here on its progress.

https://youtu.be/sQOyxlBZSC4

https://youtu.be/w0QAFpVgZJY