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

The Regular Stuff: Chat, Buy, Sell, Off Topic, etc. => General Discussion - Model & Toy Steam Engines – Stirling Cycle – Flame Lickers – Small Antique Originals => Topic started by: RichSteamTx on November 15, 2025, 11:51:03 am

Title: Re: Weeden Throttle Knob "Rubber" insulator
Post by: RichSteamTx on November 17, 2025, 12:53:23 pm
I know that product, though never used it.  My Dad used that stuff on all kinds of stuff - he kept multiple colors in his work desk!

I have been having problems finding what might work and finding it in white has been near impossible - when searching "o-rings".  Just yesterday I was pondering what else I could look for and my mind finally drifted on another hobby I have - Pinball Machines (specifically electromagnetic pinballs).  I might be able to find a suitable size for one of the smaller "rubber bands" for posts.  I have various sizes back in Texas and I am eager to see if I have something in "stock" that could work when I get home to Texas later this week.

Edit:
Also, the material that is left on one of my Engines actually reminds me how old Pinball rubber bands discolor & degrade over a long period of time.
Title: Re: Weeden Throttle Knob "Rubber" insulator
Post by: pwalchak on November 17, 2025, 12:44:28 pm
The white O-rings are a great idea, but if that doesn't work out, there is a nearly forgotten product you might want to consider as a Plan B. 

It's called PlastiDip and is used among other things to put a rubbery plastic coating onto pliers that just have bare metal handles.  You'll want the liquid version, not the spray.

It's available in various colors from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Plasti-Liquid-Rubber-Automotive-Enthusiasts/dp/B0006SL0VO?th=1

And at Menards and Ace Hardware.

Paul
Title: Re: Weeden Throttle Knob "Rubber" insulator
Post by: RichSteamTx on November 15, 2025, 03:14:27 pm
If you think of good specs, that would be great!
Title: Re: Weeden Throttle Knob "Rubber" insulator
Post by: Weedensteam on November 15, 2025, 12:48:38 pm
Check o-rings on Ebay, you will find them in white, forget the specs.
Title: Weeden Throttle Knob "Rubber" insulator
Post by: RichSteamTx on November 15, 2025, 11:51:03 am
So there is a period with Weeden where the throttle had a rubber insulator, that is white.  What I have seen these are generally missing or very degraded.  I have a No.670 that its rubber insulator is in surprisingly in good shape (as is the whole engine).  I have coming to me a late Weeden #3 and its throttle & whistle knobs and they are both missing.

Has anyone come up with a close replacement?  Photo of the engine coming to me is attached.


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