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Author Topic: Restoring a Carette 688/5  (Read 199 times)

Robocut

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Restoring a Carette 688/5
« on: February 02, 2022, 03:48:26 am »
Hello!

I'm Hans Forsberg from Gothenburg, Sweden and I'm new to this Forum!

Professional i work with AI and Robotics, in my spare time i have several hobbies such as building robots, 3D-printing, electronics, vintage sports-cars and scientific toys, new as well as vintage.
 

Model steam engines have a special place in my heart. I own only a few engines including a Fleichman 122/4 , a few Wilesco:s including the big D28 and, the Swedish 'John Ericsson-ALGA' in mint condition!

Recently I got hold of something i think is a Carette 688/4?

This engine need a lot of TLC and i plan to get expert advice from this forum regarding what to do and don't as i try to get this engine into operation.


Robocut

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Re: Restoring a Carette 688/5
« Reply #1 on: February 02, 2022, 03:50:29 am »
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Robocut

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Re: Restoring a Carette 688/5
« Reply #2 on: February 02, 2022, 03:59:34 am »
This is my Carette 688/5 as it looks when i bought it. The 'valve-shaft' was broken as i was told from the seller. There was an earlier attempt to repair the shaft with solder, i just re soldered this old repair, fired her up and hoped for the best. And...this old machine probably more than 110 years just started to run.

I'ts leaking here and there and some ugly repairs, but i't runs! Only missing the steam-whistle and the wooden handle for the whistle.

The blueing is gone, and all fittings are supposed to be nickel-plated according to the old catalog.

This is my first old machine, it's really tempting to give it a gentle renovation, inspired of the work you all show on this forum, e.g. the great work from 'Dampfopa' on his vertical Doll and other.

I'll start with the 'plastic-padding like stuff at the sight glass...


I just love this machine, it's open slide mechanism brings som much steam ,action and understanding. Filling her up is simple, and
emptying the boiler is som much easier and quicker than on my Fleichmann, Wilesco or ALGA.



//Hans





skeptic49

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Re: Restoring a Carette 688/5
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2022, 06:12:05 am »
Neat old engine. Great to see it running! I'm sure that some re-done repairs and cosmetic attention will much improve the appearance of the engine. Good luck with it.
The one who dies with the most toys, wins!

tenniV11

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Re: Restoring a Carette 688/5
« Reply #4 on: February 02, 2022, 11:16:32 am »
Great - it runs with speed - and makes fun! ;D
Arnold

yussufhippo

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Re: Restoring a Carette 688/5
« Reply #5 on: February 03, 2022, 06:20:37 am »
Hallo Hans,

somehow I have missed this thread so far - though I like old Carette very much!

It's good to see her running again, congratulations.

How far have you proceeded with the restoration? Actually, I wouldn't try to do too much...
Do you refer to the blueing of the firebox or of the boiler? Some of these Carettes came with blank brass boilers, and I am nit sure if that on your engine ever was blued at all...

Regarding the sight-glass seals - I hope that the plasticky stuff comes off easily, usually it does when the boiler is hot...
Re-sealing can be done quite easily using slices of silicone hose, 2-3mm thick..

You can be glad to have the lovely Carette water gauge cover on your engine!

Good Luck
Thomas

PS: Going to post a few pictures of a Carette I recently got running again.