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

I am building a "reverse flue" Mamod TE.

I did a bunch of experiments. I have 2 kit TEs which is perfect for experiments. I previously built a double acting Mamod by installing a locomotive cylinder. There are several issues:

1. While the locomotive cylinder seems to have more low end power, it seems to consume steam very fast. So it isn't very drivable. I don't have a throttle and I think I need one to make it usable. Or is this an issue of consumption since, it'll consume twice as much steam?

2. On the reverse flue (reversed cylinder), the engine seemed cold blooded. I ended up just bending back the feed line and installing the cylinder in the normal position. I think the engine runs better. I think the TE is sensitive to the long steam lines. Although, on a stationary engine, they have rather long steam lines. Watching the video from earlier today, although it seemed to run fine. Thoughts? With the kit, I have an option to installing the feed port in the whistle bung. But I'd have to drill out the o-ring lip in order to allow the whistle to be moved.

3. To fully create the reverse flue Mamod, I need to move the chimney. Any tips to remove the chimney intact from the smokebox?

I saw just the chimney listed. But yikes, so expensive. Cheaper to buy a whole one and break it apart. I am hoping someone has a tatty one for sale.

If your looking for some odds and ends for Mamods drop me an email as I should be able to help