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

I bought a small collection of tabletop steam engines.
Sigh, another steamer rode off into the sunset.

  Two of them were 'homemade' - and look it.  I've added a
photo of the one in question.  Interestingly, the engine
and faux governor do not look homemade.

  One of them, the subject of this post, is an oscillator
whose boiler has no S/V.  I've read that it is not critical
for an oscillator.  The boiler is small and non-ferrous and
well built.  Everything is air-tight.

  I'm pretty confident around homemade mechanical devices
and have had my share of 'learning' events - enough to know
my own limitations.

  So, am I crazy for trying this?  I figure I could warm it
up to boiling (with the boiler-cap off), then cap it and see
if it runs.  If it doesn't run 'flame-off'.  I'm sure it will
run well.  On air it runs like a champ and very smooth.

  Or, do I need to drill a hole in the boiler and mount a
fitting that would take an existing S/V, like from a Weeden
or some similar engine?  Eventually yes, but I'd save that for
a total disassembly and repaint job.  It needs repainting
so much.....

Thanks,
Wayne

Well, good enough for me!  Now, to choose the right burner. 
Then, bombs away.....after dinner.

Wayne

it is said that the mere fact that an oscillator will separate enough from the steam chest to negate the need for a S/V in over pressure situations.

I was getting ready to weigh in. 
However.... after reading all the replies I could see the subject was very well covered.

Congrats on taking on a collection.

Happy steamin'!