New old electric steam model-help identify?

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MikeTrain
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Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2022 6:33 pm

New old electric steam model-help identify?

Post by MikeTrain »

I found this at a swap meet locally. No marks on it. Was told it works, it does heat up but no wheel action even with assistance. I would like to know who made this to find parts and get it working.

I am very new to this but have always had an interest.

Thanks,

MTrain
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NP317
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Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?

Post by NP317 »

Old electric heaters are often the first failure point of such steam model systems.
"...it does heat up ..." does not mean enough heat to boil water.
Does the water boil?

Just a thought.
RussN
MikeTrain
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Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?

Post by MikeTrain »

Hi NP,

It heats up enough to send steam/pressure out the safety valve. I don't have a way to verify if it is boiling? It does sound like our electric kettle when it boils though.

Thank you.
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NP317
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Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?

Post by NP317 »

Well, if the flywheel can be turned and the cylinder rocks on its pivot, but steam is not getting to it, then find out what is blocking the steam.
This type of oscillating cylinder engine is as simple as they can be.
And a little oil on the pivoting surface helps reduce friction and seal the surface.
IF steam gets to it.

From the pictures I assume (always dangerous) the center brass fitting is the safety valve. A simple spring type.
Is the top brass valve opposite the "smokestack" a throttle with internal passages to the steam dome? Or a former (now blocked off) whistle valve?
What happens when that handle is turned?

Please keep us informed of your progress.
RussN
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Bill Shields
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Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?

Post by Bill Shields »

Starting with the basics:

Have you hydrotested the boiler?

What is the pressure setting on the safety valve?

Did you try running the system on compressed air at a pressure below the safety valve setting?
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
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LVRR2095
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Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?

Post by LVRR2095 »

Put that old model on a shelf as a display only.
If you want a toy steam engine buy a new one as it will be much safer.
https://www.wilesco.de/en/
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NP317
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Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?

Post by NP317 »

LVRR2095 wrote: Sat Apr 16, 2022 6:35 am Put that old model on a shelf as a display only.
If you want a toy steam engine buy a new one as it will be much safer.
https://www.wilesco.de/en/
I agree with that statement.
It is the best solution for safety, potential historic significance (?) and for your eventual enjoyment of a small operating steam machine.
RussN
MikeTrain
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Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?

Post by MikeTrain »

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

The valves are a safety valve and a whistle. You are correct NP.

Any idea who made this?

I do have a Wilseco as you mentioned LVRR.

I don’t have a compressor with the right fittings. It does hold water, don’t know the safety valve pressure setting.

Mtrain
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Bill Shields
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Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?

Post by Bill Shields »

Hydro test before you do anything...that means pressure test with water.

Pressure rating is probably stamped on the boiler somewhere...
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
MikeTrain
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Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?

Post by MikeTrain »

No marks on the boiler that I could find.
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NP317
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Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?

Post by NP317 »

The safety valve looks like a simple spring valve, so no opportunity to set it to known pressures.

I have a similar small boiler/oscillating cylinder steam plant that came from Paris, France, in 1959. (Thanks Mom & Dad)
The spring safety valve limits the pressure to the small amount necessary to turn the engine over quickly.
No pressure gauge and no way to adjust the safety valve release pressure. No gauge glass for water level. No markings on the simple boiler.
Alcohol fired and endless hours of fun for me as a kid.
RussN
MikeTrain
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Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?

Post by MikeTrain »

Thanks NP,

Sounds similar. Spring safety valve with no ball bearing. Yours is a alcohol burner, mine an electric boiler.

Mine does have water level, I am enjoying it all the same. I would like mine to actually work sometime.

Thanks,

Mtrain
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