New old electric steam model-help identify?
New old electric steam model-help identify?
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
I am very new to this but have always had an interest.
Thanks,
MTrain
Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?
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
"...it does heat up ..." does not mean enough heat to boil water.
Does the water boil?
Just a thought.
RussN
Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?
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.
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.
Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?
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
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
- Bill Shields
- Posts: 10459
- Joined: Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:57 am
- Location: 39.367, -75.765
- Contact:
Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?
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?
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.
Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?
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/
If you want a toy steam engine buy a new one as it will be much safer.
https://www.wilesco.de/en/
Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?
I agree with that statement.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/
It is the best solution for safety, potential historic significance (?) and for your eventual enjoyment of a small operating steam machine.
RussN
Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?
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
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
- Bill Shields
- Posts: 10459
- Joined: Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:57 am
- Location: 39.367, -75.765
- Contact:
Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?
Hydro test before you do anything...that means pressure test with water.
Pressure rating is probably stamped on the boiler somewhere...
Pressure rating is probably stamped on the boiler somewhere...
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?
No marks on the boiler that I could find.
Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?
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
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
Re: New old electric steam model-help identify?
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
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