Valve help for a dummy

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seal killer
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Valve help for a dummy

Post by seal killer »

All--

I need a stationary valve for a model steam (compressed air) engine. (The engine runs on <=5psi.) It needs to be bolted to the 4"x5" base plate of the engine. What am I actually looking for? I called it a stationary valve because I do not know what else to call a valve that is bolted in place. (I've looked at hundreds of valves. I'm missing something. Maybe they don't exist.)

Although I could deal with different sizes, 1/4" inlet and outlet would be fine. The key is that it has a flange or something that allows one to bolt it to a plate. My plan is to use this valve mounting as the point to bring air onto the platform via a rubber tube.

Thanks!
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Bill Shields
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Re: Valve help for a dummy

Post by Bill Shields »

Use a valve that can be anchored by way of the connecting pipe.
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seal killer
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Re: Valve help for a dummy

Post by seal killer »

Bill--

Thanks. It looks like that is what I'll have to do.

--Bill
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mklotz
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Re: Valve help for a dummy

Post by mklotz »

I doubt you will find a commercially made version of what you desire. You'll need to fabricate it.

Take a through valve, either self-fabricated, or purchased, e.g.

https://www.pmmodelengines.com/shop/pip ... be-valves/

and machine a pipe with a circumferential flange that can be screwed to the base so one end of the pipe passes into a hole in the base and is connected to the air supply hose. The exposed end is threaded to take the valve which then projects above the base.
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rmac
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Re: Valve help for a dummy

Post by rmac »

I solved the identical problem by attaching a store-bought valve to a little aluminum cradle with JB Weld. Maybe not too pretty, but it got the job done.

-- Russell Mac

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Bill Shields
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Re: Valve help for a dummy

Post by Bill Shields »

And the problem is?

It gets the job done!
Last edited by Bill Shields on Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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mcostello
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Re: Valve help for a dummy

Post by mcostello »

There were old timey valves made with an ear cast on both sides for screw mounting.
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warmstrong1955
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Re: Valve help for a dummy

Post by warmstrong1955 »

Take a look at panel mount valves. You would just need to make a mounting bracket.

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Bill Shields
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Re: Valve help for a dummy

Post by Bill Shields »

There are needle valves with square bodies.

If you are VERY CAREFUL about drilling a cross hole in it...

Also some with cylindrical ends that are easy to grab
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seal killer
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Re: Valve help for a dummy

Post by seal killer »

Marv and Russell Mac and Bill--

Thanks for the ideas.

Other Bill, I looked at panel valves; that's doable for sure.

Russell, I could not find an attractive valve of that type. This engine will be a gift.

Bill, I saw those needle valves and wondered if that were possible then wondered how many I would trash before I learned the definition of "careful?"

Marv, we are going to the hardware store today in a futile effort to find what I want. All my steam stuff comes from PM Research so I am sure I will end up doing as you suggest.

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Bill Shields
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Re: Valve help for a dummy

Post by Bill Shields »

:D

i know what you mean.....

previous solutions may be a better way to go

square valve body does lent itself to some sort of 'screw-down' clamp....

just tossing out ideas....
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mklotz
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Re: Valve help for a dummy

Post by mklotz »

seal killer wrote: Mon Feb 13, 2023 11:17 am ...

Marv, we are going to the hardware store today in a futile effort to find what I want. All my steam stuff comes from PM Research so I am sure I will end up doing as you suggest.
The PMR valves have the advantage of being the right "steam style" and scale (1:12) to fit a miniature engine.

If you decide to order from PMR, consider their tube union...

https://www.pmmodelengines.com/shop/pip ... ube-union/

as a starting point for the fabricated fitting I mentioned. Also, consider their tube union ell...

https://www.pmmodelengines.com/shop/pip ... union-ell/

which could easily be silver soldered to a brass plate which is, in turn, screwed to the wooden engine base.
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