John's Clishay build log
Moderator: Harold_V
John's Clishay build log
After building and running an Electric locomotive and train set, I have decided to built a steamer. I Belong to the North Georgia Live Steamers neat Atlanta. I have since sold the train set with the 6X12 trailer. It sold quickly on DLS.
Re: John's Clishay build log
Thoughts about boiler... I have purchased a 2' section of 3/8wall, 8" dia pipe. The plan is to ream holes (9/16") and use a pipe expander to expand the tubing. The plan is to have a 6" fire box separate from the 12" boiler. I have a spare fire box from the 2" section of pipe. I have made a test fixture and expanded one 1/2" ID x 0.62 OD type K copper tubing (After heating the ends to red for 30 seconds.) The technique is based on the article published in April 1997. I applied 150-160 PSI for 24 hours with the only leaks of water were the pipe threads, none at all in the expanded copper tubing. The copper tubing in the boiler will be on 0.8" centers. (see layout below)
Now considering what other test I should do? Meanwhile, back at the lathe it is time to start in the engine.
Now considering what other test I should do? Meanwhile, back at the lathe it is time to start in the engine.
Re: John's Clishay build log
Test fixture Article was in Live Steam, April 1987
Re: John's Clishay build log
Boiler thoughts:
For an 8" boiler, a typical boiler seems to be 12ea 3/4" ID tubes - which is a total internal volume of 0.034 cu ft for 1 foot long tubes.
For 36ea 1/2" ID tubes, the internal volume is 0.054 cu ft for a 1 foot length, somewhat larger volume for the fire tubes.
For an 8" boiler, a typical boiler seems to be 12ea 3/4" ID tubes - which is a total internal volume of 0.034 cu ft for 1 foot long tubes.
For 36ea 1/2" ID tubes, the internal volume is 0.054 cu ft for a 1 foot length, somewhat larger volume for the fire tubes.
Re: John's Clishay build log
That ends up being 72 ea 3/4" reamed holes for the 1/2" tubes, and 24 ea 1' holes for the 3/4" tubes.
WOW - lot of holes!
WOW - lot of holes!
Re: John's Clishay build log
LOL, there seems to be a never ending number of holes to drill in a live steamer.
Your build is looking good!
Denny
"Measure twice, curse once."
Re: John's Clishay build log
Layout for 3/4" holes, 36 tubes
Re: John's Clishay build log
Several people have asked me what it takes to build a train steam engine. I am new at this hobby, and have never used machine tools to make anything. I started with an old lathe that was given to me, and finally decided to replace it. The Clishay is a beginner machinist project that I hope to finish in a year or so - not 5-10 years as some locomotives end up taking. For tools - here is what I have for tools and think I will be able to complete the Clishay. For anyone considering making a steam engine, a Clishay is a good beginner project.
Re: John's Clishay build log
AS you can see, there is a Harbor Freight nearby.
Re: John's Clishay build log
I was trying to sort this out - - - the engine cylinder is bored to 1.250 and the piston is 1.625
I don't understand how that is going to work. Have any thoughts?
I don't understand how that is going to work. Have any thoughts?