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Chloe cylinder bore question

Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 6:12 pm
by milwiron
Back when I built my CP173 I found about half way through I wished I had started a Chloe instead... I just liked the looks. Almost 40 years later I'm finally finding the time for another build. After a stalled start a couple months ago due to some surgery it's time to make chips. Chloe went up on her wheels today.
Following suggestions on this forum I'll be going with a 6 inch boiler instead of the 5 inch pipe.
Should I bore the cylinders to 1.375 as Fitchburg builders have done instead of the stock 1.250? I'm certainly not much concerned about pulling power with this loco choice. Thanks much for any advice.
Denny
Chloe on wheels.jpg

Re: Chloe cylinder bore question

Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 7:05 pm
by Berkman
In short yes, Also, I think a few others on this board had some comments on how to reduce wear/ prolong life of the Stephenson valve gear components, but I do not remember the particulars.

I'm sure others will chime in.

Re: Chloe cylinder bore question

Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 8:12 pm
by Bill Shields
You can always sleeve them down..

Re: Chloe cylinder bore question

Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 8:20 pm
by FKreider
Go with the bigger bore.

Re: Chloe cylinder bore question

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 10:28 am
by Pontiacguy1
Absolutely go with the bigger bore. My chloe locomotive was built with the 1.25"x2.25" cylinders, a 6" steel boiler, solid steel frame, steel rods, steel front buffer beam, etc... in other words, it was made a lot heavier than the stock-built Chloe. This thing was a staller when it was first built. If it had a load that was too large, it would just keep getting slower and slower until it would just stop on the grade. Would rarely ever slip a wheel unless track conditions were less than ideal, i.e. wet. Bored it out and it is a much better performing locomotive. Actually, mine is bored to 1.5" bore. I wouldn't recommend that you do that on yours, 1.375" will do it. The 6" boiler will give you plenty of steam to run those larger cylinders.

If you are going to use the aluminum rods, aluminum parts, and try to make the locomotive light, then the 1.25" bore will do ok for that, and I would recommend you go with that. If you're going to try to make most of your stuff out of steel and make the locomotive heavier, absolutely use the bigger bore.

Hope this helps.