tools, materials & knowledge for model makers
The heat output of the meths burner, to be more correct methylated spirits burner, has been quite low. Just 50W of heat into the boiler with the optimised firebox design. Adding a steam raising blower increased the heat output of the methylated spirit burner dramatically. You can see the rate of change in bulk temperature … Read more
One thing that has concerned me is what is the optimal Flame to Boiler Distance? The original firebox and methylated spirit burner was generating approximately 54W. At the operating point of the boiler at 40psi and 140°C the losses are 35W. So, there was not that much headroom for adding more water or taking a … Read more
It’s not easy getting heat into the boiler. It might be the losses are too great. Is the wood wrap enough of an insulation? I might have to measure the cooling curve and from this establish the heat loss to ambient. I’m heating the small vertical boiler with a methylated spirits burner. This burner is … Read more
My intention with the miniature traction engine is to use a spirit fired boiler. When I say spirits I mean methylated spirits. This is a clean and simple way to fire a boiler. The tank is easy to make, the burner can be tricky to get right, but there are some great references that will … Read more
A review of the simple Glass Alcohol Burner. I’ve had this glass methylated spirits burner for around 10 years and I use it regularly when I need to heat a larger than normal part for soldering. The body and top is made from moulded glass with a ground interface between the two parts. A very … Read more