tools, materials & knowledge for model makers
Inspiration for Steam Valve Design When I originally looked at the steam valve for the Burrell I read a number of references and article and then listed the following points: Smooth the steam flow path. Can the valve reliably shut steam flow off completely? Does the valve provide enough control? Does the valve work at … Read more
I need to get back to the Burrell. Hence I thought I would share with you my list of things to do next. Along with my concerns / worries / roadblocks. 1. Throttle / Steam Valve This has been the fundamental roadblock. At least a roadblock in my head. Often these can be the most … Read more
Looking for inspiration for a steam valve design. Thought I would share a bit of a search of the internet, books and reference papers. I’ve already discussed the different options for the Burrell Steam Valve principle of operation: Make a valve part of the saddle Fit a standard steam valve to the side of the … Read more
All the time I’ve been making the cylinder and saddle I’ve been concerned with the Burrell steam valve. How do I control the steam? I think I have three options: Make a valve part of the saddle Fit a standard steam valve to the side of the saddle Fit remote standard valve and run pipes back … Read more
Vertical vs Horizontal Steam Boiler, what is the difference? I made a vertical boiler as a test piece before making a horizontal boiler. Was that sensible and did it prove anything? I did learn the basic requirements of making and testing a boiler. I also learnt about fireboxes and how to get heat into the … Read more
A banjo bolt and pressure gauge for the small vertical boiler. Also, I made a siphon tube, this protects the gauge from the very hot temperature water and steam. Banjo Bolt The banjo bolt was machined from 1/2 inch brass round stock. The threaded section is 1/4 inch x 40tpi and this bolts into the side … Read more
Water is such a key element of life and everything we do that I thought I should pull together a page on the properties of water. Spurred on by making a steam boiler I thought I should pull some references together for this wonderful working fluid. In the model engineering workshop we drink it, either as … Read more