tools, materials & knowledge for model makers
The Burrell crankshaft and layshaft gears join the crankshaft to the differential and the differential to the wheels. The crankshaft gear was made from phosphor bronze and as you see in the video this slides so that you can select between drive and neutral. At first these gears look complicated, but they are actually quite … Read more
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