Slow progress….

Almost six weeks into ‘lockdown’ and who would have thought this all possible!

The fine weather has finally ‘subsided’ and with a couple of showery days it gives me a good opportunity to provide a brief BLL update.

The new buildings (see previous Post)  are out of the packets, well two of them at least and have been ‘degreased’ and one is in the first phase of construction. This has been somewhat delayed as I have had to order some model filler, which arrived today, so I will now be able to continue with the build programme!

Last week I took a big gamble and attempted to raise steam on my recent ‘Mamod’ acquisition, aptly renamed ‘311’ (its a long story).

Now raising steam on a 16mm model locomotive does not compare to my days in the RN when I used to have to raise steam on large ships boilers - but the basic principles never change! Light blue touch paper and stand well clear!!

Now ‘311’ does not appear to have been ‘flashed up’ for some considerable time and the lack of a ‘smokestack’ does slightly impair the combustion process.

Not to be deterred, and after some essential maintenance and cleaning, moving parts checked and lubricated, water was provided. The gauge glass drill was ‘performed’ and suitable solid fuel pellets inserted into the fuel tray - aforementioned blue (white in this case) touch paper was ignited - and then all stood well clear!

Not surprising - nothing! 

The fuel pellets soon  expired without the hint of any steam so replacements were installed and lit - and more  waiting - and then behold ‘ hot water was seen dripping from the piston’s and steam, albeit not much was soon following. Success - NO!

‘311’ does not have a steam pressure gauge fitted and being unsure of the suitable operation of the steam safety valve (in the hope of raising some steam pressure) I exchanged the safety valve with the ‘Pheonix’ (similar working model) and carried out some valve tests using the ‘Pheonix’ as the test bed. 

Having proved that ‘311’s safety valve operated (@20psi) I reinstalled it and tried one more time to raise steam …..

I think we all can pre-empt what is coming next - correct - nothing!!!

So currently it is back to the engine shed for a bit more thinking and less doing.

(If you have any ‘constructive’ ideas on how the problem can be resolved, please get in touch)

Take Care - Stay Safe - Smile….