CONWAY 0-4-0 3 1/2" GAUGE LOCO

[cnr6400]

Despite many attempts, Rich just could not persuade H.M.'s Inland Revenue that the device was in fact a pulmonary therapy device, and thus exempt from tax.

[Firebird]

Hi

Thanks Carl and cnr6400 

The other type of ball valve I have looks much better but is also larger. I'm just working on ideas to see if I can get it to fit inside the dome

Cheers

Rich

[Firebird]

Hi

The new ball valve seems to be much better quality.

I have made a new adapter and done a trial fit



Unfortunately it is too big for the dome to fit.

I am going to make an adapter ring to increase the size of the dome. Before I attack an expensive bit of bronze a test piece in ally was made. The inner circle of 8 holes matches the studs in the dome bush. The outer ring of 12 holes will be for the new dome, They are tapped M4



A trial fit on the dome bush



Cheers

Rich

[samc88]

Good work. We've had issues in the past in work with new ball valves not seating properly

Sent from my G3121 using Tapatalk

[crueby]

Before modifying the dome, this one passes the pressure test? At least the tuba-variety?

[Firebird]

Hi

Thanks Sam and Chris 

I'm fairly confident this one is ok. I am not going to modify the dome but make a new one that fits onto the adapter plate

I had a couple of hours on it today but had another minor set back. While trying to straighten the links a little 



I hope to get back on it tomorrow

Cheers

Rich

[cnr6400]

Shame about those links breaking Rich. Just a thought - could the new ones be made in stainless steel for a little more strength in the small sections?

[Kim]

Yows!  What happened there?  Hope the links were the only thing damaged (and not you!)?

Sorry for the setback Rich. But that seems to be the way these things work... 2 steps forward, 1 and a half back... 

Kim

[Admiral_dk]

I have mentioned it before, but the ball valve does not need to be up in the dome - only the steam pickup !!!
That way you do not have to make the links to the valve ....

I really hope you succeed this time Rich.

Per

[Firebird]

Hi

Thanks Kim 

Cnr6400, the new ones are stainless steel





Admiral, I can't get the ball valve low enough to get a direct link.

Cheers

Rich

[Admiral_dk]

Admiral, I can't get the ball valve low enough to get a direct link.

Argh, that is a shame or to put it another way - in my mind that could have been the perfect solution - then again, I'm not the one sitting with all the parts that go together 

I hope that you will find a satisfying solution.

Per

[Jo]

Rich, What have you made those studs out of? I hope it is stainless to prevent them corroding

Jo

[cnr6400]

New links and valve install look great Rich. 

"May all your leeks be in the soup" (ancient-ish steam proverb) 

[Firebird]

Hi

Thanks Per and cnr6400

Jo, yes the studs are stainless steel. They started life as M3 socket head cap screws.. I just select screws of the correct length and chop the heads off. I find its the easiest way to get a set of studs the same length.

Cheers

Rich

[Firebird]

Hi

Its been a few weeks since my last post hasn't it. Xmas and a holiday stopped workshop time but I have been back a week now so there is a little progress to report.

I have finished building an over head gantry which is fitted with a 1 ton chain hoist. I can now swing the loco from bench to bench and drop it to the floor.

I have fitted lifting eyes to the front and rear beams



An I beam made from square steel tube welded together





4 Lengths of chain and some home made hooks







Cheers

Rich