Stuart Beam Engine in Diorama

[J.L.]

Hi Bill,

Thank you for that nice comment. It's feedback like that that makes this forum so special.

 I am awaiting another DC gearhead motor.   

Here are two photos of the installation of an on/off reversing switch. Again, I'm trying to be subtle about the use of current to assist this steam engine.Those wires will disappear in a ventilated cupboard.

Bill, I would like to state again here, that this beam engine was designed to run on steam or compressed air. It has a functioning piston and a double acting slide valve. The only reason an 'electrical device' has been introduced is for historic and video purposes.

I believe the flywheel of these engines had to be either gently levered by crowbar acting on a fulcrum or rotated slowly by small barring engines to bring the slide valve into position where the engine could start itself.

Thus the friction system. I will be able to photograph the engine starting from dead stop with a speed controller.

The 'assist' will also maintain steady slow speed and allow the diorama to be used virtually anywhere where there is an electrical outlet.

[J.L.]

The potentiometer controls the speed of the engine.

[b.lindsey]

John, in the last two photos, is that upper cutout for the switch shown in the previous two photos?

Bill

[J.L.]

Hi Bill,

Yes, here are the two controls mounted on the buttress.

You can see the beginnings of the new boiler east wall to the right. The boiler room is being extended out another two feet (2 inches). You can see the leads coming through the added wall. Reason for extending the boiler room will become clear as we progress.

[b.lindsey]

Thanks John, looking forward to seeing the "expansion" plans

Bill

[J.L.]

You are welcome, Bill.

Things are starting to make sense now with all these wires coming through the east wall.

The control board is seen in the first photo; wired in the second.

The green motor block with two set screws is on the left; the power input block is on the right (+) and (-) . You will see two red lights on the left; one will light up when the motor is running clockwise (CW); the other when running counterclockwise (CCW).

The star shaped aluminum piece is a heart sink.

I know very little about control boards, but appreciated what they have to do! 

Now we build a wooded louvered box to cover all this stuff up and get us back into the 19th century.   

[Roger B]

Splendid attention to detail as ever    Still following along and enjoying 

[J.L.]

Thank you Roger. Good to have you looking over my shoulder.

Before I finish up with construction in the boiler room, I have to raise the diorama. Tom, you were spot on when you suggested the floor could be raised to accommodate a larger motor. I think you referred to the concept of a basement.

Here we see red oak being cut to lift the model. Adding this very strong oak will also protect the soft MDF walls and trim at the sides. It sort of finishes off the look. The Polylastomer feet will still be placed under the oak.

[b.lindsey]

Nice John, and definitely an addition to and not a detraction from the overall appearance!!

Bill

[ddmckee54]

John:

If you want to avoid the screams of "FIRE - FIRE" when the very un-19th century-ish red glow is spotted from the CW/CCW LED's on your control board, just paint over them with a couple of coats of flat black paint.  It won't hurt them at all.

Don

[J.L.]

Thanks Bill.

Don, I have never really thought about that. You are right. The glow will definitely show through the louvres.

Maybe I need to install a fire bucket in the boiler room!

[Admiral_dk]

While I very much agree that you don't want to "see the light"  I wouldn't paint them John, as you might need them for debugging later - just put a piece off black tape over them, so there's no light when exhibited 

Oh - I should mention that I still follow and enjoy your build very much 

[J.L.]

Well, the glow from the louvered box may be of interest to some and a great segue to showing just what's 'under the hood'.

[b.lindsey]

That looks great John. Will be interesting to see how many even notice the "glow."

Bill

[wagnmkr]

That is a gorgeous addition John, and it really looks like it should be there.

Tom