Thanks for the comments.
Many tasks remain, the leaking glands need repacking, and the engine properly finished and tidied up, particularly the base which needs a total rethink. Plenty to do during the winter months ahead.
The engine made its debut at the inaugural meeting of the Mercia Model Toy and Steam Society. It ran for about two hours with just one of the two cylinders in steam for most of that time. It was very messy by the end of that run.
Kim you’re right about the boiler keeping up, it’s the C500 gas cartridges that are the problem because they freeze up. I have to keep swapping cartridges to get a useful flame from the Bix burner. At home I can use larger propane cylinders that don’t ice up.
I have been told that for running in public (U.K.) our insurance only covers the use of up to C500 size cartridges and gas tanks. I can’t quote a source for that rule but some folk speak of it as though it’s common knowledge.
Today a friend is bringing a Bix gas burner that’s twice the size of mine to try out under the Stuart 504 boiler. However, I’m expecting the C500 gas cartridges will simply ice up faster as more gas is drawn off. Perhaps two burners each supplied by separate cartridges would be the solution
Andy