Author Topic: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler  (Read 13971 times)

simplyloco

  • Guest
Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« on: January 29, 2019, 04:19:25 PM »
That visit to Jo yesterday has left me with a peculiar affliction: "Aquisition Syndrome"!
I acquired this setup today from a gentleman whose wife said "It has to go!" It looked a bit of a dog, but I got it home, connected up my new Simair airbrush compressor and here we have it running! Just click on the pic. All brass construction, and it's going to polish up loverly... :whoohoo:
20190129_154445 by inkaboat, on Flickr

20190129_154508 by inkaboat, on Flickr



I'd be grateful for an ID on the engine, and the boiler, which has 'BL' on the front. AND it has a Stuart V10 on the board as well!

20190129_153959 by inkaboat, on Flickr
« Last Edit: January 29, 2019, 04:39:41 PM by simplyloco »

Online Jo

  • Administrator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15293
  • Hampshire, england.
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2019, 04:22:33 PM »
We need better photos to be able to identify it... A picture of the beam to see if it is a single or double would be helpful  ::)

Jo
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2019, 04:37:58 PM »
Better pictures! Did the video run OK?
DSC00711 by inkaboat, on Flickr

DSC00710 by inkaboat, on Flickr

DSC00709 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Online Jo

  • Administrator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15293
  • Hampshire, england.
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2019, 05:10:18 PM »
I can only get the video to run if I go to flicker.

It is not an obvious design published in ME. As it is a bar stock engine it couple be a home designed engine.

Have you thought what you are going to do with all that lovely old original patina?

Edit: The boiler is a Bassett-Lowke babcock boiler...https://www.stationroadsteam.com/bassett-lowke-babcock-boiler-stock-code-3421/

Jo
« Last Edit: January 29, 2019, 05:16:15 PM by Jo »
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2019, 05:14:53 PM »
SNIP
Have you thought what you are going to do with all that lovely old original patina?
Jo

I'm an ex Senior NCO: I have to polish it! :slap:

Offline Jasonb

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9463
  • Surrey, UK
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2019, 05:15:42 PM »
BL on the boiler is be Basset Lowke.

As for polishing it up I would personally keep the patina.

there is a published design that rings a bell will get back to you on that
« Last Edit: January 29, 2019, 05:23:44 PM by Jasonb »

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #6 on: January 29, 2019, 05:22:51 PM »
Thanks both. Quite exciting really!
John
« Last Edit: January 29, 2019, 05:26:20 PM by simplyloco »

Online Jo

  • Administrator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15293
  • Hampshire, england.
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #7 on: January 29, 2019, 05:27:33 PM »
I was imagining that your first task would have been to dig out the Brasso... which may devalue it  :facepalm:

The fact there is also an additional engine makes me think it could be a few commercial bits put on a board. Again originality = value.

I would look to alter where the gauge glass is attached to the boiler and fit it to the top and bottom fitting holes, where it currently is not very useful  ::)

Jo
« Last Edit: January 29, 2019, 06:15:44 PM by Jo »
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

Offline b.lindsey

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13860
  • Dallas, NC, USA
    • Workbench-Miniatures
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2019, 08:14:13 PM »
Video worked fine for me just from clicking on the picture though it does take you to flickr. Quite a lovely engine too. Personally I would polish it up unless you plan to resell it in the near future where "value" could be an issue. Then let it develop its own new patina under your ownership. Nice "acquisition" !

Bill

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2019, 09:03:27 PM »
Running on Steam! :cheers:
Not bad for $75.00...

20190129_185804 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Offline crueby

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18554
  • Rochester NY
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2019, 09:57:19 PM »
Wonderful!  Can tell from the video how tickled you were to see it take off! Very nicely done.

Offline Ye-Ole Steam Dude

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1571
  • Deep East Texas on Sam Rayburn Lake
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #11 on: January 29, 2019, 10:31:21 PM »
Hello John,

That is a beautiful ole steam engine, like Jo sure hope you keep it "as is".

Have a great day,
Thomas
Thomas

Offline Bearcar1

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 829
  • Chicagoland Area, USA
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #12 on: January 29, 2019, 11:21:50 PM »
Boy what a beauty!!!  And a "two-for" at that.  :DrinkPint: The V-10 appears to be of an older vintage as well.  I dunno, a good cleaning would be in order as Im not so sure an outright polish would do justice to this one.  :shrug: I do like the center crank design of this one.


BC1
Jim

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #13 on: January 30, 2019, 03:27:11 PM »
Cleaned up in a petrol bath. It is really very well made.

20190130_150204[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

Offline Ye-Ole Steam Dude

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1571
  • Deep East Texas on Sam Rayburn Lake
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #14 on: January 30, 2019, 04:01:07 PM »
Hello again John,

When you have the time, please take more photos of the steam engine from various angles and post them here.

Have a great day,
Thomas
Thomas

Offline b.lindsey

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13860
  • Dallas, NC, USA
    • Workbench-Miniatures
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #15 on: January 30, 2019, 07:56:06 PM »
The workmanship looks very nice I agree. I especially like the flywheel and how it is constructed too.

Bill
« Last Edit: January 30, 2019, 08:03:51 PM by b.lindsey »

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #16 on: January 30, 2019, 08:00:50 PM »
More pics as requested!
20190130_184957 by inkaboat, on Flickr

20190130_184706 by inkaboat, on Flickr

20190130_184611 by inkaboat, on Flickr

20190130_184545 by inkaboat, on Flickr

That'll do for now. :LittleAngel:
John
« Last Edit: January 30, 2019, 08:15:32 PM by simplyloco »

Offline Gas_mantle

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1365
  • North Yorks - UK.
    • My Youtube channel
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #17 on: January 30, 2019, 09:03:00 PM »
Very nice John  :)

What is that boiler you have in the right side of your last photo? It looks to be a decent sized item - did you make it?

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #18 on: January 30, 2019, 09:13:44 PM »
Very nice John  :)

What is that boiler you have in the right side of your last photo? It looks to be a decent sized item - did you make it?

Yes, it is a 4" diameter Scotch boiler constructed by me recently from a KN Harris design. It is waiting for some Loctite hydraulic sealant to fix the tiniest of leaks at 100 psi! :Mad:

Offline Ye-Ole Steam Dude

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1571
  • Deep East Texas on Sam Rayburn Lake
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #19 on: January 30, 2019, 09:49:03 PM »
Hey again John,

Thanks for the extra photos, love that engine.

Have a great day,
Thomas
Thomas

Offline Gas_mantle

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1365
  • North Yorks - UK.
    • My Youtube channel
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #20 on: January 30, 2019, 10:20:03 PM »
Very nice John  :)

What is that boiler you have in the right side of your last photo? It looks to be a decent sized item - did you make it?

Yes, it is a 4" diameter Scotch boiler constructed by me recently from a KN Harris design. It is waiting for some Loctite hydraulic sealant to fix the tiniest of leaks at 100 psi! :Mad:

Thanks John, I'd be interested in seeing it in action  :)

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #21 on: January 30, 2019, 11:21:34 PM »
Very nice John  :)

What is that boiler you have in the right side of your last photo? It looks to be a decent sized item - did you make it?

Yes, it is a 4" diameter Scotch boiler constructed by me recently from a KN Harris design. It is waiting for some Loctite hydraulic sealant to fix the tiniest of leaks at 100 psi! :Mad:

Thanks John, I'd be interested in seeing it in action  :)

I meant to do a build thread on it but you know how it goes... :facepalm:

DSC00669 by inkaboat, on Flickr



Offline Gas_mantle

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1365
  • North Yorks - UK.
    • My Youtube channel
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #22 on: January 30, 2019, 11:27:01 PM »
It looks to be an impressive piece of work, any chance you could show it in operation once it is finished please?

I want to build a small boiler but something a lot simpler than yours.  :)

Offline crueby

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18554
  • Rochester NY
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #23 on: January 30, 2019, 11:53:51 PM »
you mention Loctite Hydraulic Sealant - have not heard of that one, what will it be sealing, is it just for threaded fittings or can it do other leaks too?   :thinking:

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #24 on: January 31, 2019, 09:14:22 AM »
you mention Loctite Hydraulic Sealant - have not heard of that one, what will it be sealing, is it just for threaded fittings or can it do other leaks too?   :thinking:

A friend of mine is arranging it. Apparently the boiler is partly evacuated with a vacuum cleaner(!) and a drop of this stuff placed on the leak point. It goes in and seals the leak. My friend's boiler was tested afterwards at 200 psi: no leaks!
I'll report back when it's done.
John

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #25 on: January 31, 2019, 03:58:37 PM »
I dismantled the boiler today. I will have to dispose of the asbestos insulation and find a replacement. The shell is in perfect condition, no signs of weeping or damage. They don't make 'em like they used to! The cast brickwork effect is virtually obscured by globby paint, so that will have to be removed.  There's 'patina' and there's 'a dogs' breakfast', and this boiler casing is the latter... ::)
John
20190131_153455 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Offline crueby

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18554
  • Rochester NY
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #26 on: January 31, 2019, 05:50:24 PM »
you mention Loctite Hydraulic Sealant - have not heard of that one, what will it be sealing, is it just for threaded fittings or can it do other leaks too?   :thinking:

A friend of mine is arranging it. Apparently the boiler is partly evacuated with a vacuum cleaner(!) and a drop of this stuff placed on the leak point. It goes in and seals the leak. My friend's boiler was tested afterwards at 200 psi: no leaks!
I'll report back when it's done.
John
I looked around online, and found the loctite 545 sealant, meant mainly for threaded joints in hydraulic systems, but sound like it might help in other pinholes - very interested to see your results on that. If that is the version, it appears to be available at places like Amazon and some auto parts chains.

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #27 on: February 01, 2019, 12:52:30 AM »
Now that I know that it works, it is time to make it look pretty! The inlet aperture is 3/8" x 26 and pretty wobbly, so I decided to convert it to 5/16" x 32 to bring nearer to scale.
20190131_165456 by inkaboat, on Flickr

I made an adaptor to take a 3/16" pipe, and silver soldered it in,  and here is the result. A little neater I think!
20190131_173840 by inkaboat, on Flickr
The trouble is, of course, that now the valve chest cover is cleaned up after soldering I will have to polish up the rest of this lovely machine... :whoohoo:
« Last Edit: February 01, 2019, 12:58:00 AM by simplyloco »

Online Jo

  • Administrator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15293
  • Hampshire, england.
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #28 on: February 01, 2019, 08:45:13 AM »
The trouble is, of course, that now the valve chest cover is cleaned up after soldering I will have to polish up the rest of this lovely machine... :whoohoo:

Some how we could see that coming  ::)

Jo
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

Offline Jasonb

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9463
  • Surrey, UK
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #29 on: February 01, 2019, 09:40:25 AM »
Are you going to chuck the whole engine in the acid to get that matching pink shade of the "cleaned up" chest cover or clean the pink off the cover :LittleDevil:

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #30 on: February 01, 2019, 10:13:02 AM »
Are you going to chuck the whole engine in the acid to get that matching pink shade of the "cleaned up" chest cover or clean the pink off the cover :LittleDevil:

I might just Brasso the cover and let it fade over time... :)

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #31 on: February 03, 2019, 04:16:01 PM »
Insulation problem solved

The vermiculite blocks that I use when soldering are quite fragile, but I found out today that the my budgie bandsaw slices through them like a hot knife through butter! Therefore...

Cut into pads just thick enough to provide clearance on the water tubes, and held in using the original holes with some stainless steel sheet rescued from a discarded hob fume extractor!
20190203_133648 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Quite pleased!
20190203_140458 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Even more pleased as I have now removed centuries of built up paint and can now see all the nice brick detail. The boiler now also sports a decent gauge glass and a much more elegant pressure gauge fitting! I'll make an in-line clack near to the pump.
Can anyone suggest a paint that looks like Victorian red brick but is not a gloss?

20190203_154609 by inkaboat, on Flickr

« Last Edit: February 03, 2019, 11:15:15 PM by simplyloco »

Offline crueby

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18554
  • Rochester NY
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #32 on: February 03, 2019, 04:24:21 PM »
That is looking grand!
 :popcorn: :popcorn:

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #33 on: February 03, 2019, 11:25:43 PM »
Just waiting for some red bricks!

20190203_220457 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Offline b.lindsey

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13860
  • Dallas, NC, USA
    • Workbench-Miniatures
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #34 on: February 04, 2019, 01:40:51 AM »
What a transformation!! Doesn't even look like the same boiler. Very nice!!

Bill

Offline Jasonb

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9463
  • Surrey, UK
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #35 on: February 04, 2019, 07:15:11 AM »
Nearest you will probably get in a matt heat resistant is something like Thermacure's Mojave Red, looks a bit like red oxide primer but will take the heat, I've used it on Flame lickers and its not come off. Their Black will do for the doors.

https://thermacure.co.uk/products/

If you are feeling artistic than get a can of Ivory too and mix colours to pick out individual brick.

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #36 on: February 04, 2019, 07:49:28 AM »
Nearest you will probably get in a matt heat resistant is something like Thermacure's Mojave Red, looks a bit like red oxide primer but will take the heat, I've used it on Flame lickers and its not come off. Their Black will do for the doors.

https://thermacure.co.uk/products/

If you are feeling artistic than get a can of Ivory too and mix colours to pick out individual brick.

Thanks Jason, I'll have a look. Halfords heat resistant is on the doors already.
John
« Last Edit: February 04, 2019, 08:04:37 AM by simplyloco »

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #37 on: February 04, 2019, 11:04:47 PM »
We had a lovely lunch out with friends so not much done today. However, I did manage to order the Thermacure Mojave Red paint, and I was determined to finish the boiler fittings today, in particular replacing the abortion of a clack valve that came with it!

This is the beast, and pretty 'orrible it is too!
20190204_203248 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Much nicer and closer to scale! Mind you, even though I just made this one, I might find myself replacing the water gauge with something a little smaller...
DSC00713 by inkaboat, on Flickr
« Last Edit: February 04, 2019, 11:12:44 PM by simplyloco »

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #38 on: February 06, 2019, 08:00:12 PM »
Well happy with the result. I just have to paint the roof and the pressure gauge siphon black, and we're done! My intention is to mount it on a board with another engine, and I can't help thinking that the Stuart No 9 would be more suitable. I also have my Stuart Beam engine. What do you guys think?
John

20190206_194151 by inkaboat, on Flickr

20190206_194050[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

Now it looks the part, it will need some new doors, but they aint 'alf fiddley Mum! This just a prototype...

20190206_181243 by inkaboat, on Flickr

« Last Edit: February 06, 2019, 08:14:47 PM by simplyloco »

Offline Dave Otto

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4693
  • Boise, Idaho USA
    • Photo Bucket
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #39 on: February 07, 2019, 01:14:06 AM »
Looks very nice!

Dave

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #40 on: February 07, 2019, 09:05:19 PM »
Looking the part!
 I spent a few hours this evening making a new chimney, complete with bronze top and bottom collars,  and doing a trial assembly.
Very happy with it, and the colour seems to have photographed OK this time!
John

20190207_203653 by inkaboat, on Flickr
20190207_203511 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Offline Don1966

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6817
  • Columbia, MS
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #41 on: February 07, 2019, 09:07:14 PM »
Love the color and look very nice work!.... :ThumbsUp:


 :cheers:
Don

Offline crueby

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18554
  • Rochester NY
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #42 on: February 07, 2019, 09:12:09 PM »
Excellent!

Offline gary.a.ayres

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1297
  • Isle of Skye & sometimes France
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #43 on: February 07, 2019, 10:24:46 PM »
Interesting thread, and the boiler is looking great!

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #44 on: February 07, 2019, 10:32:27 PM »
Thanks all for the kind words, they help my motivation!
John

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #45 on: February 08, 2019, 01:31:19 PM »
Choosing the Engine

I have thought long and hard about the best engine to complement this boiler. In terms of size, era and sheer presence, the Stuart Beam is the obvious choice. The cylinders - what colour? black or green? - are for the water tank/preheater and the exhaust condenser.
It's gonna be great!
I must remake those beam links soon... :embarassed:
John
20190208_130426 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Offline Gas_mantle

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1365
  • North Yorks - UK.
    • My Youtube channel
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #46 on: February 08, 2019, 02:52:52 PM »
Looks great John  :)

As for the water gauge, I think it looks fine and don't think it looks out of place.

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #47 on: February 08, 2019, 06:55:44 PM »
Time waits for no man, so a good starting point was the distribution manifold. Steam on a 3/16" tube comes in on the right, and exits via the same size tube on the left. I've incorporated a 1/4" x 40 outlet to connect an accessory, such as a steam pump or injector  :LittleAngel:
The displacement lubricator hangs on the back, with room to drain it underneath.
Progress!
John

DSC00723 by inkaboat, on Flickr

DSC00724 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Offline crueby

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18554
  • Rochester NY
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #48 on: February 08, 2019, 07:51:22 PM »
The lubricators I have used had the steam pipe run through them, with a small hole in the pipe for the oil to rise through, have not seen this style off to the side (I have not seen that many setups, sure that there are lots more types I have not seen yet). Is there any benefit or effective difference between the two types?
 :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #49 on: February 08, 2019, 09:28:13 PM »
The lubricators I have used had the steam pipe run through them, with a small hole in the pipe for the oil to rise through, have not seen this style off to the side (I have not seen that many setups, sure that there are lots more types I have not seen yet). Is there any benefit or effective difference between the two types?
 :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

This one is adjustable, and it works  very well, although few people, myself included, know HOW it works! A further refinement is to give it its own steam supply, but that is a little OTT!
John

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #50 on: February 08, 2019, 11:19:02 PM »
Making the Two Tanks

I have to know where everything goes before I do any plumbing. I am making these tanks from a redundant SS worktop leg that has been in my workshop roof for about 15 years! Hacksawed roughly to length, attempting to allow for the 'set' of the teeth on the nasty Chinese blades which sends the cut off at an alarming angle, and machined to length on a push fit mandrel. I borrowed our neighbour Bob's cut off saw to make some alloy discs for the end caps. I just happened to have a two foot long solid alloy bar, just the right diameter!  :) These will be machined tomorrow.
Great fun!
John

DSC00725 by inkaboat, on Flickr

DSC00726 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Online Jo

  • Administrator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15293
  • Hampshire, england.
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #51 on: February 11, 2019, 09:39:18 PM »
Eric has found the original advert for the boiler and a rather nice pump that should go with it :)

Jo
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #52 on: February 11, 2019, 09:55:02 PM »
ThanksJo. I have seen the first before but not the second!
John

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #53 on: February 16, 2019, 10:01:09 PM »
I have remade four of the links, hopefully for the better. The 6BA bolts are nicer too instead of 5BA nuts. The links look a little more 'pompous' than the originals!

20190216_210014 by inkaboat, on Flickr

20190216_211634 by inkaboat, on Flickr

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #54 on: March 02, 2019, 05:13:17 PM »
It runs!
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u72MnycQcc" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u72MnycQcc</a>
John

Offline Kim

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7860
  • Portland, Oregon, USA
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #55 on: March 02, 2019, 06:23:57 PM »
Very nice, John!  It runs quite well. I like the low speed!
Kim

Offline Ye-Ole Steam Dude

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1571
  • Deep East Texas on Sam Rayburn Lake
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #56 on: March 02, 2019, 07:02:54 PM »
Hello John,

Really nice runner and a beautiful engine and set up.

Have a great day,
Thomas
Thomas

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #57 on: March 05, 2019, 05:35:05 PM »
Following some prompting from another place, I've replaced the bit of tinplate holding the manifold with a stanchion. It looks a lot better, and will be even better when I've painted it and the manifold to match the engine. I've been having a go with the buffing spindle. Let it shine!
John

20190305_163144 by inkaboat, on Flickr

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #58 on: March 07, 2019, 08:24:33 PM »
Nearly finished!

I just have to finish off the (miscalculated) RHS tiles, and nail the thing down!

20190307_200326 by inkaboat, on Flickr

20190307_200229 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Offline crueby

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18554
  • Rochester NY
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #59 on: March 07, 2019, 08:39:01 PM »
Looking wonderful!

Offline Don1966

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6817
  • Columbia, MS
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #60 on: March 07, 2019, 10:01:53 PM »
Nice work love the color selection and she runs a treat!.... :ThumbsUp:


 :cheers:
Don

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #61 on: March 07, 2019, 10:13:19 PM »
Nice work love the color selection and she runs a treat!.... :ThumbsUp:


 :cheers:
Don

Thanks Don and all. Would you be!ieve that the colour is British Racing Green: and proud of it!
« Last Edit: March 07, 2019, 10:18:03 PM by simplyloco »

Offline b.lindsey

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13860
  • Dallas, NC, USA
    • Workbench-Miniatures
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #62 on: March 08, 2019, 12:53:23 AM »
A really beautiful display in it's entirity, and a fine running engine as well. Well done!!!

Bill

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #63 on: March 09, 2019, 03:43:58 PM »
A Major Setback! :'(

I started on the mounting studs today. Unfortunately, The tiles are just about the hardest I have ever encountered. Ten minutes to drill a 3/16" hole with a new drill and then the tile cracked! I can't risk that happening with the others, so I am not going ahead with this board.

20190309_143217 by inkaboat, on Flickr

I just happened to have another piece of walnut worktop - thanks Jez!- and it will be plain vanilla with a rebated edge like the first one.

20190309_143813 by inkaboat, on Flickr

The old board is just the right size to show off my projects!  :Lol:
John

20190309_144325 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Offline Gas_mantle

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1365
  • North Yorks - UK.
    • My Youtube channel
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #64 on: March 09, 2019, 03:56:30 PM »
I love that beam engine / boiler set up, it must weigh a ton on that slab of wood though  :)

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Restoring a Grasshopper Beam Engine and Boiler
« Reply #65 on: March 15, 2019, 08:43:38 PM »
Project completed. I'll do a steaming video tomorrow. :whoohoo:
John
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EJLjIac0bc" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EJLjIac0bc</a>

 

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal