Author Topic: bassett lowke 1 1/2 inch traction engine plans  (Read 4637 times)

Offline tarnhelm

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bassett lowke 1 1/2 inch traction engine plans
« on: June 15, 2024, 05:24:35 PM »
Hi I have acquired a Bassett lowke 1 1/2 inch traction engine.  It needs a new boiler making.  Unfortunately I don't have the plans.  Does anyone have a set of plans that could be copied or know where I could get a set please?

Offline Jasonb

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Re: bassett lowke 1 1/2 inch traction engine plans
« Reply #1 on: June 15, 2024, 05:59:38 PM »
It's more than likely that it would need a redesign to meet current regs as the old rivited and soft solder caulked design is rather dated. Talk with whoever is going to test the boiler and see what they say.

Most designs these days also use separate horn plates screwed or bolted to hollow stays rather than riveted to the boiler so again some redesign needed there too.
« Last Edit: June 15, 2024, 06:18:06 PM by Jasonb »

Offline tarnhelm

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Re: bassett lowke 1 1/2 inch traction engine plans
« Reply #2 on: June 16, 2024, 05:06:37 PM »
Dear Jason, thank you for your sound advice. You are absolutely correct. I have looked at the structure of the original boiler and it is not adequate for modern standards. The boiler on my Minnie is far superior
 One solution I considered :- I note that there are plans for a 3" Burrell available from Plastow and I am considering buying the boiler plans from them and using those.  It may then be  simple matter of dividing the dimensions on the larger scale plan by half, and checking the dimensions to the original boiler. How does that sound to you?  John

Offline Jasonb

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Re: bassett lowke 1 1/2 inch traction engine plans
« Reply #3 on: June 16, 2024, 07:02:54 PM »
Not too good, I don't think any boiler inspector would be happy with that.

Probably better to look at something like the 1 1/2" Allchin and use the same material thicknesses and stay spacing as that, just adjusting the overall sizes down to suit your slightly smaller Burrell

Offline pgp001

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Re: bassett lowke 1 1/2 inch traction engine plans
« Reply #4 on: June 17, 2024, 02:23:26 PM »
Good advise Jason.

That is exactly what I have done when re-designing the boiler for my 1½" Burrell designed by A. J. Every.

Phil

PS
I am pretty sure I also have a set of original drawings for the Bassett lowke version somewhere in the loft.

Online Jo

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Re: bassett lowke 1 1/2 inch traction engine plans
« Reply #5 on: June 17, 2024, 03:15:36 PM »
John are you going to actually steam it? If you add a pressure line fitting to the existing boiler you could restore the model and display it turning over it without needing a boiler certificate.

I think you are going to find if you make a new boiler that the cylinder/fittings etc were made to fit the old one so you could be on a hiding to nothing ::)

Jo
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

Offline tarnhelm

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Re: bassett lowke 1 1/2 inch traction engine plans
« Reply #6 on: June 17, 2024, 04:34:52 PM »
Thank you all for your comments and help. I will look at the adapting of the Allchin plans.  I'm hoping to speak today to the gentleman who has made boilers for me in the past. I will discuss the Allchin adaptation route with him. I will let you know what happens John

Offline tarnhelm

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Re: bassett lowke 1 1/2 inch traction engine plans
« Reply #7 on: July 27, 2024, 05:46:50 PM »
Progress is underway.  A new boiler which will meet modern standards is being made for the engine. It will have new fittings as the old ones are rather strange. john

Offline Chipmaster

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Re: bassett lowke 1 1/2 inch traction engine plans
« Reply #8 on: July 27, 2024, 09:02:24 PM »
That’s good news, looking forward to seeing how this project proceeds.
Andy

 

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