Super Simplex materials

[Balljoint]

Hi Guys

I am just starting to build a super simplex and would appreciate some advice with the choice of materials for the horns and axle boxes, and also the cylinders.

I am considering having cast iron horns with gunmetal axle boxes, is this the best combination, and also which is considered the best material for the cylinders, cast iron or gunmetal.

Any advice would be much appreciated

Thanks

Colin

[Jo]

My SS axle boxes are Cast Iron running in steel horns. The steel is less fussy if you hit it by mistake when you are riveting them on.

The cylinders are bronze lined with CI sleeves as there was a blow hole on the bore line. Be warned that the SS cylinders are a larger bore than the std Simplex cylinders and some std Simplex castings are a bit too tight to be able to take the larger bore. If you are not going to run it often then the more expensive bronze will not rust when it is not used but if you intend on driving week in week out then CI would be a better bet as it will not wear as fast.

Jo

[julian]

Why not use standard simplex cylinders rather than SS ones? Plenty of power.

I am building standard simplex. Just bout finished frames and the running gear. Trying to run on air but not successful yet. Hopefully tomorrow.

Julian

[builder01]

Hi Julian,

I got my cylinder castings from Blackgates. Plenty of material for either size cylinder bore. As it turns out, the bores are a little too large anyway for the boiler size. On the advice of a very experienced person, I have actually bored mine a little smaller than the drawing, 1-3/8". There will still be plenty of power to spin the wheels, and now there will be steam left over as well!

David

[builder01]

Julian,

Did you ever get your locomotive running on air?

David