New member West Midlands renovating Martin Evans 5” Firefly

[ewwbup]

Hi, I would like to introduce myself, Phil Owen. I have enjoyed modelmaking ever since I can remember,planes boats and trains.
When I left school I became a technician apprentice so had some tool room machining and fabrication training but not as comprehensive as my colleagues in craft apps whose creations I envied.
i have over the past few years built a loco and rolling stock in gauge 1,  but then saw a 50 year old 5 “gauge prairie tank on eBay and with a leap of faith (and probably stupidity) successfully bid.
I have joined a local model engineering society and have found this-a source of good advice and friendship. Nevertheless they all have their own projects and club activities to tend too so I will still have to fend for myself and require help and advice from other sources, hence my reason for joining this forum.
I look forward to corresponding with you all and sharing experiences, technical data, advice and more in the future.

[cplmickey]

Hi Phil, welcome to the forum. There's a lot of very knowledgeable and talented people on here so shout up if you need help and advice. Photos always help although they need to be remotely hosted as this site has run out of space. Good luck with the prairie. Ian

[dscott]

Yes a lovely model and capable of pulling about 14 people when properly set up and BEHAVING herself
on the right coal and wind direction and how you have talked to her!
The first thing is her history?
How much has she been used?
Cast iron or Gunmetal cylinders?
She has Slide valves so these Wear in not wear out!
Beg borrow steal a compressor and run her on air!
There are several on Youtube showing you how!
Yes use a low pressure and she should turn over!

Next is the BOILER and this is where you get to be best friends with the boiler inspector!
You do all the preperation, and turn up on the day ready to just pump up with it FULL
of water. Air does not do and is very dangerous!
The club has a master pressure gauge which is set against a master!
Weights and measures My parents ran a Shop back in the 1970s!!

Do a round of Photos they save a 1000 words.

David and Lily.

[ewwbup]

Thanks for your welcome messages. It’s encouraging to know there are folk out there with loads of experience and willingness to help me.
I have removed the boiler and externally it looks well made and sound. One problem is the safety valve aperture which appears to have been rebored to 9/16 BSB(26tpi)
Unfortunately the thread appears to be damaged. The club members suggest turning a collared plug and soft soldering into the original hole with damaged thread removed.

Any comments please?

Also can anyone tell me what the wolrking pressure is for a 5” firefly and should I test to 1.5 or 2 times wp

Look fwd to your replies

[Deleted]

welcome to the forum Phil... there are a number of boiler inspectors on this forum, I'm sure that you'll get answers to your questions soon.. good luck on the restoration...

Pete

[delaplume]

Hi Matey !!---------- a bit late in the day I know but I'm in Telford and have a fully equipped workshop and tend to specialise in 5" GWR so a look at your prairie would be welcome....I'm Treasurer for the Oswestry MES and an active member at Stafford MES and The Rugeley Nomads MES....I cam Private message ( PM ) you my e-mail address if you like ??

Nice to see you on here

Alan R

[timb]

Hi,

Related to this topic I have chance to buy a rolling chassis with a query over wheel dimensions.  Could anyone confirm the OD for the flanges and the treads please?  Also the thickness of the steel for the buffers (1/8")??

Any help appreciated!!

Tim