Yet Another Simplex Project.

[floydraser]

Hello Everyone. Having introduced myself on the new members page I thought I would introduce my project here before asking a string of questions:

Welcome to my project.



Why a Simplex? Because it looks like the locos I used to see as a kid, there's plenty of them about and they say it's relatively easy to build and run. Why a project? Because I'm recently retired and by the time I've built one I'll be too old to climb on it! This should suit me nicely; giving me something to do in between running round and having no time to do anything, as is retired life.



I bought this project from Station Road Steam in September after having a look around the market. I chose this one mainly because it came with a boiler certificate, and from a reputable dealer. I had a project a few years ago which stalled at the boiler stage and I wanted to avoid that happening again. So far I haven't done anything to change what I bought. I've been waiting for plans to be delivered which weren't even on their way but I won't go into that here, I've organised a small overhead crane to make lifting easier, made a rolling road and in the last couple of days I've cleaned the frame and motion and re-oiled everything.

I removed the cylinder front covers and the steam chest tops for the cleaning and discovered the first of what is going to be a long list of things to look into, the valve timing.



I could really do with a set of drawings to refer to in pdf format so I can see what threads etc to expect. I feel a bit cheeky as newbie, is it ok to ask?


I can't upload a photo, I'm getting a message that the forum has exceeded it's limit?


Thanks for looking.

[millman]

There should be a thread somewhere about uploading photos, as I understand it they have to be hosted by a third party.

[floydraser]

Ok, if photos are not going to be easy let's try a video. This (if it works) is from my Youtube channel. There are two episodes of the Simplex project but the second one is less Simplex and more a tour of my untidy workshop.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzmkICjXAVM

Towards the end of the video is a view of the rear axle horns which have been machined away at the top.

[ilvaporista]

Those horns look like they are the ones made from bar stock and not castings. If you can find back issues of Model Engineer with the construction details by Martin Evans, they might help you. It also details that the rear horns are cut away to clear the boiler. On the boiler, that looks to have never been steamed.
That looks to be quite a complete set of parts and should keep you busy for a while.
My wife also said boat or engines, but not both... It lasted for a while until the children moved away and now we are boat less.

[oldnorton]

Hello Floyd (or raser)

Welcome to the forum. It is all pretty low-key here but the people who reply are kind and knowledgeable.

You have made a good choice with a Simplex, they run well and are robust.

To enjoy the hobby you cannot really scrimp. You do need a nice workshop you can live in and machinery that does its job. Although someone could find you some drawings there is no substitute for looking at the proper big sheets, and adding your own pencil marks all over them. Blackgates can sell you a set of Simplex drawings.

Lots to learn, lots to enjoy. Post photos on here and people will respond   Yes you need to put your images on a host site and put the appropriate link code in your text (imageBB works well).

Norm

[floydraser]

Thanks for the replies so far.
After cleaning and oiling it turned over a lot easier but there was a definite tight spot which was now easier to feel. It turned out to be a bent link which I sorted and it now feels a lot better. I've also tweaked the valve timing after searching Youtube for a "how to.." but I found it easy too. Next thing is to make gaskets and put it together for a test run on air but before closing up the cylinders and steam chests I'm going to hold off until I've had a chance to share the project with my seven grandchildren. As it is, they can see clearly how it all works.
I'm working on video Episode 3 currently.

[floydraser]

Episode 3: youtu.be/PgHZHAYB13w

A BIG public THANK YOU to Chris (coniston) for the drawings! This means I can now compare what I have to what I thought I had! I can also order some more bits to be going on with.

Any recommendations for a steam pressure gauge? There seems to be different sizes and ranges available.
Thanks in anticipation.

[coniston]

Hello floydraser, glad the drawings are of use to you. For pressure gauges I buy from Polly Models, no connection just always found theirs to be accurate and reasonably priced. I would go for a 1" diameter so it's relatively easy to read and I think the bigger they are the better chance of the resolution being good. I tend to go for one reading maximum full scale deflection of 1.5 times working pressure, this means it should not be damaged if left on for the 1.5 times hydraulic pressure test. But you can possibly with benefit use one with 1.25 x working pressure, so for 90 to 100psi WP use a 120psi gauge.

Chris

[floydraser]

Thanks again Chris. I've already discovered the steam chest and cylinder studs are 4BA not 5. I am currently putting together a shopping list but has anyone anything against Reeves 2000? The only reason for using them is they are a pleasant drive from here via shopping places where I can deflect the Mrs attention from what I'm spending! 😁

[cplmickey]

Nov 11, 2023 15:42:41 GMT floydraser said:

has anyone anything against Reeves 2000? The only reason for using them is they are a pleasant drive from here via shopping places where I can deflect the Mrs attention from what I'm spending! 😁

Reeves are known for being more expensive than other suppliers on some things, especially castings, but in line with my "use it or lose it" thinking I would say go there especially if it's an easy run. I haven't been to the new place but the old one was only a short distance from the A42/M42 and I don't think the new one is much different. I live a 10 minute walk from the old Polly place but now they're up near Matlock I suspect Reeves will see me a bit more often. Ian

[floydraser]

Nov 13, 2023 9:46:34 GMT cplmickey said:

Nov 11, 2023 15:42:41 GMT floydraser said:

has anyone anything against Reeves 2000? The only reason for using them is they are a pleasant drive from here via shopping places where I can deflect the Mrs attention from what I'm spending! 😁

Reeves are known for being more expensive than other suppliers on some things, especially castings, but in line with my "use it or lose it" thinking I would say go there especially if it's an easy run. I haven't been to the new place but the old one was only a short distance from the A42/M42 and I don't think the new one is much different. I live a 10 minute walk from the old Polly place but now they're up near Matlock I suspect Reeves will see me a bit more often. Ian

Thanks Ian,
I went to Reeves years ago and when I went again a couple of weeks ago to the "new" place I was convinced it was the same yard! The old place was more like a small supermarket with a central island and stuff on display all around. The new place seems to be the back entrance to the same place but it's just a warehouse with a small counter in the corner. There's a few bits on display like BA nuts and bolts but the lovely Tash sorts out whatever you need.
Pete

[floydraser]

Good advice thank you. My brother also uses Polly and a quick look reveals that the difference in price on the pressure gauge alone covers the cost of postage! I've picked up some bits from Reeves but I'll now put together a (first!) shopping list for Polly.

Good news: It runs! And not only does it run, it does so on one cylinder. And not only one cylinder, it's the one cylinder where I tweaked the valve timing. I am chuffed, if you'll pardon the pun, but I'm also aware that my first big cock-up of the project can't be far away. There always is one isn't there? I promise to confess it here when it happens...

Off to do some research but stand by for some very basic questions if I can't find answers...

[cplmickey]

Nov 16, 2023 10:42:59 GMT floydraser said:

Good advice thank you. My brother also uses Polly and a quick look reveals that the difference in price on the pressure gauge alone covers the cost of postage! I've picked up some bits from Reeves but I'll now put together a (first!) shopping list for Polly.

I've used Polly for loads over the years with them being so close at their previous works.
Just check you're using the latest parts lists here www.polly-me.co.uk/ as the range isn't as large as it was although hopefully that will change as they get the new business going.
Ian

[floydraser]

I have just uploaded Episode 4 to Youtube: youtu.be/qdE1HSRgs44

This one has a few questions. The oil check valve at the steam tee is missing, replaced by a plug. Can I fit an inline check valve instead? I know one answer is "just set to and make one" but I was just wondering if there may be a better alternative as I'm starting from scratch.

The boiler seems to have 4 bushes for water inlet valves? Two as per the drawing and one each side at the front.
Also, the steam dome bush is only 1 5/8" diameter instead of 2", and 8 bolts not 12. The steam pipe is not central within the dome.
I've checked the rest of the boiler dimensions and all seems ok but I wondered if the same boiler fits another design?

Thanks in anticipation, I hope I'm keeping you on your toes!

[simon6200]

In-line oil check valve would be fine. I use the Steam Fittings ones.

[floydraser]

Nov 23, 2023 20:02:18 GMT simon6200 said:

In-line oil check valve would be fine. I use the Steam Fittings ones.

Thanks Simon. Since making that video I've been looking into lubrication and found a hydrostatic setup on this forum. Looks interesting. I'll discuss it a bit more in a future video.

[floydraser]

Another couple of videos but these are very basic and probably boring to anyone experienced here; they're for the benefit of my Grandkids mainly.

youtu.be/OpyOV8rmd2Y


youtu.be/CSeDme3rLPw

The only other work I've done is to fit the steam chest top and cylinder front cover and now it runs a treat on compressed air. Oh, and refurbish my Lathe!

There won't be much else happening until the new year so thanks everybody and have a great Christmas!

[floydraser]

Peticoat pipe this time, plus a blow lamp, plus bunker tank/hydrostatic lubrication: youtu.be/O2jLXFAFj_k

[floydraser]

So today I've been playing with the axle pump, it's the double acting one as per drawing 6a. It came in the box of bits and looks in good nick but it's been partly stripped. I stripped it completely and found there are no o-rings and no balls. There were no bolts for the end plates so I've just shortened a few for the job.

Can anyone recommend o-rings and balls please? 

Thank you.

[coniston]

If you look at drawing 6a top RH side next to section view says 1/4" ball with 1/32" lift. I think the closest O ring size you could use, assuming the piston and bore is as drawn, would be a BS108 size. this is nominally 1/4" bore x 3/32" cross section diameter. Hope this helps