Smokebox Insulation

[ianmac]

I am a little worride that the smoke box on my G136 class is going to melt the paint from the surface. and sourounds.

What could i line the inside of the fire box with to stop or minimise the hot gasses melting the paint off.

Ian

[alanstepney]

Heatproof paint is the only viable solution.

[stantheman]

Some 25 years ago I painted my Pannier tank's smokebox with a paint sold by Reeves (UK). It was sold as 'smokebox black' and certainly lived up to all expectations. Slightly vunerable when hot as it became softish. I do understand there are some paints sold for the automotive trade for painting hot engine parts that may also be worth a try.
Stan.

[kingsteam9]

Frost Auto Restoration Techniques is a firm I've used in the past and they supplied aerosol cans of of Very High Temperature paint which was claimed to stand up to 650 degrees C. Sperex VHT paint is another that used to be on the market for motor bike exhausts etc. As far as I know Frost's are still in business so a google search for a website address might help - alternatively your local Halfords or Motorists Discount shop might be worth a try.

Robin

[mutley]

BBQ or wood stove paint is what I use with no problems.

Andy

[waggy]

Ian,

Have you thought of an inner smokebox? Not sure how it could be done but might be worth a little thought? The inner would get hot leaving the outer a lot cooler so the paint stays put.

Yours thinking dangerously,

Waggy.

[ianmac]

Was thinking of an inner smokebox as there is plenty of room.

Needs some more thought. Were the smoke boxes on the full size locos discoloured?

[alanstepney]

Many were, and when they had an airleak, as often happened in the latter days of steam, all the paint would be burnt off some areas.

If you work out the thickness of insulation needed to ensure that paint wont discolour, you will find that it is impractical.
Also, although you say that there is room for an inner lining to the smokebox, if that lining is in contact with the outer it will have little or no effect. If there is a gap between them, how do you plan to seal that gap? Not as easy as it first appears.

[tbsteam]

Car engine paint (high temp stuff), its what i have on the boiler in my boat.

[circlip]

Robin's got it, Sperex. I don't think Frost have the monopoly on it, used to be able to get it from Halfords, also have a look on the custom car and motorbike sites. Regards Ian.