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Post by jackrussel on Jun 7, 2010 8:04:59 GMT
Does anyone make such, ready made? I can get cast iron, of course, but........ I have clinker damage on mine (used anthracite beans too). Also any ideas for ashpan quick drop fittings, the original bolts on mine are fouled by the brake gear / blocks. I had some pix on the PC but have lost them. Cheers! Dave
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Post by drjohn on Jun 7, 2010 11:11:08 GMT
Hi Dave I had the same problem with my first Simplex in the UK and ended up with a stainless one made from stuff from the late great Norman Spinks - Hell of a job to work. With this latest Simplex, I manufactured one from 3/16" black steel with stainless spacers, and also using anthracite beans, have had no clinker problems - still as good as new. Took an afternoon to make. Attachments:
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Post by jackrussel on Jun 7, 2010 11:41:02 GMT
Hi Dr.J... yes, I saw the posts about it being hard to work (to say the least) but I'm sure I saw some in cast SS somewhere, sometime, and can't google 'em up now. I would have difficulty making one, to be honest ( I did not make the engine, either,lol). So still looking. Altho' I don't know for sure, how long the damage to my grate took to develop, and if it was there when I got the engine? Only steamed it once, 4 years ago- but will be doing so in the next week, hopefully, now I have got a working boiler pump again. A new grate would be an advantage, but I can manage for one steaming. BTW, the grate cannot be dropped quickly as the brake blocks and pull rod/compensator are in the way of the ashpan bolts, anyone have any pix of how they made theirs quick drop?Cheers folks, any more info plz let me know, thanks.
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Post by drjohn on Jun 7, 2010 22:22:45 GMT
Hi Dave - I don't bother with the ash pan, but then I don't have to worry about club rules - maybe you can get away without one to give you the ability to drop the fire in emergency.
DJ
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russell
Statesman
Chain driven
Posts: 762
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Post by russell on Jun 8, 2010 13:45:46 GMT
Blackgates sell SS grates for the Simplex. They are made from wedge shaped SS bars and welded. They come flat though and are probably a ****** to bend but I guess you could leave them straight.
Russell.
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Post by jackrussel on Jun 11, 2010 13:37:25 GMT
Russel,, mine is thankfully a straight grate, (and it rhymes, I see) so I can fit one . As for cast ss, I musta been dreaming. I can't think of ever having seen anything cast, in ss. Must take my medication as prescribed! Dr J,,, club rules state ashpan, but some guys run with bottomless ashpans, as I will, mine also has a dropping plate on the hopper shaped bit with the bottom bit cut off, which I am told is ok in that respect. I need to move some water pipes, and the brake rigging to accomodate dropping the fire out in emergency, so little mods can be done. I did have some pix from the web for ways to make it all q/d, but have lost them. Something that looks low key preferred. It'll all come together soon, hurrah!  |
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Post by Chris Kelland on Jun 27, 2010 7:39:05 GMT
Hi,
Same problem here. Some of the coal the club has been able to get really belongs on a roof! So, same problem. clinker. Grates made from cut down flooring panels are not meaty enough to last, the one I have at the moment has lasted for three runs. To be fair my Simplex is used for passenger hauling nearly every weekend. We have been able to source some Welsh steam we are told from a new private mine. As far as the grate is concerned I am having one water jet cut in 316 to the Martin Evans design - without the kink. Also one less fire bar. Just hope this cures the problem.
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russell
Statesman
Chain driven
Posts: 762
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Post by russell on Jun 27, 2010 15:38:32 GMT
Can anyone explain the intended purpose of the kink? It seems rather an unnecessary complication to me.
Russell.
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redmog
Part of the e-furniture
Not Morgan weather
Posts: 461 
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Post by redmog on Jun 27, 2010 16:51:22 GMT
Can anyone explain the intended purpose of the kink? It seems rather an unnecessary complication to me. Russell. Presumably to follow the profile of the foundation ring and to not be obstructed by the rear horns. Although I made it straight on my Simplex. Steams fine! Chris |
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davidm
Seasoned Member
Posts: 109
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Post by davidm on Jun 27, 2010 19:24:58 GMT
I built mine up from stainless strip. I guess its not ideal but it seems to work OK, certainly I get a good draft through the fire. It is held in place by the ash pan. The kink follows the bottom profile of the firebox. I suppose Martin wanted a sloping grate but had to kink it to avoid the trailing wheel horns There's another photo on flikr at www.flickr.com/photos/38759811@N04/sets/72157624370238748/. David Attachments:
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