Modified pump stretcher

[drjohn]

After the disaster with the axle pump and the virtual impossibility of removing it wihout major surgery, I have started to design a different stretcher which is held in place by accessible bolts, because now I see there is a possibility of getting actual coal, it may be that I will have to run the loco seriously, and relying just on an injector in these temperatures, seems a bit iffy.



Looking at the photo it now is obvious to me that the feed pipes need to be re-routed, one each side of the new stretcher, then all the plumbing can be done before the stretcher is put in place and the pump bolted to it.

DJ

[Shawki Shlemon]

That is an excellent idea , easy maintenance should be included in the original design , sometimes I do things like that and deviate from the plans , for example all my engines have a pull the pin and drop the ash pan and grate . I may have to do some changes to achieve that but it makes my life easier after a run .Hope you get your coal and have a serious run .Happy steaming.

[drjohn]

Thanks Shawki. Just received the following email from the head bummer at one of Malaysia's 3 coal fired power stations:-

"Approval has been given by Mr Hj Mazlan to you to collect some coal about 10kg for your Great Locomotif.
Please come to Kapar Power Station to collect it and bring your own plastic bag." - a mere 150 mile round trip.

I did like the "bring your own plastic bag" bit.

Pictures of coal will no doubt follow next week - at present I'm celebrating the fact that my 3 years of work might actully do something useful.

DJ