Loco problems (Polly 1)

[Steve K]

Hi folks - I wonder if anyone can offer me any advice on the following 2 problems I am having with my 'Polly 1':

1. Axle pump is not feeding water into the boiler or back into the tank - on investigation, I think that the pipe between the tank and axle pump is blocked (water comes out of the bottom of the tank, but is not coming out of the pipe where it goes onto the axle pump). What is the best way to clean out these types of pipe.

2. Loco makes a 'feathering' sound out of the chimney when under power - after reading up, etc. I think this may be due to the snifting valve being clogged. Any other suggestions welcome !!

As owning a steam loco is a learning curve for me, any advice is welcome !!

Thanks in advance, happy running !!

[SteveW]

Steve,

Re cleaning the pipes: I've found a little packet of pipe cleaners a worthy investment of my money but watch for the fluff when they shed.

You may just find one or other of the valves have stuck, more than likely the intake one. The simple ram type pumps don't seem to generate much suck so a stuck valve can be a biggy.

Once the things get water in them it either gets to go where is should do or you've got a hydraulic lock on your hands.

[chris vine]

Hi Steve.

To unblock the pipe you could blow back up it. Use a compressor, tyre pump or maybe even lungs. Don't pressurise the tank as it will be very weak, having flat sides and you could easily spoil it.

Also you could push a piece of copper wire up it.

Maybe there is a little gauze filter at the outlet from the tank. This could be blocked with gunk.

Once you have the pipe unblocked, it is almost certainly, as steve w suggests, that the inlet ball is stuck. Sometimes a gentle tap or two on the inlet part of the pump will free it.

As for the feathering sound in the chimney.

1. could be a fault with the slide valve.
2. could be a bit of blow past the piston/rings

You can do a bit of detective work by opening the regulator just a little and listening to the chimney while watching the motion. Just inching it round slowly. It may help to open the drain valves as this will tell you when the steam is being admitted to which end of which cylinder.

Have fun!

Chris.

[steamjohn248]

Hi Steve

The feathering could be the valve not seatng properly . put the engine in mid gear, hand brake on and give it full regulator it you get steam up the chimbly its a valve problem. Not being familiar with the Polly could be the valve is tight in the buckle or if not buckle driven, tight on the valve rod.

Dont worry we are all learning all the time, nobody knows it all.

regards

John