Steam pump

[swgwm02]

Anyone know anything about steam pumps.I am thinking of making one for a Sweetpea loco but from what I have heard they don't always run well .
I am thinking of making one sold by Southworth pumps which is a vertical type and can be fitted with ball or poppet type valves.
Any comments appreciated.

[spurley]

Swgwm02

Have a look at a copy of LBSC's Live Steam Book or Shops, Shed and Road (same book basically just different publishing years). He describes a 'donkey' pump which can be built as either single or twin cylinder. All described in his typical manner and apparently within the capability of just about anyone. If you cannot locate a copy I could scan and send you the relevant pages if you're interested? I work away from home so it would have to be done at a weekend.

I also have a copy of 'Workshop Masters', a magazine which was published in the 90's but only ran for 13 issues, which was a collection of 'words and music' form various publications describing construction of locomotives and various projects. There is a series in here about the pump too.

Cheers

Brian

[Tel]

I got a couple of other sets of pump drawings here as well - If you want 'em just holler

[Nexuas]

I have purchased the castings and drawings for the 3" southworth pump from Blackgates, but have not yet had chance to make a start. In hindsight I think it could do with scalling up just a little bit for what I want. Beware the 3" one is VERY small!!!

[swgwm02]

thanks for the info guys.Will probably chance a go at the southworth engine as the castings are available and resonably cheap.

[Shawki Shlemon]

Good luck with the pump.
It is one of the things that I haven't done well in my time in this hobby.
I built 3 pumps from Shay Cal no 2 design(ref LIVE STEAM )20 years ago ,one worked fine,one worked when it liked and the third only worked on air,never on steam . I built these together as a project . I think "not sure" is something to do with leaks and valve seats .Just something to watch .

[baggo]

Having read LBSC's comments on working steam pumps it would seem that the main problem is caused by too small a bore or too long steam feed pipes. This results in the steam condensing before reaching the pump and fills the pipe and pump passages etc. with water. Apparently it is then very difficult to displace the water and the pump refuses to run. He does cite a case where a pump would run perfectly on air but refused to work on steam. The problem was caused by condensed water blocking up the works.

LBSC goes on to suggest putting the pump next to the smokebox so that it is kept hot all the time and/or feeding it with steam as hot as possible, thus avoiding the condensation problem.

John

[Nexuas]

I have been informed that Lubrication is also a major requirement. I was thinking of fiting a small displacement lubricator like those sold for the stuart models. This may also help to remove some of the water from the steam as this will collect in the bottom of the lubricator(or am I hoping for too much there)?

I will make a start on it once the milling machine arrives...

[Shawki Shlemon]

Hi
I had static lubricators installed on my pumps, the pump that worked well was close to the boiler and had a very short supply line . May be condensation was a fault as well . One day I may give it another try .

[swgwm02]

Have recently received castings for steam pump so here goes.

Perhaps a small draincock near the steam cylinder may help with water condensation problems when starting the pump from cold.

just a thought!

[albertsell]

Hello Member,
Six years ago I fitted Peter Southworth's twin cylinder pump to my Minneapolis 3ins. scale threshing engine.I beefed up the valve gear as sudgested by Peter for continuous use and fitted adjustable PTFE glands.Except when dirt gets under a water valve it runs very good and well over feeds the boiler even when running quite slow.No drain cocks but have fitted a small mechanical oil pump.Have estimated this pump has put 860 gallons of water into the boiler.

[dscott]

Dear All,

On the very very back burner, is my Terrier Tank. Now does anyone know of a sutable drawing for a pump for one of these, the close to scale bit is the difficulty and only a bit of water needs to be pumped if at all.

David Scott.