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Post by Shawki Shlemon on Jan 6, 2007 6:29:17 GMT
Hi
In Australis we have national boiler code. Copper boilers are hydostatically tested at twice operating pressure first time and then at 1.25 the pressure every 3 years . Steel boiler are retested every 2 years, the rest is the same .Maximum operating pressure is 100 psi OR 700 kpa !!! .The same apply for second hand boilers as long as history of the boiler can be established and satisfactory and the boiler is in sound condition .
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2007 11:36:31 GMT
I hope I am not straying too far off topic here, But as a relative newcomer to the hobby could some of the more experienced members of the forum answer the following?
Given that it was properly maintained and looked after, what would the expected working life be of a newly built copper boiler? Assuming it had average use at club running days etc.
I know this is an "how long is a piece of string" type question, but your thoughts on this subject would be interesting.
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paul
Member
Posts: 8
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Post by paul on Jan 6, 2007 11:59:02 GMT
Even if you abide by the boiler testing regs someone will be only to happy to sue you because they burned their pinkie on escaping steam or touched the boiler or got their finger caught in a flywheel or claims they were poisoned by your smoke. The country has gone completely mad, I vote we all go live in France.
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Post by Chris Kelland on Jan 6, 2007 17:39:15 GMT
Hi Valcook & everyone else,
I am currently working on a club loco that was first put into service in 1975 and has the same boiler. The secret is to look after them and treat them well.
Chris.
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Post by gilesengineer on Jan 6, 2007 19:21:03 GMT
A Friend of mine owns a 10 1/4" loco in regular use, built in 1908 - with the original copper boiler..... They can last quite a long time!  |
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Post by alanstepney on Jan 6, 2007 20:48:22 GMT
valcock, I am just reboilering my Maisie, built in the late 60's. Although it still holds water and works, I am not happy about the contruction, as it was the first boiler I made, and wasnt made as well as perhaps it should be.
So, almost 40 years life in that case.
One of the problems that limits life is the hardness of the water, and any water treatment to counter it. Larger boilers probably suffer less than small ones in this respect as they have greater water spaces.
Giles, that is an excellent life for any piece of machinery.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2007 15:53:53 GMT
Thanks for the replies guys.
I have recently aquired a "maisie" as a restoration project complete with a boiler of unknown age or history.
Given that my natural instinct is one of self preservation rather than self mutilation my thoughts are to fit a brand new boiler that I know to be sound. I would rather pay now than regret later.
Given your comments about the age properly looked after boilers can reach, the overall cost of a boiler per year of use is not all that great.
The initial outlay is probably a lot less painful than a face full of hot steam and old copper.
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Post by Shawki Shlemon on Jan 8, 2007 10:08:46 GMT
Very good decision ,a boiler of unknown history is not worth much . A new copper boiler well looked after should last for ever, whatever for ever means .
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Post by alanstepney on Jan 8, 2007 12:22:49 GMT
If you choose to make it yourself, Maisie is one of the easiest boilers to build.
When it is finished, you will find the engine an excellent workhorse. They seem to pull far more than one expects for the size and to keep running as long as you can keep shovelling (and feeding water of course).
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Post by Shawki Shlemon on Jan 9, 2007 7:58:03 GMT
I fully agree with Alan , we had one in our club and it was amazing engine. It ended up being sold to somebody in UK .
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John Lee
Part of the e-furniture
Posts: 375
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Post by John Lee on Jan 9, 2007 18:01:31 GMT
If you choose to make it yourself, Maisie is one of the easiest boilers to build. When it is finished, you will find the engine an excellent workhorse. They seem to pull far more than one expects for the size and to keep running as long as you can keep shovelling (and feeding water of course). I think many on here would agree with that Alan. The "Maisie" design was the first I built, and is an LBSC classic. It's doable by a beginner, and it runs superbly. Much to be recommended rather than the usual "Tich", "Rob Roy" or whatever in 3 1/2 guage. The combustion chamber boiler generates more steam than you can use; regretfully I sold mine but its still running on the original boiler some 30 odd years on. John |
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