Boilermaking for Don Young's Marie Estelle

[twombo]

Hello all.

Please forgive the terminology as I am still digesting Alec Farmers terrific  book.  I ask your forbearance during my unintentional assault on the language.

I've been constructing a 2 1/2" scale Marie Estelle for longer than I care to admit, but finally, I'm starting the boiler!! 

I recently purchased a flanged boiler kit from Western Steam.... Thanks Helen and Geoff... REALLY nice work!!

I'm now gathering tools, tools, and more tools. I have acquired a nice selection of hammers and other metal mangling equipment. I  have made the wooden forms, a press brake, and a small set of slip rolls based on George Thomas' design for bending the outer wrapper and firebox sheet. This brings us to the subject of heat.  

Sievert seems to be the  choice by many engineers and I have recently picked up a Model  D2.  Mr. Farmer notes  in his book that the D3 is his preferred model. The price was right... 35 Dollars US.  The question is: are current offerings of Sievert burners, such as the 29xx series, compatible with the fixed neck tube D2.

I know I'll need more heat to bring this awful mass of copper to soldering (brazing) temperature, so I will likely get a #3488 torch and a #s 2943 and 2944 burners when the time for "big heat" arrives.

As for neck tubes, there are 7 inch neck tube and an 18 inch sizes available.  Given the size of the boiler, is there a need for the 18" neck tube? I have only a bit of practical experience in this field and have recently joined  the Sacramento (Ca.) Valley Live Steamers and have become acquainted with several members who have experience  building  copper boilers. 

Thank you, in advance, for any wisdom you may share. My compliments on this wonderful site... it is a wonderful resource!!

All the Best

Mik

[ejparrott]

Could you give us a rough idea of how big this boiler is?

[twombo]

The boiler barrel is 6" diameter and 14 inches long, the firebox is 7 inches tall at the back head, 8 inches long, and about 9 inches tall at the throat plate. Shipping weight for the kit was 27 kilos.

That is a pretty hefty pile of copper to bring to temperature!

Mik

[ejparrott]

Right, got an idea of the size now

You won't need the 18" neck tube for that, yes you'll be putting heat in but not that much. The longer tube just makes it harder to control and heavier. You might need a TIG welders glove for the torch hand when you get to the last stages, or you can make a fairly sinple sheet stainless heat shield for the front of the grip

[uuu]

The "cyclone" burners are nice to use. In some situations, particularly confined spaces, a normal burner can't get enough air, and goes out. These take the air in further back. But they don't do big heat.

Wilf