Beginner Making A Boiler

[Landon ConsonParticipant @landonconson56638]

Howdy gentlemen, I am fancying making a steam boiler and after researching and while waiting on a book ive ordered off amazon, I've taken a liking to boilers which are fitted on locomotives. A vertical boiler seems seems to be harder to steam and doesnt allow for a large firebox in the pictures I've seen, or at least at the scale I want. My boiler is roughly 10" long, with the actual boiler being 6", a 1.5" smoke box to help create a draft, a 2" long by 3" fire box. On either side of the boiler will be a water pump, coal box and water tank all requisite guages I havent decided on their configuration. I'm also wondering what tools are required to hydro test, I plan on hydro testing to 2.5x working pressure. At this point I'm really asking for advice I dont have a lathe but can order all soldering materials and all other parts so I think I can do this, the project wont happen for another 2 weeks at least as I make materials lists and finish my designs. Feel free to pick me apart on this!

Sincerely, Landon.

[Landon ConsonParticipant @landonconson56638]

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

Hi Landon.

Before you go too far with your project, do your research. Boilers are dangerous and can cause serious injury. Do a search in ME for "boilers". Lots of others have asked this question.

I live in Australia and we have to build boilers to a code and have to have them certified by a boiler inspector. I believe that UK model boiler requirements are not as strict but should be built to a standard. I would advise that you find a model engine club in your area and talk to some of the members.

Good luck, Paul.

 

Edited By JasonB on 09/11/2015 07:43:20

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Landon, what is your intended use for the boiler? This will have some bearing on what size grate you are likely to need to produce the required amount of steam.

Generally a vertical boiler is easier to make than a horizontal one and firebox sizes are not that different for a given diameter.

Also approx what part of the world are you in and what book are you waiting for, there is a lot involved in designing a boiler so don't be in a rush to get going read the right books, talk to a boiler inspector if that applies to you or consider making to a published design.

[Landon ConsonParticipant @landonconson56638]

Hey thanks Paul ill definitely be looking into regs, sadly there are slim to none clubs here in central Texas near me so its a major bummer. Jason my intended use for the boiler is to pair it with an engine eventually but as of right now I want to get experience building and operating a boiler, i also forgot to mention it will be coal fired. Making simple model steam engines, is the name of the book. I figured its a good place to start since it also has boiler information according to the reviews.

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

Hi Landon,

The Home Model Engineering Machinist web site has a number of addresses for information about boiler codes in USA. (Also sent you a PM, please check your mail)

http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/showthread.php?t=8141

Regards, Paul.

[Nick_GParticipant @nick_g]

.

This drawing **LINK** is not expensive.

Maybe worth the investment just to get the idea of how they are laid out and constructed.

Anybody know if that design is actually any good.?

Nick

[Landon ConsonParticipant @landonconson56638]

Nick I appreciate the help, and Paul thanks for the pm! I just got my book in today and I've started reading it, mostly simple oscillating engines but its definitely a start! Alot of research to do now, but a veritcal one does seem easier to build, I just wasnt aware of all the internal workings of a boiler and have always wondered how to attach guages and valves to work accordingly inside the "boiler jacket"( thats probably the wrong term). Thanks guys anymore advice would be greatly appreciated!

Landon

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Have a look at this thread to see what's involved with building the boiler in Nick's link, you may have to join the forum to see the many photos as they have been added as attachments. A horizontal boiler will have similar internals but its a bit more work to form the firebox etc.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

The vertical boiler in the second book in the series is ideal for running small steam engine up to Stuart 10v size (though not under load)

It could easily be converted for coal firing, by making a suitable round firebox and sitting it on top secured by a couple of screws. It would give you plenty of practice in boiler construction before trying anything advanced. I made one and added an inch to the height and it works well on a gas burner.

Neil

[SteambuffParticipant @steambuff]

Hi,

The GLR boiler articles published in ME would make a good read for you .

You can purchase a copy of the articles here as a pdf download – **LINK** (If you do buy this, check it has all pages, mine had a few missing which they emailed to me – hope error is corrected)

If needed you can also buy the kit from GLR. **LINK** (I suspect postage would be expensive to the US)

Dave

[john carruthersParticipant @johncarruthers46255]

Have you considered a PMR kit Landon?

**LINK**

[Landon ConsonParticipant @landonconson56638]

Thank you for the great advice everyone! Steambuff and John, do the PMR and GLR kits require machining? And what skill level are they? Postage isn’t an issue, i really like how you get the option of gauges on both kits cause my inexperience on my first boiler needs all the help it can get!

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