Spirit fired weter tube boilers

[Metatsteam1Participant @metatsteam1]

[Metatsteam1Participant @metatsteam1]

I need to lag the shell of my water tube boiler, as it will be in direct contact with the flame from the spirit burner I would like some advice on what to use.would the ceramic matting that certain suppliers advertise be suitable?

Mat

[michael howarth 1Participant @michaelhowarth1]

Ceramic matting would be my first choice.

Mick

[Metatsteam1Participant @metatsteam1]

Thanks for that Mick

Mat

[Metatsteam1Participant @metatsteam1]

Next question, what can I use for burner wicks? Asbestos string is what curly recommends but not a good idea .

Mat.

[michael howarth 1Participant @michaelhowarth1]

Just about anything and everything seems to have been succcessfully used for wicks in the past including, believe it or not,fine copper wire stripped from cables. Ceramic matting cut into strips can also be used. Fibreglass is one that I have had some success with but on my current build of a spirit fired gauge 1 loco. I shall be using carbon fibre wick which is said to give an excellent blue flame. Preempting your next question, one carbon fibre stockist is Just the Ticket Engineering Supplies (no connection) who sell it at about £2.50 per pack. Whatever you use, don't pack the wicks too tightly and be prepared for some experimentation on the height of the wick which should also be a good 1" + below the boiler.

Mick

[Metatsteam1Participant @metatsteam1]

Thanks again for your advice Mick. I think I'll try the glass fiber Matting cut in to thin strips.

Mat

[michael howarth 1Participant @michaelhowarth1]

I have just steamed up a spirit fired loco for the first time using the carbon fibre and it does burn superbly.

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