Although models are supplied when new with boiler test adapters , over time many get lost. To answer the regular queries I have compiled the following list;
5 inch Hunslet, remove safety valve adjuster , spindle and ball. fit test plug into valve body, early model...
I have been made aware of some question over the choice of material for cylinders. To set the record straight the material is a cast bronze to Chinese spec
"The ZCuSn5Pb5Zn5 cast copper alloy has good wear resistance and corrosion resistance, is easy to process,...
The valve timing on some early piston valve locos can be easily improved;
Firstly ensure the piston is centralised in the cylinder and has equal clearance at each end of the stroke. To check this, turn the wheels until a piston is at front dead centre, remove the...
2 locos have been identified as having incorrectly assembled secondary oil check valves preventing any cylinder lubrication. If the loco does not show an oily chimney when running you must stop and seek advice. It is a straightforward job to correct this involving re...
Several 6100 customers have identified a problem with the springing where the drivers are held clear of the track by the front pony truck. The springing on the truck is not adjustable and the springs need to be shortened by 1.5 coils and ground flat at the end. To re...
3.5 inch gauge Britannia springing.
We have noticed that on some models the leading bogie has been fitted upside down, It is straightforward to unscrew the bogie pivot and refit the bogie assembly correct way up ( horn stays below axleboxes) ensure the spacer wash...
Some Hunslet lubricator check valves have been incorrectly assembled and so preventing oil feed. The check valve can be easily removed from below the oil tank. Under the hexagon cap there will be a stainless ball, a brass spring seat and then the spring. In some case...
There have been a few Black 5 models where the regulator has become hard to move after a few steamings. The regulator itself is a slide valve actuated by a crank and levers. The actual valve is held in contact with the port face by 2 bronze leaf springs that bear on...
From time to time we get a loco returned showing partial seizure of the main wheel bearings. In each occasion the bearing has never been lubricated and often very rusty. The owners seem to be under the illusion that roller bearings don't need oiling. Although this is...
We have had many injectors returned which have stopped working, on inspection they are contaminated with limescale deposits. In hard water areas it is prudent to remove the injector every few runs and soak in vinegar or even coke or Pepsi. Remove the cones and the no...
Miniature live steam injectors can be troublesome. We supply 2 types of injectors, the black painted items are supplied in the UK by Blackgates Engineering and are good quality. The non painted injectors are manufactured in China and generally work very well. however...
We have been asked several times about the best water to use when running our engines. Water quality and its associated problems have plagued the railways since Stephenson's Rocket ! The amount of calcium and general sediment varies massively from area to area, It is...
It has been brought to our attention that the water pump and probably the valve gear eccentrics are locked with 2 grub screws in each hole , ie one screw locked down onto the one below. To effect any adjustment it will be necessary to remove the outer locking grub sc...
The body on production locos does not have a removeable panel over the safety valves. To present the model for boiler test it will be necessary to remove the safety valve internals and leave the bodies in place. The test plugs should be screwed directly into the valv...
Some engines have had the valve set with lead steam, this is not desirable on a single cylinder engine . The engine will run more smoothly when the valve opens to steam just after the crank has passed the dead centre. Adjustment is not difficult .
To Set Allchin...
The test procedure is much the same as testing a conventional locomotive with small differences detailed below.
The boiler fill plug on the left side at the cylinder base should be removed and the boiler filled with warm water. Note, the test adapter supplied is t...
We have been made aware that it is possible to get a tube spanner on the safety valves and remove them on some models. The variation is due to the outer boiler cladding being a structural part of the loco, the actual boiler is fitted inside the outer boiler rather th...
There have been a few 9F lubricators that have stopped feeding. These lubricators are fitted with a roller clutch in the operating arm and a friction device to prevent the pump shaft rotating back and forth with the roller clutch.
After a period of use the roller...
Note to boiler testers,
It is not possible to remove the safety valve bodies without removing the cab.
To enable boiler testing we are supplying test plugs which screw into the actual safety valve bodies.
Remove the screw adjuster caps
remove the spindles a...
All the fasteners on our engines are metric with either Phillips cross point or metric AF heads .
Suitable sets of nut spinners are manufactured by Wera tools
All the threads on the boiler fittings are again metric but depending on size the pitch will vary....
Cylinder drain cocks
Silvercrest models Steam operated draincocks troubleshooting/maintenance procedures.
There are 3 types of steam operated draincocks fitted to our locomotives.
Type 1 , direct acting,
The draincocks contain a small shuttle valve whic...
We recommend using Morris Sovereign 680 straight steam oil , this is a traditional heavy grade steam oil suitable for all applications in pumped oil systems and it also works well in displacement systems.
Because all the bearings and sliding faces on our engines d...
General care and maintenance.
Model locomotives like their full sized counterparts are subjected to quite severe stresses when running. Track joints impart severe shock loads through the wheelsets and this is felt throughout the chassis.
There are constant rack...
