Topic: Problems with my 7 1/4" gauge Romulus 0-4-0

[Arminius]

Waterglass, or sodium silicate, works well on smallish leaks or 'weeps'.

I believe this also to be the active ingredient in so-called radiator sealant products.  The key is to allow air to access the stuff so that it can form a water insoluble solid upon exposure to air.

Arminius

[russ]

Last Sunday, the Romulus run beautifully after a number of repairs to her.

Rather than using Loctite, we used "sodium silicate" (also called "water glass") at the advice of  friend with long experience with boilers professionally.  A half cup of this liquid was added to the the boiler water directly into the boiler.  The boiler was then brought up to about 60 psi and left to simmer for a couple of hours.  Then we blew down the boiler to eliminate all remaining water with sodium silicate in it. The water leaking around the leak areas slowly seals the leaks.  We successfully sealed all of the small leaks except one.    Of course, it is important not to use the blower, throttle, safety vales, etc during this process as they too could seal up.

On Sunday, we added about two tablespoons of powdered ginger to the boiler before firing her up and ran all day.  The remaining leak has apparently also disappeared. 

We will now do a hydrostatic test of the boiler to 150% (150 psi) of its working pressure to make sure that the boiler is sound.

Russ

[russ]

Thanks, Arminius

I will keep that in mind as a backup strategy

Fell free to come out to one of our GHLS operating days if you wish and introduce yourself.  Our next one is July 20th.

Russ

[Arminius]

Russ,

If the loctite doesn't work you might try soft soldering with one of the lead-less plumbing solders.

These are 97% tin with 3% of copper, or 3% of silver.  The melting point is quite high, just short of 600 deg F. IIRC.

Since the saturation temperature of water at 100 PSIG is about 350 deg F. or so, the soldering should be acceptable.

Arminius

[russ]

These live steam locomotives certainly do need maintenance!  My Romulus has sprung leaks in several tubes.  They were originally expanded to seal them into the tube sheets.  However it is 23 years old and such maintenance challenges must be expected. 

The previous owner has advised me to upend the locomotive so the tube sheet is level and then to apply a light vacuum to the boiler and the apply "high heat wicking loctite" to the offending tube ends.  Apparently this can work well to seal the tube ends again.  This is worth a try and apprently can provide another year or two of service.

Meanwhile I have acquired a partly finished boiler with a very similar size and shape which I think I will will work on this coming winter as a replacement boiler.  This is an ideal engine to own and operate as it provides a comfortable perch for the driver. In past trials, it walked away smartly with a three ton load once yet is not overly heavy being a model of a two foot prototype.

It deserves a new boiler!

Russ