The Steamboating Forum

Dear Steamboating Friends

I am currently on the latest edition of the "final version" of the boiler casing drawing. As ever I have some questions for you, but at least this time there are some dimensions. Essentially I would like to know if there is enough combustion space above the fire, and sufficient below it. How deep should the ash pan be if one wishes to have it wet?



Your thoughts would be welcome.

Regards


Pete

PS Greater Boston in the Fall is amazing, not to mention the 72degrees F on 26th October. Back here in the UK it feels cold and dark...

PeteThePen1 wrote:Dear Steamboating Friends

I am currently on the latest edition of the "final version" of the boiler casing drawing. As ever I have some questions for you, but at least this time there are some dimensions. Essentially I would like to know if there is enough combustion space above the fire, and sufficient below it. How deep should the ash pan be if one wishes to have it wet?



Your thoughts would be welcome.

Regards


Pete

PS Greater Boston in the Fall is amazing, not to mention the 72degrees F on 26th October. Back here in the UK it feels cold and dark...

13+" from the bottom of the tubes to the top of the grate should be adequate and 5" for the ashpit is a big plenty. Remember to make the ashpit cleanout door with adjustable closure to regulate air to the fire. Comments on funnel angle and proportions: Flyer's funnel is 9" in diameter by 6' tall for a ratio of 1 : 8. Don't forget to put a damper in the stack to help control the fire - make sure the damper is below the stack blower. Stack Blower? Sure, how ya gonna earn that raked funnel if ya caint go fast! Also let's ya git them jack rabbit starts out 'a the locks.

Pete - Gordon Boyd in Scotland sends some pictures of his new boiler for "Cinders" with casing in progress. Hope it may be of interest to you and other 2-drum builders.

Dear John

Thanks for the pictures. That certainly looks like some pretty good metal work!

Regards

Pete

John There appears to be only one downcomer.Is it in the center and how big is it? There are certainly a number of ways to do the same thing only different! I would assume he will be insulating with some kind of ceramic board product.Any details available? Den

farmerden wrote:John There appears to be only one downcomer.Is it in the center and how big is it? ... Den

Dear Den

From what I know of that design there are actually lots of downcomers (13 or 14 I think) linking the steam drum to the mud drum on the right of the first picture. It looks as if it is just one when the picture is small.

Regards

Pete

Thanks Pete Yes I can just make that out if I squint just right thru one eye! Thanks for clearing that up. Still would like info on insulation. Thanks Den

Den - I had thought Gordon would be along to answer your queries. If you click on these small thumbnail pictures, they open larger, and you will see that there is a row of downcomers.
The type of insulation normally used in these boilers is ceramic blanket or sheet, such as sold by Heritage Steam Supplies here :
http://www.heritagesteamsupplies.co.uk/ ... 1-297-305/
John