Butane Gas

L

lyctus

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I was test running my newly constructed Roundhouse Katie and once it was running well, I moved to completion, which included fitting the 'body' to the substructure.
All good, then I attempted to re-fill the gas cylinder. Ooops ! My butane can was fouled by the cab side sheet and I couldn't re-gas. I remembered that I had purchased a Roundhouse Gas Filler Extension. Alas, my butane can had no threaded base, so no match ! A mate gave me a butane can with a long needle filler nose. Back in business.
I went to a major camping store and they had a squat 230g can of butane with a threaded base, Roundhouse adapter loved it....but $13 for 230g !! I had purchased my fuel supply from a hardware super store - 4 x 230g cans $5.30. Look, I'm not a tight wad, well, actually I think I am, and I couldn't work with the significant variation on price, and I walked out of the camping store and into the adjacent auto superstore and they had a long needle butane can, 300g for $7.99. A little better, and I purchased one. See, I am not a total tight wad.
But now the tight wad is re-emerging, and I am wondering, is it possible to re-charge an empty butane can from a fully charged, cheap, short needle can ? Has any one tried this ? Does it sound feasible ?
 
NO, these canisters are tested for single use only under pressure vessel regulations (in UK), and are not safe for re-charging. Can it be done, if you put your mind to it anything (almost) can be done, but this is not safe (or legal).
 
I would think similar regulations apply your side of the pond?

Considering how much you spent on the loco, your house, where you store your gas, etc. .. Is it *really* worth worrying of a couple of bucks on gas and safety? :think:

Use a little time to research adaptors, type of gas for your loco, and gas-canister prices.. Then buy an 'outer' (possibly 6/12 cans) at the best price you can get it.

then enjoy your trains! :):nod::nod:
 
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These are what you want, the gas cylinder was part of a 6 pack & cost aboutility £1:50, the adapter was bought from Tracks hack (I think )
 
It reminds me of a not so smart tight wad that figured he could re gas his motor bike shockers from a welding oxygen tank running through an air compressor so he could reference it's gauge. As soon as he opened the oxygen valve slightly, the glass bulb on the compressor blew into smitherines all over the workshop. Full oxygen tanks are over 2,000 psi apparently. Lucky no one lost an eye. :eek:

There are these plastic ones too but shorter. They fit the disposable camping stove cans as above.

alw251a.jpg
 
The adapter that Paul shows is available from Amazon, about £9.00 for 2, seems to work well with cheep gas cans.
Dave
 
I am a reformed tight wad ! Thanks to you guys ! Some good suggestions in your replies, thanks.
It does stun me however that Korean Butane can vary from 230ml for $1.20 to $13 for 230ml depending on whose brand is on the can, and the type of needle.
That's the free market in action eh? well, not so free !!
 
lyctus said:
I am a reformed tight wad ! Thanks to you guys ! Some good suggestions in your replies, thanks.
It does stun me however that Korean Butane can vary from 230ml for $1.20 to $13 for 230ml depending on whose brand is on the can, and the type of needle.
That's the free market in action eh? well, not so free !!
Click to expand...
There can be a large difference in quality too. The canister in pic #4 isn't too bad, but there are some brands that won't burn nicely at all. I have absolutely no idea why, to me gas is gas, but I'm sure someone on here can explain
 
Paul M said:
There can be a large difference in quality too. The canister in pic #4 isn't too bad, but there are some brands that won't burn nicely at all. I have absolutely no idea why, to me gas is gas, but I'm sure someone on here can explain
Click to expand...

I'd heard some aerosol gases were a mixture of Butane and Propane.

I don't do live steam, but as a caravanner, I use propane as it has a lower freezing point, and it's better for the colder seasons.

So your gas may be temperature dependant Paul....
 
Gizzy said:
I'd heard some aerosol gases were a mixture of Butane and Propane.

I don't do live steam, but as a caravanner, I use propane as it has a lower freezing point, and it's better for the colder seasons.

So your gas may be temperature dependant Paul....
Click to expand...
Propane burns hotter than butane, so while 'mix' is OK for live steam locos, pure propane isn't. But better in a caravan as you'll get more heat from it (=faster brew-time :))
 
As Northsider says, mixed Butane and Propane gas can usually be used to no ill effect, and lots of folk do, especially in winter. But, and quite a big but, most gas tanks are only rated for Butane, so using a mix may invalidate a warranty or insurance
 
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