Oct 6 2009, 11:09 PM Post #1
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Posts: 12
Joined: 23-March 09
From: Mid-Glamorgan
Member No.: 2010
Just got back from attempting to run my Accucraft Mortimer in my pal's attic.
A few weeks ago I fitted a stainless steel mesh around the burner - now much quieter, can get a decent slow speed, but the extra running time has eluded me......until tonight. Apparently my gas filler valve was leaking (must have been leaking for a while) - thought I felt a slight cold breeze on my finger when placed over the valve. When we held an ignitor near the valve, a flame shot up about 8 inches before we quickly blew it out.
Have to replace the valve and hopefully will expect a slightly longer running time next week. Will check the gas filler valve on my Caradoc tomorrow - just in case......Think I'll check them on a regular basis - seems that it's overlooked by most "trainers" I know.
Mike
minimans
Oct 7 2009, 01:23 AM Post #2
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Posts: 1412
Joined: 3-September 08
From: North bay San Francisco California USA
Member No.: 8
COOO you were lucky!! During the war my Gran bless 'er when't looking for a gas leak after a Jerry bomb had blown in the front wall, trouble is she used a candle.....................she went out the open wall with a big bang!!!! she survived to a ripe old age.................
--------------------
Paul - GSM MODERATOR
Sunny San Francisco bay area.
"Most garden railwaymen are ordinary folk - Albeit as nutty as fruitcakes"...D. Rowlands
johnsaintjim
Oct 7 2009, 08:00 AM Post #3
Group: Member.
Posts: 1483
Joined: 3-September 08
From: UK
Member No.: 11
QUOTE(MikeH @ Oct 7 2009, 12:09 AM)
Just got back from attempting to run my Accucraft Mortimer in my pal's attic.
A few weeks ago I fitted a stainless steel mesh around the burner - now much quieter, can get a decent slow speed, but the extra running time has eluded me......until tonight. Apparently my gas filler valve was leaking (must have been leaking for a while) - thought I felt a slight cold breeze on my finger when placed over the valve. When we held an ignitor near the valve, a flame shot up about 8 inches before we quickly blew it out.
Have to replace the valve and hopefully will expect a slightly longer running time next week. Will check the gas filler valve on my Caradoc tomorrow - just in case......Think I'll check them on a regular basis - seems that it's overlooked by most "trainers" I know.
Mike
It's a good point Mike. I have had a leak on my Lawley gas filler too but flicking the pin cured it. I carry a spare in my toolbox anyway, plus the fitting tool. I've never thought to mention it to anyone just starting.
I "sniff" my locos regularly anyway and the smell of butane would be fairly obvious.
It's also worth checking for steam tightness. I do this by bringing the loco to its max working pressure then turning off the gas to re-fill. If the pressure gauge stays at the same pressure for a couple of minutes, I know the loco is basically steam tight - except for the bit after the regulator (or unless the gauge is sticky ). The steam line to the cylinders can be checked by watching for leaks - but don't forget steam is invisible. The white stuff is water vapour. So you can have a leak and not see it easily.
--------------------
Graham
The Evensford and Midland Railway
English narrow gauge in the garden
Visit my new web site at http://www.evensfordandmidland.co.uk
ferrysteam
Oct 7 2009, 03:23 PM Post #4
Group: Member.
Posts: 406
Joined: 3-September 08
From: Ferryhill, Co Durham
Member No.: 134
Another useful tip.If the jet clogs up try filling the gas tank with the gas valve open,saves removing the jet,it usually works.
--------------------
Allan from Co Durham.Land of the Prince Bishops.
If crime doesn't pay,why are politicians and bankers so wealthy?
Doug
Oct 7 2009, 04:10 PM Post #5
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From: Herts
Member No.: 104
I used to get new filler valves from LinesideDelights, but as they are currently only semi trading i was wondering who else supplies them. Bare in mind that the Accucraft ones use a different thread from the Roundhouse ones.
--------------------
Doug
West Herts
Rosco
Oct 7 2009, 04:13 PM Post #6
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From: South East England
Member No.: 2924
Does anybody know where you can purchase a fitting tool for these valves? I've never had to replace one but it would be handy to have the correct tool.
owlpool
Oct 7 2009, 04:14 PM Post #7
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From: Brecon Beacons, South Wales
Member No.: 283
intersted to hear the answers to these as we've not run my son's caradoc for a while due to a gas filler valve problem
--------------------
paul
johnsaintjim
Oct 7 2009, 04:46 PM Post #8
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From: UK
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Well according to the thread about Lineside Delights they are still taking phone orders. I seem to recall I have had spares from Back2Bay6 as well. I usually just buy them when I see them and stick em in me toolbox.
--------------------
Graham
The Evensford and Midland Railway
English narrow gauge in the garden
Visit my new web site at http://www.evensfordandmidland.co.uk
ferrysteam
View Member Profile
Oct 7 2009, 05:06 PM Post #9
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From: Ferryhill, Co Durham
Member No.: 134
I bought some loco tool boxes and a long nose gas adapter from Lineside Delights today so they're still trading the small stuff.They're out of gas valve removal tools though.
--------------------
Allan from Co Durham.Land of the Prince Bishops.
If crime doesn't pay,why are politicians and bankers so wealthy?
MikeH
Oct 8 2009, 12:21 PM Post #10
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Posts: 12
Joined: 23-March 09
From: Mid-Glamorgan
Member No.: 2010
I made a gas filler valve extractor from a screwdriver. Get a screwdriver with a decent blade that fits the slot on the valve. Cut, file or bite out the middle section of the blade so it fits over the valve plunger thing and just unscrew. Everyone must have an old spare screwdriver in the drawer, toolbox or back pocket they could modify.......
MRail
Oct 8 2009, 01:19 PM Post #11
Group: Member.
Posts: 62
Joined: 3-November 08
From: Halewood, Merseyside U.K.
Member No.: 1258
QUOTE(Rosco @ Oct 7 2009, 05:13 PM)
Does anybody know where you can purchase a fitting tool for these valves? I've never had to replace one but it would be handy to have the correct tool.
Linside delights supply them.
--------------------
Rob Guinness (MRail)
Muddledale Railway Co (SM32)
Vale of Clutter
Merseyside
johnsaintjim
Oct 8 2009, 01:28 PM Post #12
Group: Member.
Posts: 1483
Joined: 3-September 08
From: UK
Member No.: 11
QUOTE(MRail @ Oct 8 2009, 02:19 PM)
QUOTE(Rosco @ Oct 7 2009, 05:13 PM)
Does anybody know where you can purchase a fitting tool for these valves? I've never had to replace one but it would be handy to have the correct tool.
Linside delights supply them.
but they have run out... see 3 posts up
--------------------
Graham
The Evensford and Midland Railway
English narrow gauge in the garden
Visit my new web site at http://www.evensfordandmidland.co.uk
298
Oct 8 2009, 08:23 PM Post #13
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Joined: 16-September 09
Member No.: 2792
QUOTE(MikeH @ Oct 8 2009, 01:21 PM)
I made a gas filler valve extractor from a screwdriver. Get a screwdriver with a decent blade that fits the slot on the valve. Cut, file or bite out the middle section of the blade so it fits over the valve plunger thing and just unscrew. Everyone must have an old spare screwdriver in the drawer, toolbox or back pocket they could modify.......
Would a Romford axle nut screwdriver work, or could one be modified to fit...?
MHLR
View Member Profile
Oct 8 2009, 10:48 PM Post #14
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Posts: 69
Joined: 28-September 08
From: Cornwall, UK
Member No.: 562
PPS may be worth a try for the valves: http://www.pps-steam-models.co.uk/ Mixed reviews on them, but if you ring him up, I'm sure he can help.
--------------------
Pete
MHLR
Cornwall
www.mhlr.webs.com
johnsaintjim
Oct 9 2009, 07:33 AM Post #15
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Posts: 1483
Joined: 3-September 08
From: UK
Member No.: 11
QUOTE(298 @ Oct 8 2009, 09:23 PM)
QUOTE(MikeH @ Oct 8 2009, 01:21 PM)
I made a gas filler valve extractor from a screwdriver. Get a screwdriver with a decent blade that fits the slot on the valve. Cut, file or bite out the middle section of the blade so it fits over the valve plunger thing and just unscrew. Everyone must have an old spare screwdriver in the drawer, toolbox or back pocket they could modify.......
Would a Romford axle nut screwdriver work, or could one be modified to fit...?
Good idea and had never thought of it. I'll give it a try.
--------------------
Graham
The Evensford and Midland Railway
English narrow gauge in the garden
Visit my new web site at http://www.evensfordandmidland.co.uk
Group: Member.
Posts: 12
Joined: 23-March 09
From: Mid-Glamorgan
Member No.: 2010
Just got back from attempting to run my Accucraft Mortimer in my pal's attic.
A few weeks ago I fitted a stainless steel mesh around the burner - now much quieter, can get a decent slow speed, but the extra running time has eluded me......until tonight. Apparently my gas filler valve was leaking (must have been leaking for a while) - thought I felt a slight cold breeze on my finger when placed over the valve. When we held an ignitor near the valve, a flame shot up about 8 inches before we quickly blew it out.
Have to replace the valve and hopefully will expect a slightly longer running time next week. Will check the gas filler valve on my Caradoc tomorrow - just in case......Think I'll check them on a regular basis - seems that it's overlooked by most "trainers" I know.
Mike
minimans
Oct 7 2009, 01:23 AM Post #2
Group: Moderator.
Posts: 1412
Joined: 3-September 08
From: North bay San Francisco California USA
Member No.: 8
COOO you were lucky!! During the war my Gran bless 'er when't looking for a gas leak after a Jerry bomb had blown in the front wall, trouble is she used a candle.....................she went out the open wall with a big bang!!!! she survived to a ripe old age.................
--------------------
Paul - GSM MODERATOR
Sunny San Francisco bay area.
"Most garden railwaymen are ordinary folk - Albeit as nutty as fruitcakes"...D. Rowlands
johnsaintjim
Oct 7 2009, 08:00 AM Post #3
Group: Member.
Posts: 1483
Joined: 3-September 08
From: UK
Member No.: 11
QUOTE(MikeH @ Oct 7 2009, 12:09 AM)
Just got back from attempting to run my Accucraft Mortimer in my pal's attic.
A few weeks ago I fitted a stainless steel mesh around the burner - now much quieter, can get a decent slow speed, but the extra running time has eluded me......until tonight. Apparently my gas filler valve was leaking (must have been leaking for a while) - thought I felt a slight cold breeze on my finger when placed over the valve. When we held an ignitor near the valve, a flame shot up about 8 inches before we quickly blew it out.
Have to replace the valve and hopefully will expect a slightly longer running time next week. Will check the gas filler valve on my Caradoc tomorrow - just in case......Think I'll check them on a regular basis - seems that it's overlooked by most "trainers" I know.
Mike
It's a good point Mike. I have had a leak on my Lawley gas filler too but flicking the pin cured it. I carry a spare in my toolbox anyway, plus the fitting tool. I've never thought to mention it to anyone just starting.
I "sniff" my locos regularly anyway and the smell of butane would be fairly obvious.
It's also worth checking for steam tightness. I do this by bringing the loco to its max working pressure then turning off the gas to re-fill. If the pressure gauge stays at the same pressure for a couple of minutes, I know the loco is basically steam tight - except for the bit after the regulator (or unless the gauge is sticky ). The steam line to the cylinders can be checked by watching for leaks - but don't forget steam is invisible. The white stuff is water vapour. So you can have a leak and not see it easily.
--------------------
Graham
The Evensford and Midland Railway
English narrow gauge in the garden
Visit my new web site at http://www.evensfordandmidland.co.uk
ferrysteam
Oct 7 2009, 03:23 PM Post #4
Group: Member.
Posts: 406
Joined: 3-September 08
From: Ferryhill, Co Durham
Member No.: 134
Another useful tip.If the jet clogs up try filling the gas tank with the gas valve open,saves removing the jet,it usually works.
--------------------
Allan from Co Durham.Land of the Prince Bishops.
If crime doesn't pay,why are politicians and bankers so wealthy?
Doug
Oct 7 2009, 04:10 PM Post #5
Group: Member.
Posts: 836
Joined: 3-September 08
From: Herts
Member No.: 104
I used to get new filler valves from LinesideDelights, but as they are currently only semi trading i was wondering who else supplies them. Bare in mind that the Accucraft ones use a different thread from the Roundhouse ones.
--------------------
Doug
West Herts
Rosco
Oct 7 2009, 04:13 PM Post #6
Group: Member.
Posts: 9
Joined: 30-September 09
From: South East England
Member No.: 2924
Does anybody know where you can purchase a fitting tool for these valves? I've never had to replace one but it would be handy to have the correct tool.
owlpool
Oct 7 2009, 04:14 PM Post #7
Group: Member.
Posts: 776
Joined: 5-September 08
From: Brecon Beacons, South Wales
Member No.: 283
intersted to hear the answers to these as we've not run my son's caradoc for a while due to a gas filler valve problem
--------------------
paul
johnsaintjim
Oct 7 2009, 04:46 PM Post #8
Group: Member.
Posts: 1483
Joined: 3-September 08
From: UK
Member No.: 11
Well according to the thread about Lineside Delights they are still taking phone orders. I seem to recall I have had spares from Back2Bay6 as well. I usually just buy them when I see them and stick em in me toolbox.
--------------------
Graham
The Evensford and Midland Railway
English narrow gauge in the garden
Visit my new web site at http://www.evensfordandmidland.co.uk
ferrysteam
View Member Profile
Oct 7 2009, 05:06 PM Post #9
Group: Member.
Posts: 406
Joined: 3-September 08
From: Ferryhill, Co Durham
Member No.: 134
I bought some loco tool boxes and a long nose gas adapter from Lineside Delights today so they're still trading the small stuff.They're out of gas valve removal tools though.
--------------------
Allan from Co Durham.Land of the Prince Bishops.
If crime doesn't pay,why are politicians and bankers so wealthy?
MikeH
Oct 8 2009, 12:21 PM Post #10
Group: Member.
Posts: 12
Joined: 23-March 09
From: Mid-Glamorgan
Member No.: 2010
I made a gas filler valve extractor from a screwdriver. Get a screwdriver with a decent blade that fits the slot on the valve. Cut, file or bite out the middle section of the blade so it fits over the valve plunger thing and just unscrew. Everyone must have an old spare screwdriver in the drawer, toolbox or back pocket they could modify.......
MRail
Oct 8 2009, 01:19 PM Post #11
Group: Member.
Posts: 62
Joined: 3-November 08
From: Halewood, Merseyside U.K.
Member No.: 1258
QUOTE(Rosco @ Oct 7 2009, 05:13 PM)
Does anybody know where you can purchase a fitting tool for these valves? I've never had to replace one but it would be handy to have the correct tool.
Linside delights supply them.
--------------------
Rob Guinness (MRail)
Muddledale Railway Co (SM32)
Vale of Clutter
Merseyside
johnsaintjim
Oct 8 2009, 01:28 PM Post #12
Group: Member.
Posts: 1483
Joined: 3-September 08
From: UK
Member No.: 11
QUOTE(MRail @ Oct 8 2009, 02:19 PM)
QUOTE(Rosco @ Oct 7 2009, 05:13 PM)
Does anybody know where you can purchase a fitting tool for these valves? I've never had to replace one but it would be handy to have the correct tool.
Linside delights supply them.
but they have run out... see 3 posts up
--------------------
Graham
The Evensford and Midland Railway
English narrow gauge in the garden
Visit my new web site at http://www.evensfordandmidland.co.uk
298
Oct 8 2009, 08:23 PM Post #13
Group: Member.
Posts: 6
Joined: 16-September 09
Member No.: 2792
QUOTE(MikeH @ Oct 8 2009, 01:21 PM)
I made a gas filler valve extractor from a screwdriver. Get a screwdriver with a decent blade that fits the slot on the valve. Cut, file or bite out the middle section of the blade so it fits over the valve plunger thing and just unscrew. Everyone must have an old spare screwdriver in the drawer, toolbox or back pocket they could modify.......
Would a Romford axle nut screwdriver work, or could one be modified to fit...?
MHLR
View Member Profile
Oct 8 2009, 10:48 PM Post #14
Group: Member.
Posts: 69
Joined: 28-September 08
From: Cornwall, UK
Member No.: 562
PPS may be worth a try for the valves: http://www.pps-steam-models.co.uk/ Mixed reviews on them, but if you ring him up, I'm sure he can help.
--------------------
Pete
MHLR
Cornwall
www.mhlr.webs.com
johnsaintjim
Oct 9 2009, 07:33 AM Post #15
Group: Member.
Posts: 1483
Joined: 3-September 08
From: UK
Member No.: 11
QUOTE(298 @ Oct 8 2009, 09:23 PM)
QUOTE(MikeH @ Oct 8 2009, 01:21 PM)
I made a gas filler valve extractor from a screwdriver. Get a screwdriver with a decent blade that fits the slot on the valve. Cut, file or bite out the middle section of the blade so it fits over the valve plunger thing and just unscrew. Everyone must have an old spare screwdriver in the drawer, toolbox or back pocket they could modify.......
Would a Romford axle nut screwdriver work, or could one be modified to fit...?
Good idea and had never thought of it. I'll give it a try.
--------------------
Graham
The Evensford and Midland Railway
English narrow gauge in the garden
Visit my new web site at http://www.evensfordandmidland.co.uk