New to Aster.

Rob1962

Rob1962

Happy Steaming.
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United-States
Instead of asking daily questions about my new Aster Old Faithful, perhaps someone on this forum has more information about this Loco. I’ve searched unsuccessfully for the correct safety valve/gasket sizes and where to find one that can be produced. Given the engine’s 51-year age, I found limited information.

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I don't know if data sheets exist for these, so let's work from first principles. The advantage is that you'll get to learn about your loco. Take small steps and never take anything apart that you can't get back together. If it is leaking steam, you may need to get some gasket material (often called 'gasket paper', but it's more substantial than that, and not paper-based, either) and some paper punches; and then make your own. O-rings should be nitrile, I believe, and will be either obvious Imperial or obvious metric sizes. If you haven't got a micrometer or vernier callipers yet, I would get one: digital verniers are comparatively cheap and simple to read. Taking locomotives apart, and reassembling them, isn't difficult, but you  do need to be careful! Don't force anything; threads are very fine and can strip easily! Some will have threadlock on them: this can usually be softened with gentle heat (cook shops sell small blowtorches for caramelising food, which are ideal for this. Always work on a tray, with a towel laid on it: small parts can travel a long way when dropped... How do I know this?

Sorry for the long post!
 
Northsider said:
I don't know if data sheets exist for these, so let's work from first principles. The advantage is that you'll get to learn about your loco. Take small steps and never take anything apart that you can't get back together. If it is leaking steam, you may need to get some gasket material (often called 'gasket paper', but it's more substantial than that, and not paper-based, either) and some paper punches; and then make your own. O-rings should be nitrile, I believe, and will be either obvious Imperial or obvious metric sizes. If you haven't got a micrometer or vernier callipers yet, I would get one: digital verniers are comparatively cheap and simple to read. Taking locomotives apart, and reassembling them, isn't difficult, but you  do need to be careful! Don't force anything; threads are very fine and can strip easily! Some will have threadlock on them: this can usually be softened with gentle heat (cook shops sell small blowtorches for caramelising food, which are ideal for this. Always work on a tray, with a towel laid on it: small parts can travel a long way when dropped... How do I know this?

Sorry for the long post!
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No, thank you for the long post. I wish it was longer question. I do have a calipers. The problem is the threats. I know nothing about machining. I would pay somebody to make some safety valves. If I could figure out how to get the thread sizes for them do you know of any shops that could assist me with getting the size and having them make them for me I’m talking about safety valves. Please let me know. Thank you by the way I live in USA.
 
Rob1962 said:
No, thank you for the long post. I wish it was longer question. I do have a calipers. The problem is the threats. I know nothing about machining. I would pay somebody to make some safety valves. If I could figure out how to get the thread sizes for them do you know of any shops that could assist me with getting the size and having them make them for me I’m talking about safety valves. Please let me know. Thank you by the way I live in USA.
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The key thing will be to know what size the threads are. You won't need a new safety valve machining: you can either replace the gasket or ball in the one you've got, or buy a replacement. In the US, Weebee have a good reputation, I think.
Jason Kovak at The Train Department is enthusiastic and helpful, and his website lists lots of steam spares.
 
Our big problem is 'we' are over here, and 'you' are over there..

We can suggest the few people we know of, but I am sure there are more?
We might also suggest someone who is several States away from you.

Do you have a club of Model Engineers anywhere near you?
They will have access to machine tools. Probably have thread-gauges and the knowledge to use them.
They will also know who in their membership is a safe pair of hands, to give you guidance and help. They may even be able to point you towards a more local engineering supplies shop?

PhilP.
 
Thank you Philip,I did try a Local Live Steam club and email the Pres and was told most here are not doing Machining anymore at the age so I will keep trying.
 
Rob1962 said:
Thank you Philip,I did try a Local Live Steam club and email the Pres and was told most here are not doing Machining anymore at the age so I will keep trying.
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So if they are not Machining.. Who are they getting to do there 'little jobs'?

Don't give up..
There is the 16mm Association, which although run from the UK, has members throughout the world.
Post something on My Large Scale.
Send an enquiry email to any suppliers you do know of. - They might know a little about your loco, or might know of someone more local to you.

Good luck!
PhilP.
 
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