Roundhouse Billy problem - too much steam?

[HobbitFertang]

I've built a Roundhouse Billy kit and found that it goes off like a Sidewinder rocket no matter how many lead weights I add or how much I reduce the regulator travel. When I cut the steam it slides done the track and sometimes falls off. What have I done wrong?

 

[Paul M]

It may be the linkages are wrong. If I accidentally put money into reverse/or forward it will skid, and doing it too often will cause damage.
Going too fast on minimal regulator seems odd, but it may need adjustment some where. Is it RC or manual?

 

[dunnyrail]

The other thing I discovered with my Russell after some work is that the regulator spindle can be out of adjustment. You will need to remove the regulator actuator by undoing the allen screw to the right. Then remove the screw just to the left releasing the spindle. This is a screw fit and does not need a lot of adjustment. Try a 1/4 screw inwards clockwise put all back together and steam up to see where you are. It may take 2-3 attempts to get things right.

Effectively if the spindle is too far out the regulator will not close effectively and can be part open before you start.

 

[HobbitFertang]

It may be the linkages are wrong. If I accidentally put money into reverse/or forward it will skid, and doing it too often will cause damage.
Going too fast on minimal regulator seems odd, but it may need adjustment some where. Is it RC or manual?

Thanks Paul M. It's R/C.

 

[HobbitFertang]

The other thing I discovered with my Russell after some work is that the regulator spindle can be out of adjustment. You will need to remove the regulator actuator by undoing the allen screw to the right. Then remove the screw just to the left releasing the spindle. This is a screw fit and does not need a lot of adjustment. Try a 1/4 screw inwards clockwise put all back together and steam up to see where you are. It may take 2-3 attempts to get things right.

Effectively if the spindle is too far out the regulator will not close effectively and can be part open before you start.
View attachment 330668

Thanks, DunnyRail. I'll check this out

 

[Rhos Helyg Loco Works]

What pressure are you running on? 20psi is plenty, and it cannot shoot off with the pressure that low. Remember, the SAFETY valve is precisely that, a safety device. It does not need to lift and, when it does so, uses more water and fuel than the loco does at full chat.

 

[Paul M]

Thanks Paul M. It's R/C.

As Jon says, make sure the regulator spindle is actually fully closed, it's not difficult to get it wrong. Try disconnecting the actuator arm and run it manually.

 

[maxi-model]

Give Roundhouse a call. They are well known for their customer support and can probably diagnose for you over the phone. Even may recommend if a factory fix might be needed. Max

 

[dunnyrail]

Give Roundhouse a call. They are well known for their customer support and can probably diagnose for you over the phone. Even may recommend if a factory fix might be needed. Max

I tried some time back to get a factory fix to my dodgy Russel but reply was to try other repairers. Not sure if they have changed that policy except of course on newly purchased macines.

 

[PhilP]

If you have 'to much steam' - Turn the gas down.

If the loco moves (when you think it should not) - there is either a blockage in the regulator-valve, or there is not enough travel on the servo, to close the regulator.
Loosen the linkage, and adjust it slightly.

PhilP

 

[maxi-model]

I tried some time back to get a factory fix to my dodgy Russel but reply was to try other repairers. Not sure if they have changed that policy except of course on newly purchased macines.

Not my experience Jon. They changed the r/c kit on my new Darj B class for free, about 10 years ago. From a horrible car thumb type controller, as supplied (unexpected), to twin stick aircraft type. Then, about 4 years ago, when my recently purchased 2nd hand Criccieth Castle had a transmission problem they did a free repair to the drive. The seller had been a bit naughty in how it had been demonstrated to mask the issue. Each time I was delt with in a friendly manner with some usefull diagnosis on the phone.

If you have an unfathomable problem go to the maker or trader first, new or 2nd hand. That's what I do, I rarely get a negative responce. I suppose they want happy customers to spread the word. If one cannot be found or they do not have the knowledge, or think more about their time and profits and not the customers needs, then I approach a forum. There is one trader who has lost a lot of business (and I mean a lot) from me on that last point in the past 20 years.

Problem with forums, in my experience, is that people (like me) offer information mostly without thinking to ask a few questions first that might lead to a more speedy, concise diagnosis and recommended remedy. We all want to help, and long may we all do so, but it can be haphazard and probably frustrating for some as you wade through all the diverse suggestions. Especially if they go way above your pay grade Max

 

[Paul M]

Yes, I've always had good reports about Roundhouse.

 

[dunnyrail]

Not negative just an explanation about a ‘fix’ request. Still in the end after some helpful advice from them I managed to sort it myself.

 

[HobbitFertang]

Hi, I've drilled a 1.6 mm hole in the centre of each of the cylinder front plates. This seems to have cured the problem. The Billy is much more manageable now and pulling power hasn't been affected much.

 

[HobbitFertang]

Sorry, that's a 1.0 mm hole!

 

[Paul M]

Seems odd that you had to make such a drastic modification, but if it works all well and good
Presumably you tried all the suggestions above re the regulator adjustments before you drilled the holes?

 

[Rhos Helyg Loco Works]

Hi, I've drilled a 1.6 mm hole in the centre of each of the cylinder front plates. This seems to have cured the problem. The Billy is much more manageable now and pulling power hasn't been affected much.

Well, you have cured the symptoms by ruining the cylinders but I doubt you have cured the problem. Is that a successful solution? I don't think so. Many posts ago I asked what pressure the loco was running on, but we were never told that crucial piece of information.

The Roundhouse repair regime changed about 15 years ago and, usually, now they only do repairs on new locos under warranty. There may be exceptions, of course, it depends what repairs are needed Instead, there is a network of repair agents, myself included, (Repairs and Servicing) that can usually fix Roundhouse locos of all ages - but we are specifically not allowed do warranty repairs without explicit permission to do so.

Personally, I would loved to have had a look at your loco as I have never heard of one behaving in the way you describe. It would have been useful and interesting to know what was actually wrong with it. Not too late, I guess, as the cylinder covers can be repaired.

 

[HobbitFertang]

Well, you have cured the symptoms by ruining the cylinders but I doubt you have cured the problem. Is that a successful solution? I don't think so. Many posts ago I asked what pressure the loco was running on, but we were never told that crucial piece of information.

The Roundhouse repair regime changed about 15 years ago and, usually, now they only do repairs on new locos under warranty. There may be exceptions, of course, it depends what repairs are needed Instead, there is a network of repair agents, myself included, (Repairs and Servicing) that can usually fix Roundhouse locos of all ages - but we are specifically not allowed do warranty repairs without explicit permission to do so.

Personally, I would loved to have had a look at your loco as I have never heard of one behaving in the way you describe. It would have been useful and interesting to know what was actually wrong with it. Not too late, I guess, as the cylinder covers can be repaired.

Hi Folks,

Thanks for your comments. Point taken about ruining the cylinders, though I have replacement ends if necessary. My loco runs at 40 psi. It was a kit so it's quite likely I've done something wrong. I did check all your suggestions and minimised travel on the regulator and went very cautiously on the gas. I'm assuming the holes will simply reduce the power output . . or is there worse to come??

 

[HobbitFertang]

The only thing I haven't tried is replacing the regulator

 

[Rhos Helyg Loco Works]

Hi Folks,

. . or is there worse to come??

It won't do the lubrication any favours.

The only thing I haven't tried is replacing the regulator

The only reason to do that would be if you have the wrong type (manual or radio control). They are very different (manual at top, r/c below).