afinegan
1st Class Member
Boca Raton
Foreman
Posts:161
Send Message
 | | 02/11/2008 6:51 AM |
| I just recently acquired a used aster lion(thunderbolt version) and it steams beautifully but since it is my first aster/alcohol engine I wanted to ask a few questions.
(I used pictures off of Marc Horovitz's website)http://www.sidestreetbannerworks.com/railways/Lion/construction.html
1. What spray bottle do I have to purchase to refill the water under steam and which specific one to fit? Currently, I stick my accucraft plastic syringe and fill it with water but I know there has to be a better way.
2. I am going to get the anti-splatter screen/stainless steel and remake my wicks like this
www.southernsteamtrains.com/misc/stainlesswirewicks.htm
3. In the clear plastic fuel line, when I open the alcohol line 1 turn, I see alcohol fill up the tube but a bubble forms in there, is this normal? (or is it due to the fiberglass wicks?)
4. Where can I get a pressure gauge for this? (banjo fitting I am guessing).
Any other mods that would make this great engine even better. I did not receive any instructions and was using this website to show me how to run it. (aster lion specifically) http://www.southernsteamtrains.com/reference.htm
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.
- Andrew | |
Andrew Finegan
SA# 777
Current Project: DJB Coal Fired Ruby
Current Engines:
Accucraft Ruby Butane, DJB Coal Fired Ruby(in construction), Accucraft Shay #2, Aster Thunderbolt | |
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Kovacjr
1st Class Member
Lakewood NJ
Foreman
Posts:372
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| | 02/11/2008 7:42 AM |
| Andrew- I would contact Hans for a copy of the owners manual if you would like one (www.asterbobbyusa.com)
The bubbles in the line are normal - it is a gravity feed system
The fitting you want to add a gauge to is the check valve. Since it is always in the water lever you can not add a gauge.
Hans can also tell you what you need for the top off fitting.
Im sure that others will chime in and tell you a simple way to use the top off valve. | |
Jason Kovac
Lakewood, NJ | |
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JEFF RUNGE
Foreman
Posts:170
Send Message
| | 02/11/2008 8:09 AM |
| Andrew,
The anti-splatter screens I have seen are too course. As I said in the article the screen needs to be about 80 count (80 strands per inch) .
Jeff | | | |
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rodblakeman
1st Class Member
UK
Brakeman
Posts:83
Send Message
| | 02/11/2008 8:28 AM |
| | Andrew Pullen, Aster UK can supply a pressure gauge kit for the Lion. As one only needs to top up the water a small amount at a time I always us a syringe anyway. I also use John Garrett's brick wicks. | |
Rod.
SA 475
http://cslr.co.uk/Southdown2005.htm
http://picasaweb.google.com/wpandyr | |
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hcampbell
1st Class Member
Connecticut USA
Brakeman
Posts:71
Send Message
| | 02/11/2008 5:25 PM |
| Andrew
I use a spray bottle from the local hardware store with bit of silicone tubing added.
Mine is happiest with wick material from Northern Finescale.
I added a cylinder drain cock, as I found it very hard to clear without one due to the gearing. It's just a bolt with one side filed flat
mounted in the cylinder cover.
1stclass.mylargescale.com/hcampbell/draincock.JPG
Oh, and I'm building a portable raised track as my Lion ain't so much fun to run at ground level.
Harvey C.
SA1838 | | | |
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afinegan
1st Class Member
Boca Raton
Foreman
Posts:161
Send Message
| | 02/12/2008 9:13 AM |
| I run my lion on my apartment on rollerbearings atm, until I make a visit to my dads house again :-P
I do have a oval of 4" lgb track I run it outside near my apart. Just to hold me over. Got to get a house... hehe
Built this last christmas:
www.mylargescale.com/Community/Forums/tabid/56/forumid/11/postid/238/view/topic/Default.aspx
-Andrew | |
Andrew Finegan
SA# 777
Current Project: DJB Coal Fired Ruby
Current Engines:
Accucraft Ruby Butane, DJB Coal Fired Ruby(in construction), Accucraft Shay #2, Aster Thunderbolt | |
|
Shay Gear Head
Easley, South Carolina
Foreman
Posts:106
Send Message
| | 02/12/2008 2:41 PM |
| Andrew,
You need a yard with a house included! | |
Bruce Gathman, President
Eldorado Timber & Mining Company
Tall Trees - Deep Shafts
Recreating the past with live steam Shay locomotives and lots of log cars. | |
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Shay Gear Head
Easley, South Carolina
Foreman
Posts:106
Send Message
| | 02/12/2008 2:41 PM |
| Andrew,
You need a yard with a house included! | |
Bruce Gathman, President
Eldorado Timber & Mining Company
Tall Trees - Deep Shafts
Recreating the past with live steam Shay locomotives and lots of log cars. | |
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