I asked Norm Saley to install a large tank in the "tender" area of my 3 cylinder shay - the reworked loco gives almost 2 hours run time. Such a large fuel tank eliminated the tender pump.
As noted, it is a voracious consumer of water. It uses between 7 and 10 ml of water per minute depending on the load and fire. I routinely add water every 5 minutes through a goodall valve. This frequency is a bit distracting but if I wait 10 minutes to add 100 ml, then I will kill the steam pressure. Generally adding 40 - 50 ml every 5 minutes has a limited effect on steam pressure.
Since my usage of the loco is mainly during operating sessions and confined to switching, the frequent fills of water are not too big of a hassle. I would imagine that the more typical live steamer running in a circle would want a smaller tank and perhaps automatic water addition.
Regards ... Doug
As noted, it is a voracious consumer of water. It uses between 7 and 10 ml of water per minute depending on the load and fire. I routinely add water every 5 minutes through a goodall valve. This frequency is a bit distracting but if I wait 10 minutes to add 100 ml, then I will kill the steam pressure. Generally adding 40 - 50 ml every 5 minutes has a limited effect on steam pressure.
Since my usage of the loco is mainly during operating sessions and confined to switching, the frequent fills of water are not too big of a hassle. I would imagine that the more typical live steamer running in a circle would want a smaller tank and perhaps automatic water addition.
Regards ... Doug
