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Bien joué
Excellent job of bringing it back to life.
As you say, the wicks need adjusting, I always reckon that they should be as high above the burner pipe as the diameter of the pipe.
Do you have the original assembly instructions to help you with the re-assembly?
All the best,
David Leech, Canada
 
Hello Sébastien,
I just went through my Aster bits and pieces and found the crosshead, but I don't think that it will help!
I can only assume that in the early days, Aster's jigs were not that accurate (see attached for lack of alignment)!
Regards,
David
Image
 
I tried bending the nut but I'm afraid to destroy it
Do you know the thread specs of this nut? I measured a #2-48 but this size doesn't seem to be available at least online
If we could screw a rod in the nut and apply force with pliers on the slider I think we could make it straight
Do you plan to build your schools soon? What a great find!!
The thread is Metric.
It seems to be M2.3 x 0.40 as that screw fits into it, but I wonder if Aster actually used the M2.2 x 0.45 as my tap is very tight?
Maybe Ryan Bednarik will reply?
Regards,
David Leech
 
Sébastien,
I agree with Fred,
You need the sheet to be flat to the boiler shell to provide good air flow for the hot gasses.
Ideally, no insulation would be better, BUT then you end up with all the nice green paint turning brown, which it probably will a little, even with the insulation!
Also, I don't know if this is just temporary, but the blower pipe is far too high.
It should be the same height as the blast pipe, and make sure that both point straight up the chimney.
I put some wire down the chimney into the nozzles to make sure of this.
Regards,
David Leech, Canada
 
Congratulations Sébastien.
It is running very nicely in both directions which is a great sign.
Often with the slip return cranks on the Schools, you needed to try them round different ways and on different sides to get it right.
You have managed to do this.
Yes, i would try to add some more tape to stop all the leakage from there valve gland.
I do not know the boiler that you are using, but assume that the steam is NOT superheated so it will be wetter.
When in the boiler, the steam pipe runs beside the fire which does dry it a little.
However, whenever the loco starts, there will always be some water trapped inside the cylinders as it condenses, which will spray out of the chimney when starting.
Try to keep away from the loco as the steam is HOT!
Normally when warmed up, even if you stop this will not happen again.
Well done on your success.
David Leech, Canada
 
(I've read the first version was just single cylinder, and then there was an upgrade for the single cylinder versions, am I right?)
Pauli,
The Aster Schools class was ALWAYS a 2 cylinder locomotive.
The Aster JNR Mogul 8550 released at the same time in 1975 was a single cylinder loco, with the lubricator hidden in the other dummy cylinder housing.
A 'kit' to add a second cylinder was available.
The later 'Americanised' Mogul released in 1982 had 2 working cylinders.
Regards,
David Leech, Canada
 
Sébastien,
I had to repaint mine after a couple of years as the paint cracked and discoloured where the burner is, so putting a metal sheet where you show would not really help.
Beside the burner is where it will be hottest, and then the heat will cool as the air flows towards the smokebox end.
Regards,
David Leech, Canada
 
Sébastien,
I am not sure how much you will run your Schools, but be prepared to say 'goodbye' to the nice white insulation material.
Attached is a photo of the smokebox of my King Arthur that has had a lot of running since I built it from a kit in 1979.
Not as much in recent years, but a lot during the 80's, 90's, and 2000's.
Not as clean as yours!
Note also that I have the blower and exhaust nozzles side by side and at the same height.
Your blower may work where you have it, you will just have to see.
Congratulations on all your hard work.
Regards,
David Leech, Canada
 

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Fred,
Not to be too pedantic, but.....
The green coloured Mark1 coaches ARE Southern - That is the Southern REGION part of British Railways as it became in 1947.
You are correct that they do not represent the SOUTHERN RAILWAY as it was from 1923 until nationalization in 1947, when the green colours were somewhat different, as were the coaches.
Sébastien,
I am impressed with you knowledge of things like the Hastings line.
Have fun with the build of the coach kit, I am sure that it will look great with your talent.
All the best,
David Leech, Canada
 
Sébastien,
You did remember to remove the three screws first!
As I remember it, as it should be, it is a nice tight fit, and having to put a small screwdriver under the handrail and work each side just a little until the slots show either side to get the screwdriver in there to get the door off completely.
Nothing to do with smoke, steam or oil will cause it to stick.
Good luck,
David Leech, Canada
 
Sébastien,
Very strange.
I don't suppose that you used any 'thread locker' on the screws and it has also locked the smokebox door casting to the boiler case?
As you say, if it is working, leave it as it is!
Cheers,
David Leech, Canada
 
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