Hello. I have a couple of questions about firing and running my Berk. I built this engine from a kit a little over a year ago and didn't really get to run it on live steam until last June (?). I fired it using alcohol with stainless steel wicks. It was a joy to see it running for the first time on live steam! The problem I ran into is that once the engine is running, say after about 5 minutes, I couldn't tell how much water is in the water glass; it kept getting bubbles in it. About the only way I knew for sure that I have enough water in the boiler was when a large amount of water (dropplets) would come out of the smoke stack. When the engine is cold and I pump water into the boiler, the water glass fills properly, i.e., I know how much water is in the boiler. Any suggestions?
The other question is regarding fuel for firing. Would it be possible to fire this engine on butane such that I would have a good steaming session? I've fired the engine twice, both times the burners over flowed with alcohol and caught the roller base on fire. The first time there was not any damage as I was in a shaded area and could see the flames. The second time I was out doors (sunny day) and couldn't see the flames and caught the base on fire. I damaged the track and the wooden base. I'm getting to the point that I'm not really comfortable with firing the engine with alcohol. One reason is getting the fire started and the second reason is adjusting the flame, i.e. keeping a correct flow of fuel flowing. So, any comments about firing with butane?
Thanks,
Steve G.
The other question is regarding fuel for firing. Would it be possible to fire this engine on butane such that I would have a good steaming session? I've fired the engine twice, both times the burners over flowed with alcohol and caught the roller base on fire. The first time there was not any damage as I was in a shaded area and could see the flames. The second time I was out doors (sunny day) and couldn't see the flames and caught the base on fire. I damaged the track and the wooden base. I'm getting to the point that I'm not really comfortable with firing the engine with alcohol. One reason is getting the fire started and the second reason is adjusting the flame, i.e. keeping a correct flow of fuel flowing. So, any comments about firing with butane?
Thanks,
Steve G.