As I have continued to try to improve all engine performance.. the H8 was next on the list.
For background, I purchased this locomotive new from Accucraft at the end of their run around 2019. From the start I consistently had issues lighting the fireman side burner thus often trying to steam with only 50% of the available heat. To fix this Accucraft sent me a larger set of burners which when paired with a mixed set of jets (#8 and #5) helped but performance was still inconsistent and required snaking a flexible lighter pointed at the burner.
While it worked, I thought burner performance could be improved similar as what I did with my Daylight, wrap Nichrome mesh around the burners. Here is a short write-up of my steps.
![Image]()
Unfortunately the H8 cab is quite tight due to the multiple steam lines. To access the burners there are four screws under the cab which when removed allows the cab to be removed.
![Image]()
I then pulled off all the steam lines including breaking (not on purpose) the sight glass. The next step was to remove the boiler mount which is a L shaped black metal piece that mounts under the burner tubes, two small screws mounted vertically and one large screw into the boiler.
![Image]()
Once complete I pulled the burners which are quite tight, the biggest issue is that the superheater tubes constrict the burners from removing out the back. With a bit of leverage it is possible to sneak the burners out the back.. now the mesh wrapping starts.
![Image]()
I originally started by fully wrapping the burner but the burner tubes are too small to allow the burner to slip in.. On to plan B
![Image]()
Plan B was to cut a smaller strip with a 60 degree bend in the middle. I then wrapped the burner and mesh with Stainless Steel wire to hold it in place and slide the burners back in...
![Image]()
I then put the steam lines back on and briefly tested. I found that I was able to switch to #8 jets (vs. the previous mix of jets noted above) and viewing the fire through the air holes I believe I saw much improved burner performance. Please note, unfortunately the H8 does not provide great visibility to see the fire so I am relying on small air holes to infer if the fire is clean and consistent across the burners; I think it is.
Post that quick test I now need to put a new sight glass in and test for steam leaks but I am cautiously optimistic the steam up time will greatly reduce and both burners will consistently light with less challenge.
![Image]()
Will report with running test soon. Once done I will start to find the next locomotive to put the mesh in; I am currently enthusiastic with the revised burner performance that the mesh seems to provide.
Thanks for following along
For background, I purchased this locomotive new from Accucraft at the end of their run around 2019. From the start I consistently had issues lighting the fireman side burner thus often trying to steam with only 50% of the available heat. To fix this Accucraft sent me a larger set of burners which when paired with a mixed set of jets (#8 and #5) helped but performance was still inconsistent and required snaking a flexible lighter pointed at the burner.
While it worked, I thought burner performance could be improved similar as what I did with my Daylight, wrap Nichrome mesh around the burners. Here is a short write-up of my steps.
Unfortunately the H8 cab is quite tight due to the multiple steam lines. To access the burners there are four screws under the cab which when removed allows the cab to be removed.
I then pulled off all the steam lines including breaking (not on purpose) the sight glass. The next step was to remove the boiler mount which is a L shaped black metal piece that mounts under the burner tubes, two small screws mounted vertically and one large screw into the boiler.
Once complete I pulled the burners which are quite tight, the biggest issue is that the superheater tubes constrict the burners from removing out the back. With a bit of leverage it is possible to sneak the burners out the back.. now the mesh wrapping starts.
I originally started by fully wrapping the burner but the burner tubes are too small to allow the burner to slip in.. On to plan B
Plan B was to cut a smaller strip with a 60 degree bend in the middle. I then wrapped the burner and mesh with Stainless Steel wire to hold it in place and slide the burners back in...
I then put the steam lines back on and briefly tested. I found that I was able to switch to #8 jets (vs. the previous mix of jets noted above) and viewing the fire through the air holes I believe I saw much improved burner performance. Please note, unfortunately the H8 does not provide great visibility to see the fire so I am relying on small air holes to infer if the fire is clean and consistent across the burners; I think it is.
Post that quick test I now need to put a new sight glass in and test for steam leaks but I am cautiously optimistic the steam up time will greatly reduce and both burners will consistently light with less challenge.
Will report with running test soon. Once done I will start to find the next locomotive to put the mesh in; I am currently enthusiastic with the revised burner performance that the mesh seems to provide.
Thanks for following along
