Hi Folks,
Finally decided to take the LS plunge and try to start the Mikado loco that was setting on my shelf for 15 months. This loco is the 1st run from Aristo. Here are my findings:
1. On the initial firing, I was able to get the loco running just fine on stationary rollers. After a concern of smoke coming out of all areas, I thought I was in trouble. But I guess this was just the initial startup. The only problem I had was the pressure indicator was not working. So it was difficult to determine the amount of pressure in the boiler. After cool down, I disconnected the pressure guage to check for any plugged areas. On the boiler connector it was cleared. But I did noticed that the connector hole did not align to the pressure guage hole. So I paint dabbed the connector and guage location holes and reconnected the whole assembly.
2. On the second run, I still have no pressure readings. So either the tubing is plugged or the guage itself is defective. Continued with the run and noticed that steam was being released from the top hole of the Goodall valve. This did not happen in the initial firing. This caused reduced boiler pressure and slower wheel speed. After cool down, removed the valve to check for operation. I noticed a small piece of plastic tubing was used on the inside shaft over a shaft hole. Under normal operating conditions, is the tubing to be over the hole or is it to be up or down from the hole??
Any suggestions for contacting Aristo to get a replacement pressure guage and need advise on the goodall valve operation. Thanks in advance for your comments.
Mike Lewandowski-Phoenix, AZ
Finally decided to take the LS plunge and try to start the Mikado loco that was setting on my shelf for 15 months. This loco is the 1st run from Aristo. Here are my findings:
1. On the initial firing, I was able to get the loco running just fine on stationary rollers. After a concern of smoke coming out of all areas, I thought I was in trouble. But I guess this was just the initial startup. The only problem I had was the pressure indicator was not working. So it was difficult to determine the amount of pressure in the boiler. After cool down, I disconnected the pressure guage to check for any plugged areas. On the boiler connector it was cleared. But I did noticed that the connector hole did not align to the pressure guage hole. So I paint dabbed the connector and guage location holes and reconnected the whole assembly.
2. On the second run, I still have no pressure readings. So either the tubing is plugged or the guage itself is defective. Continued with the run and noticed that steam was being released from the top hole of the Goodall valve. This did not happen in the initial firing. This caused reduced boiler pressure and slower wheel speed. After cool down, removed the valve to check for operation. I noticed a small piece of plastic tubing was used on the inside shaft over a shaft hole. Under normal operating conditions, is the tubing to be over the hole or is it to be up or down from the hole??
Any suggestions for contacting Aristo to get a replacement pressure guage and need advise on the goodall valve operation. Thanks in advance for your comments.
Mike Lewandowski-Phoenix, AZ