Model Steam Boiler Tools & Equipment

Model steam engines are finely-engineered working replicas of their full-size counterparts.

Model steam engines are real working models. Parts and equipment are largely obsolete, requiring enthusiasts to learn to machine their own, or to purchase them from fellow hobbyists and specialist suppliers. The tools used are scale versions of those originally used on full-size steam engines. Super-heated steam carries a high risk of scalding injury. All parts must be expertly designed and machined to ensure operator safety.

Getting Started

Many model engineers begin by purchasing a ready-made steam boiler kit. These are widely available from hobby suppliers. Operating such a steam engine helps familiarize the hobbyist with the parts of a steam engine and their function. It also illustrates the quality of machining and workmanship required. If the hobbyist wishes to progress to making his own boilers, a well-equipped workshop will be essential.

Engineering Equipment

Since so much must be made by the model engineer himself, the hobbyist's workshop will usually contain large metalworking machinery. Examples include lathes, drill presses, milling machines, grinding machines, vise-clamps and workbenches. Taps and dies are also required -- these are cutting tools for cutting screw threads in metal bar. Soldering irons and brazing rods are both used to bond components together. Brazing is a process similar to soldering, using brass rather than silver solder. Morse tapers are metal forms (molds) used to size and shape tapered parts. They attach to the lathe. Various domed wooden forms will be needed: sheet metal is laid over them and hammered into steam domes, boiler tops and other three-dimensional, curved forms.

Smaller Tools

Since the model engineer is working on miniature versions of steam machinery, smaller versions of an engineer's tool kit are required. Smaller fittings require sized-down wrenches made for use on model hex nuts. The smallest size 0 model engineer's wrench fits nuts 3/32-inch diameter; a size 12 fits 5/16-inch nuts. Similarly, sets of small screwdrivers, files and other hand tools must be assembled. A pair of callipers for measuring the dimensions of small components is indispensable. Also required will be engineer's drawings, plans and parts lists and/or draftsman's tools for making one's own scale-drawings.

Parts

Model steam valves are available from specialist supliers. steam valve image by John Sandoy from Fotolia.com

Model steam boilers require diminutive brass or copper pipe fittings that are scale versions of plumbing-type pipe work. Miniature fittings, unions and brass and copper pipe-stock are available from model engineering supply companies. Model size screws, nuts, washers and rivets will also be required. Some equipment is too complex for most hobbyists to make themselves and so must be bought from a reputable supplier of scale fittings. Such equipment includes steam pressure gauges, boiler water gauges, boiler feed valves, boiler stop cocks and safety valves.

References

• American Model Engineering Supply
• American Model Engineering Supply: Wrenches
• Building a Steam Engine and Steam Safety
• Alan Stepney's Model Engineering: Steam Engines:In the Workshop: Brazing/ Silver Soldering
• Mini-lathe.org.uk: C3 Mini-lathe Metalworking Beginners: The Perplexing Case of the Morse Taper

Resources

• Bristol Society of Model Engineers: Starting Model Engineering
• Ridge Live Steamers: List of Suppliers
• Model Engineering Suppliers
• The Society of Model and Experimental Engineers
• Rail Serve: Model Steam Suppliers
• Alan Stepney's Model Engineering, Steam Engines, Railways and Workshop Information