Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length.

[geoff p]

I am making a two-cylinder, double-acting oscillating engine from scratch.  I intend to put the steam-control/reverser at the top of the main block so the linkage should be clear of the cylinders.  I hope to create all the connections by drilling since I don't have any means for silver-soldering.

However, for the life of me, I cannot figure out the porting for the valve-and-the-block; whatever I sketch seems to end up without a stop position.

Can anyone help me screw my head (the one with white hairs) on right?  Any sketches would be hugely appreciated.

Geoff

[malcolmbeak]

Geoff
You might try this. I guess it will be much too small for your engine, but it's the idea that counts.
Malcolm

[kiwimodeller]

Geoff, in the Model Boats magazine back in 1988 Peter Arnott did a series of articles called "Starting in Steam" which included his design for a V Twin. In Part 3, August 1988, he shows the design for the Fwd/Rev/Throttle valve and discusses how to build it. I am contemplating coupling together two double acting 1/2" X 3/4" oscillators that I happen to have to drive a paddle steamer and went looking for a design for a valve. A friend came up with this article but he only had a very poor (almost unreadable) photocopy so hopefully the mag is still available or else somebody might have a copy that they could email to you. To me the design looks quite small and delicate but I am sure given his reputation it will work fine. The American made P & M V Twin oscillator that I have been importing in to this country has a very good control valve fitted over the front end of the crank and this works really well.  Hope this helps, Ian.

[geoff p]

Many thanks, Kiwi, those sketches did the trick.  I realised, eventually, I was making a mountain where a molehill would suffice.
Geoff