Topic: Building the ALASKA (Read 95437 times)

patternmaker · « **Reply #50 on:** October 20, 2012, 03:48:58 pm »

I totaly agree with you Alan, if you want real interest in live steam post on RC Groups you will find very enthusiastic members with encouraging remarks.
I started a topic rebuilding a steam drifter with no interest or comments whatsoever, when you take the time and trouble to post pictures without a response its very discouraging, like you I will not be posting anymore topics on MBM
Good luck with your build

Mick

steamboatmodel · « **Reply #51 on:** October 20, 2012, 06:39:18 pm »

I have been following when I can, but am in the midst of house sale, buying, packing and moving. I have done Silver (Brazing), but am always interested on how others do it you never know when you will pick up a trick or learn some thing new.
Regards,
Gerald.

gondolier88 · « **Reply #52 on:** October 20, 2012, 09:20:11 pm »

Quote from: Circlip on October 20, 2012, 05:42:11 pm

Oh dear, another skeleton in the cupboard of T'internet. We've had the death of the local model shop cos we need everything yesterday,Cheque book modelling is rife and now Mass Adulation is a requisite. Sad times for personal satisfaction. Don't worry newbies, some of us will try to help without blowing smoke up the posteriors of those who think they need it.

Regards Ian

Alan is an extremely competent and talented engineer, someone who has passed his skills onto hundreds of young people at college level, and yet, feels like he receives less interest and discussion on a site dedicated to interest and discussion in the topic being discussed.

Above said, Alan's experience in building model steamboats is small- although he puts himself down far more than he should- and he invites all helpful advice, which is gratefully received- as anyone who has helped Alan will testify.

I agree that MBM members often leave a lot to be desired on the discussion side of things, often finding consolation in seeing the number of views on topics, rather than replies.

I am just as guilty as anyone else here, often reading interesting posts before work, not having time to reply, then think 'I've read that one already' later on, and don't take the time to reply.

Perhaps, if many of us feel like this is a problem, we need to take it upon ourselves to comment on other's topics too...

Keep up the good work Alan

Greg

tigertiger · « **Reply #53 on:** October 20, 2012, 09:29:43 pm »

Yes, it is worth mentioning that this thread has received over 2000 views to date, which shows interest.
It could also be that the skills demonstrated are specialised and many interested viewers do not feel qualified to comment.

hammer · « **Reply #54 on:** October 20, 2012, 10:51:38 pm »

Alan, I like others have only just found this thread, like others I am interested. Unfortunately steam boats are in a minority, being more difficult to make or expensive to by.
My son gave me a whole pack of copper to copper rods, (Rothenburger-Rolot S2) . I have been unsure if they are alowed on boilers because I can't fined out if they have a zinc content?

ooyah/2 · « **Reply #55 on:** October 21, 2012, 10:07:45 am »

Quote from: tigertiger on October 20, 2012, 09:29:43 pm

Yes, it is worth mentioning that this thread has received over 2000 views to date, which shows interest.
It could also be that the skills demonstrated are specialised and many interested viewers do not feel qualified to comment.
[/quote

Alan,
The above quote can give you some idea of the interest taken in your build and the response by the members to your concern, don't be put off by one members nasty comments.
I for one am very interested in your copper to copper brazing attempts as the price of Silver Solder has gone thro' the roof and an alternative in Copper rods may be the answer to the cost of Silver solder.

To answer Hammers question, there is nothing in the Blue Book of Boiler testing and Making of 2008 that says Copper rod brazing is not allowed hence my interest in Alan's brazing technics.

Alan I hope that you will continue with your build progress.

George

gondolier88 · « **Reply #56 on:** October 21, 2012, 12:46:08 pm »

Hammer,

www.bgtherm.com/products/piping/pipes_fittings/accessories/d/Soldering,%20Brazing,%20and%20Welding%20Technology.pdf

Page 176 is Rothenberger's data sheet for their Rolot products. It seems it is a Copper-Phosphorous alloy only.

Greg

patternmaker · « **Reply #57 on:** October 21, 2012, 12:53:26 pm »

I would like to thank the moderators for removing the offensive remark aimed at me.

hammer · « **Reply #58 on:** October 21, 2012, 04:55:10 pm »

Thank you Greg & George for that information. Apart from being cheaper than silver solder it will fill gaps and large fillets can be built. But I am told the too will not mix.
By the way Derek (I know you are watching) what an impoverished amount of solder you have. When I get my new camera I will post my store for you to drool over. I am sure you know me by another name.

Kerrsy · « **Reply #59 on:** October 24, 2012, 05:04:48 pm »

Thank you gentlemen for your support
so here we go again.

Finished the painting, how I ever got the water line to be straight I will never now, I was lucky, that was the trickiest thing I've done so far.

Now it's time to start on the boiler, first we have to cut the holes in the mud tubes, I've done this with a 5/16 slot drill on the mill, this way the hole will be vertical
and round!.

Then I had to build a jig to hold the down tubes .

Now the big moment using B&Q copper brazing rods at £3.48 for 4.

Looks a bit messy but they all do just after brazing, off to the chemist know for some citric acid to clean them up
then it's make another jig to hold both of these and braze the them into the top 2" tube.

I'll post again when I've done it.

This is a message to the Moderator - would it be possible to change my name back to Kerrsy and reinstate my full mayhemer as I was before the crash
could you also tell me how I can contact you without messing up this thread?
thank you

Tug-Kenny RIP · « **Reply #60 on:** October 24, 2012, 07:59:28 pm »

You could send Martin an email

ken

gondolier88 · « **Reply #61 on:** October 24, 2012, 09:26:46 pm »

That hull of yours looks beautiful Alan, well done mate.

hammer · « **Reply #62 on:** October 24, 2012, 10:16:26 pm »

I fined the citric acid works quicker If the work is plunged as soon as it goes from red to black. I only buy small amounts of citric acid at a time don't want to be suspected of making ilegal ....drugs

grendel · « **Reply #63 on:** October 24, 2012, 10:27:07 pm »

would vinegar work? (acetic acid), I use citric acid (powder) in tiny amounts to help wholemeal bread rise, but you can buy 100g packs in wholefood shops quite cheaply.
Grendel

derekwarner · « **Reply #64 on:** October 25, 2012, 07:00:00 am »

....well hammer [RGY]...with you being an experienced artisan of silver soldering...what mark would you offer kerrsy for his work below?

I was thinking

of say 9.7 out of 10...what is your say?

Will be very interesting to see the result after her pickiling..........

.......

PS hammer.......I hope you are in good health again

.......cause we await your return to the workshop.......as usual.....we are watching

from afar......Derek
PPS hammer.....I too cannot wait until you get a better camera or ask No 1 son how to use your existing camera

hammer · « **Reply #65 on:** October 25, 2012, 10:30:51 am »

I think Kerrsy deserves 10 out of 10 Derek you are a hard man to please.
As for me I am OK finished with the hospital, that's the good news. The bad news the remedy is to dangerous at me age so live with it or die with it. But I am still here.
The camera the grand sons used me as a slide , the screen of the camera didn't like it and snapped. Just as well with the crap pictures it took. A poor workman always blames his tools.GEOFF

steamshed · « **Reply #66 on:** October 25, 2012, 11:36:28 am »

Hi Kerrsy
I must admit I read all the steam topics but sadly my posting's dont reflet this, I tend to rush ahead with my builds and lack the disipline to make a photo record.
Please continue with yours as I do find it very interesting and its nice to see what others are up too.

Regards
Mike
Ps have put up a couple of pic's o my latest build

Kerrsy · « **Reply #67 on:** October 25, 2012, 05:24:49 pm »

Hi All
Well thank you hammer, I never got 10/10 even when I did my welding exam!

Thank you again for your comments good healthy debate.

Mike (steamshed) I'm the same, I'm only doing this for the members of the forum and I'm lucky I have a camera in my phone.

Greg, couldn't have done it with out you.

Well here they are after 30 mins in Citric acid

regards

Alan

pettyofficernick · « **Reply #68 on:** October 25, 2012, 06:22:41 pm »

Very neat, I have been lucky enough to cop for some 50% Sulfuric Acid. I dilute a little at a time down to 5%, makes short work of cleaning the job up after soldering.....

SailorGreg · « **Reply #69 on:** October 25, 2012, 06:55:55 pm »

Lovely work kerrsy. The hull looks really sweet.

I'm looking forward to seeing you put your steam plant together - boiler making is a bit of a black art to me, and this is getting set to be a good practical insight. Thanks for persevering with us!

Kerrsy · « **Reply #70 on:** October 25, 2012, 08:56:29 pm »

pettyofficernick, thank you

SailorGreg, This is only the second boiler I've made and the last one was 30 years ago.
I have had a great mentor in ooyah/2 who is an expert on boilers.
I've never made one like this before but it's good fun and if it doesn't work I can do it again with more knowledge
from the mistakes I made.

alan

Kerrsy · « **Reply #71 on:** October 26, 2012, 07:38:16 pm »

Cut the holes in the main boiler today and fitted the tubes.
Will weld it up Monday .

hammer · « **Reply #72 on:** October 26, 2012, 08:32:56 pm »

I don't keep sulfuric acid, not with grand children around.

pettyofficernick · « **Reply #73 on:** October 27, 2012, 01:11:44 pm »

Quote from: hammer on October 26, 2012, 08:32:56 pm

I don't keep sulfuric acid, not with grand children around.

Hi all, just a quick safety note re sulfuric acid, I store my acid safely and clearly marked with the concentration percentage, and only use it outside. I always wear chemical resistant gloves and goggles when handling and ALWAYS add acid to water and not the other way round. I don't have any grandkids, and if I did, I would use something a little less dramatic than sulfuric acid. Hope this clears up any H+S concerns anyone may have.
Regards,
Nick.

Kerrsy · « **Reply #74 on:** October 28, 2012, 03:11:29 pm »

For me, the only place for sulfuric acid is in a battery
Citric acid does the job as you can see, and is asafe to use.

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Author Topic: Building the ALASKA (Read 95437 times)

steamshed