Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: UKJonathan on August 17, 2010, 10:13:06 am

Title: Air Compressor
Post by: UKJonathan on August 17, 2010, 10:13:06 am

Hi can anyone please tell what type of compressor I need to power small engines?

Thanks
Jonathan

Title: Re: Air Compressor
Post by: boatmadman on August 17, 2010, 10:32:35 am

Hi,

It would be helpful if you could tell us how many and what type of engines you want to power. Also, is it for display or for driving something.

As a starter, I recently bought an Aldi 25l compressor for £80 to run in my steam engines. With the engine running at 20psi the compressor runs almost constantly to maintain  bottle pressure.

Ian

Title: Re: Air Compressor
Post by: Bunkerbarge on August 17, 2010, 01:05:32 pm

As usual the biggest consideration is how much you want to spend.  I would definately recommend a reservoir type and be careful of some smaller compressors that are limited to running times.  A basic compressor with a small reservoir can be quite reasonable but a bit noisy so can be a problem for a hobby unit.  I bought a Clarke Shhh! model with a 9 litre tank which was on the expensive side at 250 pounds but it is based around a refrigerator compressor so very quiet and unobtrusive.

Title: Re: Air Compressor
Post by: UKJonathan on August 17, 2010, 01:47:45 pm

hi thanks for reply's I'm just looking for something quiet for home use to run the odd little single cylinder engine
jonathan

Title: Re: Air Compressor
Post by: Bunkerbarge on August 17, 2010, 03:41:15 pm

If it is only for short time running I would just get hold of an airbrush compressor, that should be about your cheapest option.  Apart from blowing up an inner tube with a foot pump that is!!

Title: how to connect?
Post by: livesteam on December 05, 2010, 04:19:11 pm

Hi
I don't have any experiences with running an engine on compressed air. But now I would like to do so, to make adjustings at my TVR1A without burning my fingers... So I intend to use a Small aribrush-compressor, but how would you connect it with the steam inlet?
Thanks!

Title: Re: Air Compressor
Post by: gondolier88 on December 05, 2010, 05:53:41 pm

What's the connection on the end of the compressor hose?

Greg

Title: Re: Air Compressor
Post by: Circlip on December 05, 2010, 06:06:24 pm

Metal (Usually) - Screw on.

  Regards  Ian.

Title: Re: Air Compressor
Post by: livesteam on December 05, 2010, 06:31:56 pm

Quote from: gondolier88 on December 05, 2010, 05:53:41 pm

What's the connection on the end of the compressor hose?
Greg

As I don't have any compressor yet, I don't know... Thought I should think about it before I buy one.
Regards

Title: Re: Air Compressor
Post by: KBIO on December 05, 2010, 08:11:33 pm

Good evening! :-)
One idea =
If you have a workshop,a garage or another place (but the bathroom)  {-) you can store one, you probably can buy a 50 liters , single cylinder compressor for 80£ (100€). Chinese stuff but reliable enough for the kind of work you will ask it.
It comes with hose and connections + some different spare connections in the box.
There is also a regualtor which allows you to adjust the pressure you want.
Myself, I use a plastic clear hose to connect on my engine, and do the break in (1 to 2 bars) , adjustments, or what ever I want.
It allow me to blow the water away after use, blow it dry and inject some oil before storage. Rising the pressure to 7 bars (100psi), I blow dust ,mist &  dirt away from the boat.
I also use it for spray paint,inflate kids's summer toys and other ..................and clean my mess on the bench! O0
It is stored underneath the bench for years and I do not see any reason to change it! %)
Santa is coming soon and if you have been nice, maybe , he will bring one to you! %)......
Regards! ok2

Title: Re: Air Compressor
Post by: MOG8 on December 08, 2010, 11:56:18 pm

I use an old fridge compressor.
It runs all my engines, except the Stuart N°1.

Title: Re: Air Compressor
Post by: livesteam on December 12, 2010, 12:35:02 pm

Thanks for your inputs.
I found a quite easy solution now for running in my TVR1A. I use a cheep DIY-compressor with 24l tank ans made a connection with silicone tube.

(http://s2.postimage.org/11rofysbo/PICT0161.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/11rofysbo/)