Triple Expansion Engine Update
by John
Well, almost another whole year has elapsed, and still the triple is not finished. Come December, and that will be 3 years that this project has occupied my thoughts and workbench. With a few other projects in between.
Last week I assembled the components, in preparation for the Geelong Show. GSMEE is a bit light on for new models, and it was suggested that the triple might fill some shelf space, despite being unfinished.
So I bolted it together. All 429 fasteners! And stood back and admired it. It really is quite impressive, complex, and interesting. So I took some pics.
This is the condenser side, and the Edwards pump
The other side is a bit lessy fussy, showing the steam inlet valve, the Stephenson’s links, weigh shaft and controls.
And the top, showing some of those 429 fasteners,
The high pressure valve chest cover. I will fill those holes where bolts cannot go.
And the low pressure end, and links for the pump.
And a close up of the steam valve and weigh shaft.
Not quite ready to run it yet.
It needs side covers for the cylinder block, drain cocks for the cylinders, and general freeing up. It is still very tight.
Not to mention painting. I expect that I will paint this one. No idea of colours yet.
johnsmachines 
Nice Engine John…
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Thanks Martin. I hope to post a video of it running on steam before the end of the year.
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A very good en nice peace of work John, it is a good object for a show, so peaple can see what it is to make this kind of machines.
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Such a beautiful object in and of itself! I may have to visit down under when you get it steamed up. May I suggest you put a ruler in at least one of the pictures for scale. Such an impressive project…
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Thanks Richard. Ruler yes a good idea. And do visit! John.
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Nice work, I too have a half complete triple, not all my work the engine has been under construction for 100 years according to the bloke who gave it to me. If you like I can send photos.
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yes please, I would be very interested. jviggers@iinet.net.au
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Hi John I am building the same engine here in the UK Have you completed the valve timing and if so could you please do an article on how you went about it. It would help this old geezer out a lot if you would Pete from the UK
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Good idea Peter. I plan to do the timing in the next couple of weeks. The protractor was a preparatory tool. I have been a bit distracted by getting the boiler certification but that seems very close now. Next job will be the timing.
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HI JOHN Thanks for getting back so quick Your articles have been so helpful and a real pleasure to follow Please keep up the good work Pete UK
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John, may I suggest no paint. I’ve been browsing google-images of triple expansion engines, and IMHO paint detracts, possibly the best looking Boltons just have the machined surfaces polished and the unmachined surfaces allowed to take on a slight patina. I did this with my Stuart No 9, grey cast iron contrasting with silvery mirror finish machined surfaces, and it gets lots of positive comments and questions about how I got the grey (Naval Jelly rust remover!). In any event, keep up the good work. Peter Lawrence. (Bay Area Engine Modelers)
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Thanks Peter. I agree that many models look a bit fake and contrived when totally painted. If I apply any paint it will be to small areas only. John.
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