Model Triple Expansion Steam Engine. First taste of steam tomorrow!
by John
I was very excited to see my triple running reasonably well on air recently. But it was tight, and required a decent gutful of air pressure to turn it over. But it did go!
Then it seized.
The cause was the intermediate cylinder valve rod seizing in its guide. Probably a bit tight,and not getting any oil.
So I have loosened the gland, installed a displacement oiler, and made and installed a flywheel. I also finished the pipework around the condenser.
Displacement oiler top left, brass flywheel, and pipework. The condenser on a marine engine would have been cooled with seawater, pumped with a separate pump, but I have used the 2 pumps on either side of the Edwards air pump. In future I might install another pump. The book “Marine Steam Engines and Turbines” has been been very useful.
I just like all of the brass and copper and components in this picture.
The flywheel is too big for the scale, but my model does not have the weight and momentum of a propeller shaft and propeller, so a sizeable flywheel seemed appropriate. Later I will add some gear teeth on the flywheel and a cranking handle on a removeable pinion, which some medium size engines had to assist with cranking to a starting position.
So, tomorrow I will hook my triple up to Stuart Tankard’s vertical boiler, and see what happens. I am sure that steam leaks will be revealed. Hopefully there will be a video worth posting!
johnsmachines 
Even I am excited John, will he run on steam? and is the boiler big enough to make steam for this beautifil monster of brass and cupper.
I hope you or an other member of GSMEE can make a video when he runs on steam. I cross my fingers for you. Cood luck.
Huib
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WOW! It is such a beauty to behold. I hope your first steam goes well and that you share video. Just don’t get blown up!
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still here. trying to upload video now. John
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It is possible that it will run better on steam as the thing will expand a tiny amount when heated.
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Yes. Plus the increasing steam expansion as the piston moves, John
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PS. Do you have plans for this?
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Hello Don, the plans are available at nominal cost from EJ Winter, Sydney. Ask for Ben deGabriel. John
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How exciting! It’s been a year and a half coming.
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Hi Richard, that’s an 18 month old post! Thanks for the comment. I must get back onto that project and finish it. It is running on steam, as you have seen. John
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