Timing a Stuart Triple Expansion Steam Engine
by John
Reader Steve kindly sent me these notes which detail how to time a Stuart model Triple Expansion Steam Engine. The notes are quite clearly written, and I recall that a few readers had an interest in the subject. Thanks Steve.
Easier to read if you enlarge the picture of the text.
Hello John,
I received my castings a few days ago and have made a start on the Triple engine. It looks to be quite a daunting task ahead.
The main reason for this post is to say a very BIG thank you for all the work you put into creating this series. I had already chased down the Bertinat article thanks to your advice, but the new owner of E&J Winter now includes a copy of the article with the castings. I can imagine what you went through with only the original drawings to start with.
Thanks to your blog, which I refer to often, it is at least possible to see a picture of what the plans and my interpretation of them, actually means. eg Bertinat says to put the drain cocks on the other side of the engine, where there isn’t enough pads, but I can see that you successfully put them on the side with the pads.
I don’t have the luxury of CNC equipment, so I can see some tricky machining coming up. At least I have a DRO on both the lathe and mill so hopefully I can maintain the required accuracy.
Looking at the fine job you have done on your engine provides me with inspiration to get on with mine.
I may have the odd question or twenty for you down the track if you don’t mind, and your considerable efforts in posting this series will be immensely helpful. Thank you once again.
I am delighted that my postings might be helpful Ned(“). If I can be of further assistance I will try. Don’t neglect to keep a photographic record and diary… you will refer to it many times! John