SAFETY

Throughout the design work on the engines and the writing of the plans I have kept the issue of safety very much to the fore.

During all machining drilling and soldering processes proper eye protection must be worn. In fact I have made it a habit in my work shop to wear eye protection at all times during any metalworking session – once you get used to it, it becomes second nature.

The plans for the engines do not include a section on making the boiler. Safety rules for boilers vary in many countries and I recommend that you either buy a boiler from a supplier or make one yourself from an approved design, to be found in many engineering magazines. My boilers have a capacity of about 1 litre and drive both engines very well. The boiler shown in the photographs of the engines is of my own design and does not confirm with regulations in some countries. I strongly recommend that you DO NOT try to make it for yourself. For further information on boiler safety click on the link below.

I wish to express my gratitude to my e.mail friend Doug Baker from Perth, Australia – a professional boiler inspector for his advice and guidance on such matters – many thanks Doug!

These model steam engines are not toys and children must never be allowed unsupervised contact with them. Even the smallest model steam engine has a boiler which can contain a lethal amount of energy and children who come in contact with the engines must always be in the company of an adult who knows all the dangers.

I use gas as a fuel for my engines but I have not included the design for my burner in the engine plans as it could result in the production of carbon monoxide gas if it is not made exactly to my instructions. Anyone buying the plans will need to work out a suitable burner for their own engines – again model engineering magazines and books will be helpful. My engines have a safety valve of my own design but again I have not included this in the plans as it needs to be made exactly to my specifications if it is to give the protections necessary. You will need to buy your own valve from a model engineering supplier who can sell you one to suit your boiler. The position of the safety valve on my boiler is unorthodox and you should not copy it. The valve should be placed vertically on the top of the boiler in the region where only steam and not hot water will escape – I get over the problem by only filling my boiler to a level below the valve – but I strongly recommend you to do it by the book!

You can run your engine on compressed air from a suitable supply if you wish. The pressure of the supply to the engines should be regulated to be less than 2 bar gauge pressure. When model steam engines are run on compressed air their power is often much greater than on steam as the compressor system can often deliver the air at a much greater volume per minute than a steam boiler can supply the steam. You need to be careful with a steam engine running on compressed air as you can hurt hands, fingers etc. if they come in contact with moving parts.

I am sorry to have designs for a boiler, burner and valve that I cannot share with you – but we live in a world which is becoming more health and safety conscious. You may argue that we have gone too far down that road or maybe that we need to go further – everyone has their own opinion but the fact is that the laws are there and we must obey them. My plans are for sale across the world through the internet and I cannot research the safety laws in every country so any item which carries a possible health and safety issue with it has been left out of the plans and referred to a more specialist source. Click on the link below for a supplier of a sutiable boiler and burner.

If there are any firms out there who can supply the items I have mentioned I will be happy to give you a space on my links page.

Good luck if you decide to try to build one of my engines – and stay safe!