Arlon Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 My Aristo Mike...Well I still haven't got the ol Girl fixed. it turned out to be the Super Heater tube broke off where it connects to the nipple from the "steam chest" and it would be a bear to get in there to solder it back together. with the proper tools. I found a butane torch that would reach in there but I probably need propane to get the heat to fuse with silver solder. Does anyone know who could fix her? This loco was a great runner and I would sure like to get her fixed.? Thanks guys & gals... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 Can you post a pic of the break? Was it a stress fracture? or did the pipe corrode?? I have same loco, will look mine over to see if I can make suggestions on how to repair it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arlon Posted April 20, 2023 Author Share Posted April 20, 2023 It was probably a stress fracture, It broke off at the nipple. How do I attach photos to my reply? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 Below the body of the message will see "Drag Files here to attach, or choose files". I always use. Choose Files, then follow prompts. Anxious to see Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arlon Posted April 21, 2023 Author Share Posted April 21, 2023 It was probably a stress fracture, It broke off at the nipple. How do I attach photos to my reply? 1. # 9008 This is the broken off end of the Supper heater tube. 2. # 9013 the origin of S. H. tune at back of boiler. 3. # 9014 on the left is the nipple, on rt. is the exhaust tube, theae screw into the top of the Steam chest which you can see in # 9008. I have more pics but these are the best. It would probably take a brain surgeon to work in there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 Arlon, not sure how the numbers align with the pics, so I will describe in order of posting: Top: is the end of the super heater tube leading to the steam chest as you described, exhaust tube removed. Center: that tube leads directly to the throttle valve, it is above the top of the water level to make sure that only steam goes out through the throttle. Not part of the superheater. Bottom: broken fitting with the threaded connector that goes into the throttle body, with the exhaust tube. My pic: Remove the fitting on the tube running from the lower right of the throttle body that enters the boiler below the burner, that's the super heater pipe. If you remove the burner the broken super heater pipe will come right out. Should be able to solder a sleeve that fits on the existing tube and the broken fitting. Of course remove the threaded fitting from the tube and put it back into the steam chest before aligning the soldered fitting back in. Since the burner will be out you/ll have a little wiggle room. NOTE: if I may add, looks like the throttle inlet tube has been pinched, could restrict steam flow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arlon Posted April 22, 2023 Author Share Posted April 22, 2023 Thanks for your good info. I should be able to get back on it soon. What are your thoughts about using the silver solder and will I be able to get the heat up with Butane? Don't you think Aristo. used Silver solder? I'll take a look at the Throttle inlet tube. Thanks, Arlon... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted April 23, 2023 Share Posted April 23, 2023 Don't know what Aristo used, but yes silver would be your best bet, gets pretty hot there. I have used solder calibrated irons set at 480'F. Also use a resistance soldering set. Most important part as you already know is to make it really clean, and I found some of the flux used is acid. Can find several small kits at Micro-Mark. Keep us informed of you progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arlon Posted April 25, 2023 Author Share Posted April 25, 2023 I took the burner out and the Superheater is free, but it doesn't come out, the end in the smoke box has about 1 in. 90 deg. bend in it and the hole that it has to pass through is less than 3/4 in. also the igniter is in the way. I would guess the S.H tube has developed temper with the heat so if I could straighten it it would probably break. Good going up to here. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted April 26, 2023 Share Posted April 26, 2023 going to have to pull mine down from the shelf and take another look. From what you describe, almost willing to bet it was part of the smoke box assembly, then bent to mate with the throttle. About the igniter: if you damage that no worry, most stop working after the first few uses and it is easily lit via the stack. I'll be back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arlon Posted April 26, 2023 Author Share Posted April 26, 2023 You have probably seen this, but just in case... First run of turbine locomotive | G Scale Model Train Forum (mylargescale.com) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted April 28, 2023 Share Posted April 28, 2023 Yes, he is a very talented builder, and I believe a machinist so he can design and fashion his parts. Have added my encouragement to the thread. (Nick Jr) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted April 28, 2023 Share Posted April 28, 2023 Arlon, this is as far as I have gotten so far, just screws so easy. Judging from the opening at the bottom of the smoke box and no indication it is soldered to the boiler convinced it is removable. I see screws at the base of the smoke box pedestal which need more investigation. We're making progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arlon Posted April 28, 2023 Author Share Posted April 28, 2023 Thanks Nick. I've been looking at some of your posts...You are a Wizard... I sure appreciate your help. It's the most I've gotten and I am so thankful. Arlon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted April 28, 2023 Share Posted April 28, 2023 You are very welcome, I'm learning and having fun at same time. Pic makes it clear that the boiler and smoke box are seperate assemblies, and looks like an adhesive is holding them together. More to come. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted April 30, 2023 Share Posted April 30, 2023 Two small screws on the front of the smoke box pedestal only hold a decorative plate. I should be looking underneath so see what secures it to the frame. Be Back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arlon Posted May 5, 2023 Author Share Posted May 5, 2023 Nick, I think maybe you should stop deconstructing your loco, and I will just cease in my efforts to get it back on line. I'll put it on the mantle and maybe someday offer it up for parts. I wish to thank you for your efforts but at this stage of the game it is probably a lost cause. Thank you, for your interest and effort. Arlon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted May 5, 2023 Share Posted May 5, 2023 Arlon, To get to what I think are the bolts holding it in place I have taken off the front truck and frame bracket holding it place and pilot. While doing so found an issue with mine that I am trying to correct. Don't Give Up, I haven't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arlon Posted May 9, 2023 Author Share Posted May 9, 2023 Nick, maybe you are on to something. I know you have other projects that you are working on, and I am very grateful for your effort. I know thar you also have the expertise. I will stick with you. Thank You. Arlon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted May 11, 2023 Share Posted May 11, 2023 Arlon: thank you for your patience. As suspected the 4 Allen heads under the smoke box did the trick. Now with everything exposed you should be able to solder fittings or what ever to restore the connection. Also, if you would post this on the Aristocraft site to aid others. The igniter is now exposed to be replaced or adjusted. I hope to see a video of your Mike steaming in a little while. Stay Well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted May 12, 2023 Share Posted May 12, 2023 Sorry, just couldn't help myself, mystery of the Aristocraft igniter. It seems that after that oil collects at the base of the unit, and then cooks it grounds out the circuit. Here it is in all of it's glory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted May 12, 2023 Share Posted May 12, 2023 While cleaning it up had to look twice, very well planned. The insulation is not held on with just adhesive, as some of the Live Steam manufacturers do. Wrapped in wire to keep it in place. Seems like a small thing, but try to put one of them back together with the dried out, crumbled insulation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 Nothing I did stopped the 'ignitor' circuit from ground out on the brass ring. It was put there for a reason I'm sure, but now is it a hinderance. It does occasionally make a spark down there, but I prefer it in the burner tube. Last pics if this, promise. YES, smoke box fire for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry B44 Posted May 14, 2023 Share Posted May 14, 2023 Good work there Nick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted May 14, 2023 Share Posted May 14, 2023 Jerry, thank you. it was fun, a learning experience and disassembling it made cleaning all the excess steam oil much easier. The modification has brought that under control. Stay Well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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