Steam Engine Closer to Done

[n3tjm]

Some vids of my Dads 2-8-2 Mikado he is building in his garage.
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A Mechanical Lubricator is a device used in Steam Engines to force lubricating oil into the cylinder(s) against the prevailing steam pressure.

I've spent almost two years and tried about 7 different designs. But most of the designs I've tried had the same basic flaw. That is, The pressure they could deliver was proportional to the speed at which they were operated.

This is serious problem since the higher steam pressures are generally seen at the lower speeds. If the steam pressure at the valves exceeds the pressure the lubricator can deliver - You get NO oil.

The design shown in this video clip is quite different. Sure it uses pistons and cylinders like any other. But other designs use a cam to apply pressure to the pistons and return springs to pull the piston back out of the cylinders.

This design uses springs to apply pressure to the pistons and a lever and cam to pull the pistons back. But, the cam releases the pistons instantly, making the delivery pressure totally independent of the axle speed.

More info on the build can be found here: https://iprr.topcities.com/mikado/

 

[dave carver]

We have a Mikado parked as a display by our old Union Pacific train station. It was parked in Ann Morrison park for years then after UP donated the station to the city it was thought it would be better if the Mikado were up there so it was moved. You might even be able to find footage of the move

 

[luke strawwalker]

Is this one foot guage?? My BIL's Dad in Indiana has a steam engine he runs up at Hesston every month or so. He's got a REALLY cool shop and about a 100 yard long circle of track in the backyard that he test runs his stuff on. He let me and my daughter run around the track a few hours on a little 5 horse gas-powered track-runner cart he built. We had a blast...

Later! OL JR

PS... I wish I could get one of those lubricators on my round baler!

 

[n3tjm]

Is this one foot guage??

7.25" which is standard guage for this hobby in new england, maybe even the country.

Here is his battery powered switcher.

And here is a Gas Electric engine he is working on. A great tour of the layout:
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