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Considering all the good information in this thread, cost, availability, and my immediate need (to braze steam fitting sleeves to 5/32" copper pipe), I'll start by experimenting with a Bernz-O-Matic type torch with disposable gas canisters. I presume that MAPP gas (without oxygen) produces a...

Sorry about that. I am in Southern California, USA. I was thinking in terms of the type of store (plumbing supply, welding supply, etc.). I'll also check E-bay. Korben

Thanks, everyone, this is an interesting and, I realize, complex subject. To clarify my immediate interest: I have a Stuart S-50 stationary mill engine and a Stuart 500 Babcock boiler. I also have a Stuart steam and exhaust piping set. I need to shorten the steam pipe in order to make a...

Thank you for the information. I asked because I was confused about the terminology and I really don't want the thing to blow up in my face. Is silver-brazing something I could learn to do with a Bernz-O-Matic type torch or should it be left to a more experienced hand with more sophisticated...

I know silver-solder is required when fastening fittings to copper steam pipe. I looked on Wikipedia and found there are many silver-solder alloys with different melting points. Silver-solder with a melting point of 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit is available in most hardware store plumbing...

I saw one like it on E-bay, recently. Korben

Thank you Gerhardvienna and Lohring for your responses. I appologize for taking a month to reply. I've been extremely busy - all business and no time to think about my hobby activities. I've looked at the sites you suggested and it seems there is plenty of good information there...

I'm very new to live steam. I'm collecting the bits and pieces for a complete Stuart S-50 powered steam plant and I have an endless list of questions. Is there a good book that explains the basics of live steam model engineering? I'm interested more in the mechanical and pipe-fitting...

I have a Stuart S-50 mill engine and a Stuart 500 boiler. I'm gathering fittings (throttle valve, lubricator, etc.) for the steam pipe connection. This is my first live steam project and there are a number of basics I need to learn. Case in point: Most of the fittings for the engine are...

All makes sense to me. Thanks for the good information. Korben

Looking around the internet, I notice that some S-50 stationery mill engines are fitted with cylinder drain cocks, but most, including mine, are not. If I want to run it on steam, would I be advised to disassemble the engine and install them or would it be more trouble than it's worth? If I...

This is all very interesting. I'm presently on the trail of something called "paper". It's about 1/8" thick and formable. It should be a very simple replacement for the asbestos. I'm amazed at the variety of insulation materials available. Regards, Korben

I removed the asbestos, this morning, per Mechacicboy's procedure. I've looked into ceramic fiber insulation. The thinnest I've found is 1/2" and that would be tough to fit into the space within the firebox. At this point, I'm inclined to just leave the insulation out. Heat loss and...

Thank you for the great photos! I am very new to this hobby and machine work like you've done is way over my head. It's fascinating to see what goes into making one of these engines. I am fortunate to have acquired a pristine S-50 assembled in the 1960's from a factory-machined kit. It...

Stuart literature for their Model 500 Babcock boilers discusses the asbestos lining on the sides of the firebox. The use of asbestos makes me nervous because of the potential health hazard. I've heard that simply removing the asbestos results in blistering of the paint on the firebox sides...

Jasonb, The nozzle idea is interesting, I know they were used in 12" scale steam locomotives. I may experiment with that, later on. Mechanicboy, My guess is that Stuart made the ports the same size for the sake of simplicity. The exhaust port size probably governs the engine's maximum...

No worries. Mechanicboy's post makes theoretical sense and the info in his attached image gave me a better understanding of how model steam pipes are sized. It's all good. For whatever reason, both the intake and exhaust ports on my engine are the same size. They both have barbed fittings...

Watching YouTube videos, I notice the supply steam is often connected with what looks like rubber or clear plastic (silicone ?) tubing. The tubing is fit to barbed brass fittings or pressed onto copper tubing without any sort of clamp. Is this safe and reliable, given the heat and pressure...

Interesting idea. As I said, I'm very new to all of this and I've learned a lot in a short time. I envision a system that would run on steam but that could easily be connected to a compressor and run on air. Right now, I'm trying to figure out what the pieces are and how to connect them...

Thanks. I appreciate the caution about using steam oil. I'm hoping to avoid pitfalls like that, so the information is valuable. Korben