Cast boiler components

[citizen004]

Gentlemen

I am proposing to build a gauge 3 model of a small 1900 bagnal steam loco. The original is small - 12' long and 6' high - cute!

It will be steam powered and have and have a marine type boiler - the combustion chamber is a larger tube offset from the main barrel - and it seems to me that this design lends itsef to a pair of cast bronze plates front and rear - would save a lot of work and look good

If the plates were sufficiently thick,and provided with a deep flange and subsequently silver soldered together would this be safe/ practical/ permissable etc.

Boiler to operate at 80 psi with a 160 psi test pressure

What is the view. Is cast material acceptable in a pressure vessle like this? If not why not? Or has it got to be bashed plates?

Ta

 

[Kermit]

I'd be afraid of the end plates with just a sliver of silver to hold them on.

Much better on my nerves would a be a nice pair of stays added to the front and rear plates. Other than that I don't know much about the use of cast metal. If it were iron I would say NO, but bronze doens't have the same issues. I don't know what issues it does have either.

Voids in the casting would be the only thing to worry over after that.

Now let's hear from the experienced people. ;D

 

[Maryak]

The use of cast end plates is not permitted under the Australian Model Boiler Safety Code.

Maybe it's just me but to make a mold, cast the plate, bore it out for the flue seems like a lot more work than copper plates bored for the flue with the appropriate no of stays. Or do I completely misunderstand your question. ??? ???

I think kermit hit the nail on the head regarding the integrity of the casting.

Hope this helps ???

Best Regards
Bob

 

[rake60]

Some sort of mechanical fastening is required.
With out that support you may be building a bi-directional
pipe bomb.

Rick

 

[citizen004]

Hello Chaps

I think I get the message! Flanged sheet ends it is

the idea was to rivet the ends in place onto a deep flange before brazing and with the holes for the three flue tubes cast in it would simplify the construction for a novice as there would be no machining to do at all.

But thanks for the advice - I shall take it!

Christopher

 

[tel]

Hello Chaps

I think I get the message! Flanged sheet ends it is

the idea was to rivet the ends in place onto a deep flange before brazing and with the holes for the three flue tubes cast in it would simplify the construction for a novice as there would be no machining to do at all.

But thanks for the advice - I shall take it!

Christopher

Good thinking Christopher - the hand grenade has already been invented!