Re: Denatured versus Ethyl Alcohol
Now I've got the trembles, Phil--25 bucks for a 55gallon drum!!%#*!!--what parallel universe did you live in. And how old are you really. At those prices, had 55 gallon drums even been invented! Geoff from Missouri, Sigh; Now I know I'm getting old. In my mis-spent youth , we used to get >this stuff from a local chemical house for $25.00 for a 55 gal drum. > >Phil.P. > > > > >> I use ethanol purchased from a local company that serves the drag racing >> hobby--5 gallons for 15 bucks! They only sell it to hobbyists--not to the >> general public. It's foul stuff (when burning) to breath and despite >> extreme care, as Vance warns, it has soaked up more water than a sponge in >> Brook Shields bath tub. So the wicks turn yellow but the locos fire well. >> The yellow flame is nearly always visible whatever material I use or how >> packed. >> >> The only time it is invisible is when it spills on the track and burns. My >> next wicks are going to be made out of plastic ties!! I'll fix the >problem! >> >> Geoff.
Shay Only Live Steam Steamup
Live Steam Shay Owners Attention The fourth annual "Shay Days" will be held in Harbor Springs, Michigan on July 13 - 14 - & 15, 2001 to celebrate the life and genius of Ephraim Shay. There will be historical programs about Ephraim Shay, Logging in Emmet County, and Railroading in Northern Michigan. Also, there will be model railroad trains (sparkers), videos, and historical Shay photos displayed. This year (2000) was the first year that the Ice father and son team (i.e George and Mark) displayed their full size replica of locomotive #1. The prototype was built on the actual site of the display in Shay's machine shop. It will again be on display next year. The Harbor Springs Area Historical Society has authorized a "Shay Only" steamup to be held in conjunction with its 2001 annual "Shay Days". A portable gauge #1 layout will be set-up outside and the essentials for steaming will be provided (except good Welsh coal). You will be able to say you operated your Shay locomotive on the site of the Shay machine shop, where Ephraim built and maintained three locomotives for the Hemlock Central. For those of you wishing to participate in the steamup for the weekend please contact Bruce Gathman, alias [EMAIL PROTECTED] , 231.526.0174, for further information and so arrangements can be made for accommodations with local families if you desire. Yes we know it is a long way off the beaten path to come to Harbor Springs but the HSAHS board members feel they would like to show their appreciation for your attending and steaming and to help make their show a success, by opening their homes to you for the stay during the three day event. Local commercial accomodations are limited this time of year so plan ahead. There isn't a better place to visit either. Mackinac Island is only 25 miles away! Ice Cream and Fudge abound and we have some of the greatest eating establishments to try while you're here. Call the Chamber if you don't believe me! And if you can't bring a Shay locomotive to operate just plan on coming to enjoy the area, the displays, and the excellent programs. BG Doing Research on Ephraim Shay; the Man, His Inventions, and His Railroad! Bruce G.Gathman 6200 State Road Harbor Springs, Michigan 231.526.0174
Re: Denatured versus Ethyl Alcohol
Sigh; Now I know I'm getting old. In my mis-spent youth , we used to get this stuff from a local chemical house for $25.00 for a 55 gal drum. Phil.P. > I use ethanol purchased from a local company that serves the drag racing > hobby--5 gallons for 15 bucks! They only sell it to hobbyists--not to the > general public. It's foul stuff (when burning) to breath and despite > extreme care, as Vance warns, it has soaked up more water than a sponge in > Brook Shields bath tub. So the wicks turn yellow but the locos fire well. > The yellow flame is nearly always visible whatever material I use or how > packed. > > The only time it is invisible is when it spills on the track and burns. My > next wicks are going to be made out of plastic ties!! I'll fix the problem! > > Geoff. > > > > > Chuck, you are now using ethyl alcohol. "Denatured" means they add > >enough methanol to make you puke if you try to drink it, hence the British > >term > >"methylated spirits" or "meths" for short. > > > >Walt's warning about getting "pure" ethanol is a good one, but keep in mind > >that alcohol is hygroscopic, which means that it tends to take water out > >of the > >atmosphere. You'll never get completely pure ethanol unless you let it drip > >from the still right into your fuel tank, but the longer you let the > >gallon can sit > >open to the atmosphere, the more water it will take on until it's about 70% > >alcohol. Probably, buying a quart at a time would be more economical since > >you'd use all or most of it before it took on too much water. > > > >As for burning characteristics, it's the long-term classic fuel for a > >reason. > >Methanol is rumored to be even better, but it's highly toxic and thus very > >hard > >to find. > > > >-vance- > > > >
