Geoff,
I am not going to Diamondhead because it is bad timing for work. I
figured Aster Hobby USA would be unavailable until after Diamondhead -
sorry to be confusing.
Have a good trip.
Joe
On Jan 10, 2005, at 9:30 PM, Geoff Spenceley wrote:
JOE,
OK, Better E mail Aster as you first suggested, that is, if you
survive Diamondhead. I arrive tomorrow night--see you there.
Geoff
Geoff,
Aster instructions for the Mikado just state that the working
pressure is between 3 and 4 bar. There is no mention of maximum
boiler pressure. The instructions are inconsistent as to what
pressure reading the safety valve should vent. The instructions
inconsistently provide that the safety valve should vent at 3.0, 3.5
and 3.5 to 4.0.
Thanks,
Joe
On Jan 10, 2005, at 5:54 PM, Geoff Spenceley wrote:
Joe,
Usually the Aster instructions list the ratings for the max boiler
pressure and working pressure.
As for whistles, I steam Brit locos and their whistles are usually
like gnat farts--Peep. Peep!
Geoff.
Geoff,
Thanks! My new one adjusts nicely. Now, I understand the point of
the paint on the safety valve. I am going to tweak it so it vents
between 4.0 and 5.0 bar. I was reading the SitG article about
adding a whistle to the mikado. The article recommends 5.0 bar for
the optimal whistle sound; though, a good whistle sound can be
achieved at half that per the article. Perhaps, 5.0 bar might be a
maximum setting. After Diamondhead, I will email Aster Hobby USA
for their answer.
Thanks,
Joe
On Jan 9, 2005, at 5:31 PM, Geoff Spenceley wrote:
Joe,
Yes, you are on target-- the two slots-which are also the vents,
are used to tighten the spring. I use strong tweezers or needle
nose pliers but a home made tool would be preferable. Tighten
clockwise as that compresses the spring and raises the pressure at
which the valve vents.
Geoff,
How do you adjust the safety valve? Do you insert a tool of some
sort into the two slots on top that are opposite each other and
turn? Does a clockwise turn raise the pressure at which the
safety valve vents?
Thanks,
Joe
On Jan 9, 2005, at 3:50 PM, Geoff Spenceley wrote:
Joe,
I have found it necessary to adjust safety valves over the
years. Aster are usually simple. Sometimes the adjustment is for
cleaning, sometimes because the seal ( usually a bit of paint)
deteriorates and the valve adjusting "nut" starts to unscrew. I
don't know the pressure relief for a Mikado safety but I suspect
about 3.5 to 4 bar is good. I usually test straight from an
airline with an accurate pressure gauge in the line and adjust
accordingly. Then I install the valve and air test the boiler,
then the steam test, If all is OK on the steam test, I seal the
adjusting nut with a touch of enamel paint, usually red.
Geoff.
Hello,
I ran the Mikado for a few hours today. My three year old was
not happy with it running in reverse mostly. I tried to
explain that I have to break it in again in both directions -
it just wasn't working with her. Oh well.
Anyway, I installed two new safety valves because I had to
replace two that were releasing steam at 2.0 and 2.5 bar. One
of the new ones is releasing steam at 3.5 bar. Is there any
way to adjust? My understanding is that adjusting is a bad
idea. And what is the optimal pressure for these Mikado safety
valves to start venting?
Thanks,
Joe
