Hi,
Many thanks to everyone for their comments on and off the list.
I have been cautioned as to kerosene, however I can assure everyone that I
am not intending to make a fireball in the kitchen (flambeed custards
perhaps).
Just to widen the discussion for the moment I am listing some fuels with
comments for you to add to or correct (I have probably missed a few).
Wood:
Not appropriate, in my case, as the prototype was oil fired.
Coal:
Not appropriate as the prototype was oil fired.
Methanol:
Low heat generation: Safe(ish) as often used in "toy" steamers e.g. Mammod.
N.B: Not safe to drink, some health issues.
Ethanol:
Higher heat generation. Safe(ish) as can be extinguished with water.
I don't know how practical this is in the UK as the Customs and Excise
people tax this stuff like you Americans wouldn't believe (or maybe post
Prohibition you would). Probably better off burning dollar bills or Malt
Whiskey (the latter would smell better than JP-5 aviation kerosene too).
Wick burners commonly used.
Pro: Left overs can be added to the punch bowl. Some health issues from
over exposure (*hic*).
White Spirit:
?
Use in Primus style burner.
Safety issues?
Petrol (lead free preferred):
Use in Primus style burner.
Safety issues?
Kerosene:
Cannot be extinguished with water.
Smell problem when used indoors?
Gravity fed porous "rock" or pressurized vapor burner.
Diesel:
Similar problems to Kerosene.
Butane:
Gas of choice?
Ceramic burner or gas jet(s).
Problems with maintaining feed pressure when cold.
Propane or Butane/Propane mix:
Not allowed by G1 society as considered too dangerous.
Could use camping gaz cartridges placed in tender to supply gas directly
which might overcome the safety concerns but these are far too large for
1/32nd scale use.
Electricity:
Pro: Clean and on demand:
Con: Huge battery required for any sort of reasonable operating time (like
truck battery size), or fully electrified track (*sizzle-sizzle*).
Candles:
Hum, night light power!
Might be possible to make a multi wick candle using night lights in a
special holder.
Can't see how to make it work in my locomotive because of access problems.
But might be possible for other designs.
Certainly would chuck out a fair amount of heat. The 24 candles (a token
amount, I am older than that) on my birthday cake last summer melted the
chocolate icing in very short order, the cake had to do an emergency stop
in the freezer before being sliced up. Although in the end it didn't save
the chocolate (*sticky smile*).
Other Fuels/Energy Sources:
?
What have I missed?
Comments?
I will be buying a foam fire extinguisher and fire blanket before trying
any of the above. Should really have them for the kitchen anyway (not that
I do any deep fat frying).
And yes, I will let the list know of any progress. Don't hold you breaths
though, as I am just about to start with the front 4 wheel truck. It is my
intention to put up a web site at some point, and to include source
material (e.g. wheel tire profiles) as well as drawings and pictures. The
above fuel list could well be a page in it's own right.
Best wishes for the New Year,
Susan.
