hi can we upload photos onto this site fodenman1

We have a 1930 built LBSC EVA MAY which we are rebuilding, we have bought a new boiler and are getting ready to install it. My question relates to the copper pipe connections, how is this done?. I have many model engineering books both old and new, also the series on Boxhill from the Model Engineer I have even got hold of the original article from the 1930's but they all are very vague regarding pipe connections. My first question would be, do you soft solder, braze the olives on the end of the tube?, if anyone can recommend a good book or even article that would cover this subject please let me know.
Regards
M Lewis

Any olives which are fitted to pipes which will carry steam at working pressure or are confined in a hot environment must be silver soldered.

As far as books are concerned LBSCs Shop Shed and Road is very useful for general info. Reeves sell this on their online shop Books >> Locomotives - Design and Maintenance

Should all copper pipework for steam be silver soldered or can you rely on compression, I must appologise for delay in replying but I thought I was going to recieve an E-Mail telling me a reply had been posted.
Regards
M Lewis

A daft question, but here goes. I am building a Simplex engine and need to know where one can obtain a decent supply of quality coal or someother alternative fuel. I live in South West London.
Yours
A Holt

there are still a few coal suppliers around, you could try yellow pages for Anthracite beans.
Alternatively, the 'coal' sold as 'homefire' is a briquette made from I believe a high quality col, it's too big as it comes but gan be readilly broken up with a hamme and bucket.

It burns very well giving good steaming and produces very little residue, no clinker on the grate either.

John

I have inherited a draw full of silver solder from a model engineer, is there an easy way to tell what it is, ie temp range or low to high temperature type from the colour or hardness perhaps.
I no it will ony be very approx but it would give me a start.
Mick Lewis

Can you use copper slip as a pipe jointing compound on threaded connections to the boiler for steam or water pipes.

Hi to all, I`ve just made a start on a 5 inch Doncaster, and I am currently sorting out various material for the tender components. My question if anybody could advise me, is with regards to the axleboxes. I have some phosphor bronze in the right size and need to know if this could be used as an alternative to gun metal and would I need a softer or harder steel for the axles. My drawing says to use gun metal but I`m wondering if that is just because it is a cheaper option, or because it is a harder wearing material than phosphor bronze.
Best regards Tim.

Can anyone recommend a cfm supply for a compressor, we are looking to buy a new unit. We have the standard 13A supply, our scale is 5 inch loco's.
Mick Lewis

I have a large pile of Model Engineer magazines from the 1980's and 1990's/2000. They were my fathers. I don't want any money for them but would like them to go to a good home. If anybody is interested and can pick them up in West London, please give me a call on 07801 854160.
Chris Mac