Three pitfalls to be avoided when buying Model Steam Engines & Boilers

Are you thinking of buying model steam engines? But, do you have a clear understanding of these products? If you do not have a clear concept of what you are buying and what you might be letting yourself into then there is a strong possibility that you might not end up with what you were looking for.

Below is given a little advice on how to avoid some of the mistakes that can be made when purchasing model steam engines and steam engine with Kingdon boilers:

• Not sure what you need?:There are a number of manufacturers offering model marine steam engines for sale.If you do not have a clear idea of what you require it is worth researching subject before you invest. Explore your needs and requirements fully before making any purchase.

• Not deciding your budget:When looking for model steam engines for sale and talking to manufacturers be aware that there are a whole myriad of option and combinations of engine and boiler to consider. Set your budget and research the options you have that are available to you, start simple and add to it as your requirements and know how grow.

• Not gathering enough information about the company & the product:It is essential to gather as much information as possible about the engines and boilers you are interested in this well help to avoid any potential problems at a later date. Everyone’s needs and expectations are different and it is largely down to the individual to decide what fits the bill and also the budget available. You may decide on a horizontal boiler and engine on the other hand you may opt for a steam engine with a Kingdon boiler.

These are just three of the potential areas that need looking at, every model is different and every owner has different expectations and budget so it is important to make the right decision for you particular application.

Tips for Model Steam Engines

Looking after model steam engines is not a particularly complicated task mainly consisting of just plan cleaning with a cloth or similar. The bulk of good steam engine maintenance lies in attention to thorough lubrication, if an engine is well lubricated it will extend its life greatly.

Be them model locomotives or even Model boat steam engines they all require the same attention to detail when it comes to maintenance. Most lubrication points will be self evident and may range from either a simple hole for oil to an oil cup or in some cases a small box that will contains lubricant.

Gathering Basic Tools

Few tools are required for basic maintenance things like cotton buds (Q-tips), wooden cocktail sticks and old tooth brushes are very useful for getting into those hard to reach places. Depending on the engine involved disassembly is not recommended unless you know exactly what are dealing with it is all too easy to compound problems by taking matters into your own hands.

Cleaning

Steam oil is very sticky and viscous and it is a good idea to remove surplus amounts of this when the engine is cold, depending on the grade of steam oil used it can become akin to an adhesive over time which is obviously detrimental to the operation of the steam engine.

Hot water with detergent is a good way of removing this rather than a solvent as solvents can effect or damage some of the materials and seals used in the construction of the engine. It is then really a question of methodically going around the engine cleaning all the various components. If you are using water and detergent is then prudent to treat the engine with WD40 or similar to drive out any excess moisture and prevent any unwanted corrosion from forming.

General

When looking at model steam engines for sale there are a number of factors to consider, obviously budget is a consideration here and prices will vary greatly, as a general rule of thumb the greater the price the higher the level of sophistication and quality. Also there are numerous different types and applications of the steam engine from a locomotive to a marine steam engine for a model boat.

Boilers are another consideration in a lot of models they are unseen but in model boats you can sometimes see the entire steam unit which may consist of a steam engine with a Kingdon boiler making for an elegant and pleasing display of machinery.