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.