What have you been doing today?

[Bentwings]

Wait in forbid home nurse visit. She will get my med boxes filled I went to finish last nigh , sat down, nose bleed again so I clamped up and went to bed .

 

[lee webster]

Several weeks ago I sent a book to the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre that had been written by a late friend about his experiences as a WW2 Lancaster pilot. I bought it at his funeral, all proceeds from the sales of the book went to an airmans charity. The aviation centre is restoring a Lancaster so I thought they could make good use of it. Today I sent them another parcel containg a pilots and navigators meterological handbook issued to a late friends late husband who was a navigator in a Lancaster. The parcel also contained several pencils I had found that probably belonged to him. They were war grade pencils. Maybe used in the bomber by him? Three were unused, three were used. Such a simple little thing as a pencil was a strange thing to hold thinking it might have spent some of its existance in a Lancaster bomber. Who knows what else I might find in the boxes in the loft.

 

[Bentwings]

Ok, I’m currently getting ready for another attempt at making these two engines running again . I’ve searched a number of places regarding setting timing on piston ported steamers I’m running compressed air.. the piston valves are operated by eccentric . So first I’ve established TDC of each the two cylinders . Then by rotating the eccentric the piston valve moves in the steam chest .. now the actual port is about 1/8” diameter hole into the cylinder above the piston slightly . On steam this allows the hot steam to expand increasing power . I’m sacrificing this by running air. It also allows the slight cushion as the piston approaches TDC that reduces knocking, I guess . It doesn’t take long to see that the hole opening vs piston position can vary very fast The same situation happens at BDC There is a very small “ lap” but it’s hard to even measure. So I’m setting the piston valves at some depth down the piston valve bore I can measure this pretty easily so I can set each cyl the same
Depth as timing . Then apply compressed air to the intake port this should run I think . I did this originally and turned the eccentrics untill the engine ran . It ran very smooth until the nut that hold the power piston came off and locked up the enginge. This caused everything that was set screw mounted to slip. Making a mess out of the crankshafts . There is no diagram or discussion in the assembly instructions only one picture that essentially says set the eccentrics as shown in the picture . Well its difficult
Enough to see the orientation and trying to kinda scale it doesn’t work. As it turned out I set it up as I noted then just applied light air pressure untill it started running . It ran smooth then clunk it stopped . It was only going maybe 3-400 rpm so not fast at all . I have two brass flywheels and of course I had the heavier one on the crank atvtge time . Fortunately , maybe I didn’t have the set screws cranked down hard . The flywheel has four of them so it messed things up but good. No real damage to the piston or connecting rod . I’ve got one engine back together now with the modified shaft collars . I have to make steam chest spacers then I’ll be able to reverse the eccentrics so I can lock them down . I’ll make one gentle test as it is to prove out the timing. I can easily adjust this then measure the depth of the piston port cylinder . If it runs I’ll stop and take pictures . I’m working on a redesign of the eccentric so they will have a clamp type mount . Then I’ll be more able to experiment with the timing . There appears to be some “ lap” like slide valves . The Ports are so small it’s hard to believe it even will run as it is. It does turn over smoothly however .

 

[Steamchick]

Toymaker. My walnut is too young, too soft, not dense enough for furniture wood. Takes a decade to season it properly to be useable for furniture. Mostly it has been used to make veneer and clad other harder stable woods like beech.
I think the tree is less than 25 years old.
And I have a furniture man who wants the trunk, for seasoning. Reckons he can process it for use in 5 to 10 years...
I may be dead by then!
K2

 

[Bentwings]

Toymaker. My walnut is too young, too soft, not dense enough for furniture wood. Takes a decade to season it properly to be useable for furniture. Mostly it has been used to make veneer and clad other harder stable woods like beech.
I think the tree is less than 25 years old.
And I have a furniture man who wants the trunk, for seasoning. Reckons he can process it for use in 5 to 10 years...
I may be dead by then!
K2

That’s nice the last time I went to Oshkosh there was a lad caster ther that flew a few laps . It’s amazing how slow they flew or maybe the just were taking it easy but it was going really slow on flybys.

 

[Bentwings]

That’s nice the last time I went to Oshkosh there was a lad caster ther that flew a few laps . It’s amazing how slow they flew or maybe the just were taking it easy but it was going really slow on flybys.

did you see Fox News today 80 yr old store owner was confronted by 3 kids carrying AR TYPE TIFLES TRYINGVTOBROBtrying to rob . HIM he blasted one with a shotgun. The kid ran out screaming “you shot my arm off” They were arrested when thy brought the kid to the hospital . Then the guy had a mild heart attack . They interviewed him. He said he didn’t have time to be scared. Well it’s a lesson to streetvthugs. People may shoot back or in this case shoot firstfirst interview later . Good for him I hope he is ok . I think you will see more of this the news said there was a record number of people taking “carry classes. It’s getting like our old West Everyone carried some kind f weapon . Even women just going to town as we say used to say Half of my car club guys carry every day now . I sold my gun as I can’t getvtonyhevrangevany more . So competitive shooting is out . Even with my poor vision I scored expert in the last test a year ago . I used to shoot very long range big caliber rifles. Probably called sniper rifle today 4-500+ yards meters . 300 Winchester magnum and 338 win magnum. . It’s too expensive now almost 2$ per round . 9 mm is cheap $.25 per round They used to have bowling pin shoots that were fun and noisy . Minimum time to clear a table of pins. It’s tougher than it sounds even big cal don’t have advantage it’s where you hit the pins and getting them rolling around their using their own mass to move other pins. Chips fly when you unload 16-17 rounds in a hurry. Increasing the distance quickly makes A big difference . Then marksmanship takes over we even did this in mid winter sub 0 temps so you needed to know your firearm snd how to clear it quickly if it jammed . They had quick draw and shoot time and accuracy judged . They had BB gun snd air rifle for kids . It was fun to teach kids gun saftey .

 

[Toymaker]

And I have a furniture man who wants the trunk, for seasoning. Reckons he can process it for use in 5 to 10 years...
I may be dead by then!
K2

Nice to hear that at least some of your Walnut tree will become a beautiful piece of furniture one day ...even if neither of us are around to see it.

 

[Steamchick]

'Avro 683 Lancaster', could reach speeds of up to 282 mph (454 km/h) at at a weight of 63,000 lb on its four Rolls-Royce Merlin V12 engines.

But for an air show it was probably flying at around 100~150mph... just above landing speed? Modern jets land around 150~200mph, and fly at nearer 500~550mph..(?) so it would look slow.
But how about the Avro Vulcan?

Taken with a fag-packet camera... nothing special.
The system won't take the small videos I took. on the Vulcan last ever flypast...
K2

 

[Steamchick]

My Dad's (post-war) friend was a flight Engineer... did around 100 sorties before he was knocked down - parachuted into what became "Russian occupied East Germany" and had to evade Russian troops and Germans for a couple of weeks before he could get back to Allied lines - right at the end of the war.
Dozens of Lancaster air-crew from all over the UK attended his funeral... filled the Church, around 10 years ago. Very moving. They "Boldly went" where we have never been asked to go.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_B..._of_World_War_II#Multiple_tours_of_operationsHis generation freed the world from a difficult political regime. Keeping their memory alive is the reason for keeping Lancasters, etc. flying.
RIP - and thankyou.
K2

 

[lee webster]

His generation freed the world from a difficult political regime. Keeping their memory alive is the reason for keeping Lancasters, etc. flying.
RIP - and thankyou.
K2

Amen to that.

 

[Bentwings]

My Dad's (post-war) friend was a flight Engineer... did around 100 sorties before he was knocked down - parachuted into what became "Russian occupied East Germany" and had to evade Russian troops and Germans for a couple of weeks before he could get back to Allied lines - right at the end of the war.
Dozens of Lancaster air-crew from all over the UK attended his funeral... filled the Church, around 10 years ago. Very moving. They "Boldly went" where we have never been asked to go.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_B..._of_World_War_II#Multiple_tours_of_operationsHis generation freed the world from a difficult political regime. Keeping their memory alive is the reason for keeping Lancasters, etc. flying.
RIP - and thankyou.
K2

My FIL flew corsairs and SBD2 dive bombers in WW2 flight instructor on PBY flying boat rescue. He and his crew were rescued after flak damaged their dive bomber ditched in lagoon in the pacific they spent a couple days and nights in a small raft . He just celebrated 100 birthday one of the few remaining carrier pilots. He went on to be a medical doctor for his career.

 

[Bentwings]

My FIL flew corsairs and SBD2 dive bombers in WW2 flight instructor on PBY flying boat rescue. He and his crew were rescued after flak damaged their dive bomber ditched in lagoon in the pacific they spent a couple days and nights in a small raft . He just celebrated 100 birthday one of the few remaining carrier pilots. He went on to be a medical doctor for his career.

My FIL flew corsairs and SBD2 dive bombers in WW2 flight instructor on PBY flying boat rescue. He and his crew were rescued after flak damaged their dive bomber ditched in lagoon in the pacific they spent a couple days and nights in a small raft . He just celebrated 100 birthday one of the few remaining carrier pilots. He went on to be a medical doctor for his career.

 

[Bentwings]

Walked up to the gas station for milk so far it’s only 80 deg f to day bright sun brisk south wind . I got Amazon package . I haven’t even opened it yet . Don’t remember what it is . I had a wonderful in home nurse yesterday she helped get med box organized as meds have changed . Since my sister is goingvto be down for an extended time the nurse is going to try and line up a care person to come onc or twice a week get groceries etc .

Been working on steam engines. I’m goingvto try test run later today . I got some interesting information on how the piston port valve works. My method might not work but I’ll be able to accurately position it where ever it needs to be . The ports are only about 1/8” diameter so the sharp too edge can open a significant proportion in very short distance . I could do some intricate math and make a percentage chart but I honk that’s too tedious. I just move the eccentric and piston some recorded amount and note results I can observe rpm vs pressure easily then measure the ost on valve position accurately . Then I can duplicate it across both engines once one runs ok .
My solid works does not have the fluid flow add on so I can’t model it . It will be “ that sounds or runs good” and be done with it precise won’t be necessary other than set up measurement .

 

[lee webster]

Take it easy in that heat Byron, it can creep up on you if there is a cooling breeze. That's how I got sunstroke as a kid.
Your engines sound interesting. Waiting for the next update.

 

[Steamchick]

I usually set for exhaust valve closing around 20 to 30 degrees before "BDC" of that stroke so inlet opens somewhere between there and BDC. Depends on the valve lap. Hardly need to tweak anything then.
K2

 

[stevehuckss396]

Today I fabricated a mini trailer hitch system so the granddaughters can come along for the ride. I used square stock and cut brackets out of them. The wagon handles got a handle-to-heim joint adapter. The bracket gets the heim joint inserted into it and a pin goes through the bracket and heim. There is a spacer that just keeps the heim centered in the bracket. All 3 of my cars and all 3 wagons have the hitch so any car can pull any wagon.

 

[Bentwings]

Take it easy in that heat Byron, it can creep up on you if there is a cooling breeze. That's how I got sunstroke as a kid.
Your engines sound interesting. Waiting for the next update.

I apparently ordered the incorrect size air line it was not worth returning it so I’m waiting for replacement today.

I spent the better part of the day yesterday trying to find out if my thoughts on timing are on the right track these engines have very precise machining so I’m not even questioning that I simply don’t like grub screws or set screws as we call them . I was suggested to cut a piece of brass the I’d ofvthe thread and run the set screw into it so lesson the damage to the shaft . I looked around the shop for something that size but I don’t even have stranded electrical wire small enough to do that I don’t have and brass screws I could trim down so reluctantly I ordered brass set screw set. I can the grip a longer one in the drill chuck and file the threads off . It’s a relatively expensive modified screw but a valid option I thought about sanding the set screw cup pint off but it’s a tedious thing with small length screws . And I don’t have any extras . I’ll have several hundred later today .LOL I YHINK I’ll give it a try I’m still working on a redesign of the eccentric to make a better clamp on mount. I think it will work there really is not much force required but when everything comes to an instant halt a little can be a lot . I read a lengthy article about piston valves yesterday . The thing is my valves are only about 1/4” diameter and the ports are just over 1/8” diameter drilled holes. There really is so little to be gained with any “ lap” that I doubt there is even any . The article also pointed this out the lap was created for efficiency in very large industrial steam engines more than a hundred years ago . So as soon as I get the new tubing I’ll put together a test according to plan . It’s all very similar to automotive 4 cycle timing . The clearances are so close that there is almost no indicator movement from TCD rocking h crankshaft even the piston valves just barely fit in the bores
I have every thing set up and recorded so I can make micro timing adjustments . I don’t think that will be necessary I’m not sure what will be the value between runs well and not do well . I’m looking at air pressure vs rpm per timing change I doubt there . Will be any knocking like model videos indicate . The clearances are just too small the few minutescitvoriginallyvran there was just purring sound. I have the osition yheveccentric stopped at so I’d guess that would be some limit indication . Test will show. There are manynofcthesecengines out there but I very seldom see videos of them running My stuff doesn’t sit around. I used to fly my Rc plane every chance I got these will be constantly running something I have at least 4 generators and I don’t even know how many stepper motors waiting to be driven to do something . I just got a roll of buna N N o ring material so I can make any belt I need now. I YHINK there are 4 tooth belt systems in the parts box too . I got telescope tubing so I can make any combination shaft size now I need to come up with a small gear box I have a couple of Tanmia planetary gear boxes but they are pretty small .
So I have “ stuff” to keep me busy . I just need power . No I’m not building any solar or wind powered stuff. This is not “green new deal” my “ carbon foot print from my rear end sitting here and just breathing in and out is bigger than my little engines will ever make.

 

[Bentwings]

I apparently ordered the incorrect size air line it was not worth returning it so I’m waiting for replacement today.

I spent the better part of the day yesterday trying to find out if my thoughts on timing are on the right track these engines have very precise machining so I’m not even questioning that I simply don’t like grub screws or set screws as we call them . I was suggested to cut a piece of brass the I’d ofvthe thread and run the set screw into it so lesson the damage to the shaft . I looked around the shop for something that size but I don’t even have stranded electrical wire small enough to do that I don’t have and brass screws I could trim down so reluctantly I ordered brass set screw set. I can the grip a longer one in the drill chuck and file the threads off . It’s a relatively expensive modified screw but a valid option I thought about sanding the set screw cup pint off but it’s a tedious thing with small length screws . And I don’t have any extras . I’ll have several hundred later today .LOL I YHINK I’ll give it a try I’m still working on a redesign of the eccentric to make a better clamp on mount. I think it will work there really is not much force required but when everything comes to an instant halt a little can be a lot . I read a lengthy article about piston valves yesterday . The thing is my valves are only about 1/4” diameter and the ports are just over 1/8” diameter drilled holes. There really is so little to be gained with any “ lap” that I doubt there is even any . The article also pointed this out the lap was created for efficiency in very large industrial steam engines more than a hundred years ago . So as soon as I get the new tubing I’ll put together a test according to plan . It’s all very similar to automotive 4 cycle timing . The clearances are so close that there is almost no indicator movement from TCD rocking h crankshaft even the piston valves just barely fit in the bores
I have every thing set up and recorded so I can make micro timing adjustments . I don’t think that will be necessary I’m not sure what will be the value between runs well and not do well . I’m looking at air pressure vs rpm per timing change I doubt there . Will be any knocking like model videos indicate . The clearances are just too small the few minutescitvoriginallyvran there was just purring sound. I have the osition yheveccentric stopped at so I’d guess that would be some limit indication . Test will show. There are manynofcthesecengines out there but I very seldom see videos of them running My stuff doesn’t sit around. I used to fly my Rc plane every chance I got these will be constantly running something I have at least 4 generators and I don’t even know how many stepper motors waiting to be driven to do something . I just got a roll of buna N N o ring material so I can make any belt I need now. I YHINK there are 4 tooth belt systems in the parts box too . I got telescope tubing so I can make any combination shaft size now I need to come up with a small gear box I have a couple of Tanmia planetary gear boxes but they are pretty small .
So I have “ stuff” to keep me busy . I just need power . No I’m not building any solar or wind powered stuff. This is not “green new deal” my “ carbon foot print from my rear end sitting here and just breathing in and out is bigger than my little engines will ever make.

I just thought of something . I have 10-20feet of led lights on like a tape string you can peel one or many off as needed .

What I’d like is a scale type street light like you might see over the freeway . I’ve been looking at scale railroad ones but they just don’t fit . I’m thinking about a foot high maybe 4- 6 leds the really bright ones like I have I thought copper tube forvthe ost and an elbow forvthe bend then split the cut s suitable length and split and curve it into a reflector. It would be possible to lay som aluminum foil in the curve for better reflection . I have wire connectors and even a small bread board to test circuits on also havecresistors capacitors even a 10 turn potentiometer for an adjustable thing


Any ideas?

 

[Steamchick]

What I’d like is a scale type street light like you might see over the freeway . I’ve been looking at scale railroad ones but they just don’t fit . I’m thinking about a foot high maybe 4- 6 leds the really bright ones like I have I thought copper tube for the post ...
Any ideas?

I looked at old photos of c. 1900 for the first ELECTRIC lamps in this area, and based my 6" lamp on that scheme. They came in with the electric trams.

The lamp heads have changed with technology, and the cast iron lamp poles have been replaced with steel tubes in some cases, but the rare cast iron "top bracket" is still visible in odd places.

The early 1900s didn't appear to convert old gas lamps in the UK, that may be a weird, non-historic idea as far as I can see, as the electric utilities wanted to show they were completely different to gas lighting and had bigger, brighter lamps. Also, gas lamps were much lower power, so were smaller lights, needed a hole in the bottom for the lamp lighter to poke his flame up inside the usually Square-ish (Victorian) lantern.

So the Electric utilities had Big glass globes on much higher poles, as the first lamps had big bulbs, quite big lights, and were expensive so only installed in the town centre where there were shops and people would see how rich the council was to have these new big lights...

My house (Built in 1908) was built with gas lamps, and converted to electric when the later power station was built and power distributed to the richer homes - maybe after WW1? 1920s? some of that wiring can still be found in the dark spaces of the house. (Not used though).
K2

 

[lee webster]

When I started to renovate my 1930s house in Camborne Cornwall I discovered lead piping under the floors and in the walls for the gas lighting. It was impossible to say if electric was also installed at the same time. Redruth in Cornwall has a house which was the first in the world to have gas lighting. Camborne was the first place in Britain to have a motorised vehicle driven in its streets, by Richard Trevithick who also invented and built the worlds first steam train. And, of course, lets not forget Jethro. "Train don't stop Camborne Wednesdays".