Accucraft Decauville - anybody got one?

andyspencer

andyspencer

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Having a reasonable collection of live steam locos, with a very W&L theme, I was very excited with the announcement of the Hunslet 14, but I'd seen several pics of the 0-4-0 Decauville and there was just something about its looks that appealed. I've since seen pics of the 0-6-0 version in black, and now I'm very tempted. Just wondering if anybody had actually got either version (ideally the 060) and what their thoughts were on it. I'm not one for impulse purchases, but i think I'm very close to ordering one along with the hunslet...
 
Impulse purchase - I like it. ;D
 
I got a 45mm 040 just before Christmas, ran it over the new years eve night first steaming, ran really well straight off on rolling road, one minor concern but due to weather conditions, there was excess water in the steam gauge at the end of the run. Disposed of properly and and blew down leaving the gauge glass drain undone. Next firing just a few weeks ago forgot that the drain was still open, shut the drain whilst in steam, didn't fully shut, so with my heavy fingers I forced it shut under pressure, brass handle came off in my hand guv. Used Track Shack for replacement best service and price. This little engine can still make lots of steam with a fully open drain and still mantain enough pressure to pull two lgb multi purpose wagon and fully steam clean the surrounding area and not at racing roland speeds.
 
jimmytrains_0 said:
I got a 45mm 040 just before Christmas, ran it over the new years eve night first steaming, ran really well straight off on rolling road, one minor concern but due to weather conditions, there was excess water in the steam gauge at the end of the run. Disposed of properly and and blew down leaving the gauge glass drain undone. Next firing just a few weeks ago forgot that the drain was still open, shut the drain whilst in steam, didn't fully shut, so with my heavy fingers I forced it shut under pressure, brass handle came off in my hand guv. Used Track Shack for replacement best service and price. This little engine can still make lots of steam with a fully open drain and still mantain enough pressure to pull two lgb multi purpose wagon and fully steam clean the surrounding area and not at racing roland speeds.
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I'm not sure how weather conditions would cause excess water in the 'steam gauge' - presumably you mean pressure gauge?

I had that problem recently on a new accucraft loco, but it was due to a failed solder joint. I had to dismantle the gauge and resolder the bourdon tube back into the gauge block. I also took the oportunity to put a red line on the dial in order to qualify for an EU boiler test certificate.

Does your loco really have a gauge glass drain? - I've not seen that on a UK Accucraft loco before - perhaps it's something they have to fit for the US market? .... :-\
 
Thanks for the replies guys :)

Next ask, has anybody got or able to get a photo of one of the locos coupled up to a W&L brake van/box van. I wanted to see how they look together size wise with the cab roof profile.

The more I'm thinking about it, the more likely an order is going to be placed. Gotta say Accucraft.de have been very helpful with information on the model :)
 
there are two drains one from the left side which works as a drain from the boiler and the other side holds your steam oil. Same way of operation as my grasshopper and locobox rheidol . in response to trainman864water gauge drain.jpeg. as with the grasshopper you wait till you have steam no water shut valve and open regulator. works like a drain cock.
when i learnt my loco preperation with my mortimer and the the mayflowers, undo steam oil drain water drips out keep open, gas loco, water loco, fire loco, as pressure builds drain runs and whites and spent steam come out, fresh oil on top shut drain
 
jimmytrains_0 said:
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the drain under the left hand facing water gauge and on the right the oiler has a drain also.
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Is the regulator handle factory fitted or after market? Also, have you removed steel brackets from the cab for the R/C fittings?
 
andyspencer said:
Is the regulator handle factory fitted or after market? Also, have you removed steel brackets from the cab for the R/C fittings?
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answer is after market from SM32.co.uk or milton works and the gas one is an ebay one for a tenner. the R/C fitting bracket had to be removed to fit regulator handle with enough swing. All the tools are in the loco box you get with model. Just don't lose the smallest allen keys!
 
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