Information for all you Aster Challenger owners

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After twelve months of ownership and little use during this time it`s not a bad thing to try your engine prior to running at a public venue.
In this instance I had forgotten the secondary spirit on/off switch on the tender footplate which is not a common feature with Aster models which, when `off`` will have you guessing as to why the burners are not lighting.

Also a puddle under the loco when using the hand pump indicates a nut could be loose on the axle pump, and worse if there is a complete lack of water going into the boiler. This will mean you will need a small allan key on the tiny grub screw which, if loose, effectively prevents the pump piston rod from moving backwards and forwards.

Also worth a quick check is the position of the tender/ loco coupling. The first (closer) position can kink the spirit link tube thereby restricting the flow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEBSRp-bgDo&list=UUjUA51QsBdV8jf0f2fUIfBA


 

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Yes, I also visited Bob Heads. As I remember he virtually bought two of every Aster model that came out. Possibly from Fulgerex in those days.
I know he had a place in Lausanne where he kept some of his stuff. Its probably still there in some hidden vault??
Ryanair to Switzerland anyone....
 
Yes Bob had at least two of each but at least he ran them :) he said to let him know next time and he'd get the GG1 out of the vault, unfortunately that was only a few months before his first heart attack.
Really nice chap and I've got him on video somewhere explaining his reinforced concrete bridge plans. I'd never seen so much Aster stuff.
 
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