Questions after first steaming of Accucraft Lyn

On my Accucraft Caradoc, i fill the boiler so the water just comes to the top of the filler, then remove 60cc of water using the filling syringe.

This was after experimenting with gradually increasing the amount of water taken out on each run, until i had removed enough to just stop water coming out of the check valve when starting up.

I still have the check valve open when warming up and just steam comes out with about one quick spurt of water.
 
There is nothing wrong with the approach of removing water with a syringe, but please do remember that a lot of locos have different sized boilers and gas tanks so what would be a 'good' amount of water to take out of one loco could be a dangerous amount out of another.

Happy steamings,

John
 
Indeed - the 'Leaders' will run out of water before gas unless you top up during the run, a goodall valve is included I think? I take 30cc out of mine from full, as these don't have an overflow/level valve, but do have a gauge glass.
 
Think Ill measure how much is left in the boiler after each run (ie how much I have to add to top it), thatll give me an idea of my safety margin. Absolutely terrified about running the boiler dry, are there any warning signs? Cant remeber what happened last time except the mamod got very hot and the water glass cracked.
 
Cyclone said:
running the boiler dry, are there any warning signs?
Click to expand...
Generally, as the water level becomes really low, and boils more vigorously, locos can become more lively for a short while, before losing power. This can be a useful rule-of-thumb indicating when to stop. Not wholly reliable, but worth watching.
 
The main thing is, it stops! This is closely followed by a rather odd smell. If you immediately shut the gas off, no damage will occur.

However - DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ADD WATER TO THE BOILER!!!!! This would 'flash off' and could cause real damage - just let the boiler cool naturally.

The butane flame isn't particulary hot as they go, it isn't capable of damaging the boiler that quickly. Don't sweat it if it happens, just let everything cool and it'll be fine.
 
Is this a reason why propane must not be used in the burner, ie propane burns hotter?

(as well as the burner not being configured for propane)

Edit: just searched around, not straight forward answer.
 
Partly - propane also develops higher pressure in the gas tank.
A tank marked "butane only" will not have been tested to the higher pressure.
These are usually safe for mixed gas at 70:30 Butane:Propane.
 
I would concur with these sentiments. I always regas my Lyn when it has reached steam operating pressure.
Naturally I observe safety precautions ensuring the gas and flame are extinguished before regassing.
Lyn does have a big boiler.
Hollo the post I was referring to didn't show but I am sure that you get the idea.
 
I think people tend to overlook,when taking water out of a full boiler,will there be enough water to cover the fire tube at the end of a run? I would say,use the blowdown as Accucraft recommend,that way there will be the right amount of water in the boiler.
 
Re-reading this. The other day I filled up to the top with water and left the displacement open. Got steam up and then regassed the butane, did this a few times adding more a more gas.... She ran out of water before gas!!! Luckily it was in front of me and I could shut the gas down.
Wont be doing that again
 
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