Sources of Butane.

MRail said:
Fits as Tony describes, but leaks liquid gas when inverted to fill the loco.
Click to expand...
Where is it leaking from Rob? Presumably this only occurs when you apply downward pressure.
I've got three of these now, and all work perfectly. I just wish I'd found the seller who was doing them for £4.99 though as I paid £6.45 for each of mine!
One was "wobbly" but the grip (and presumably any leaks) can be altered by adjusting the two cross-head screws on the underside.
 
Tony,
Thanks for the hint. There's another seller on evilbuy offering these at £4.99 post free under Item number: 270996093803. My seller disappeared, unless it's a duplicate identity.

My assembly appears OK at first, and the Roundhouse gas filler fits OK.
When inverted to fill the loco, and with downard pressure, there are various "hisses" and after a few seconds, liquid gas oozes out between the black and gold parts and drips down in a flood.
This led me to try an O ring between the adapter and can nozzle.
Looked at the scew fixings as you mention, one had a further ½ turn, but no help.
Tried a larger O ring around the base of the can nozzle, but no help.
These pics show the stream of liquid pouring between the black & gold parts:-
723869c2913e401e95abf73a382f8e9b.jpg

It also shows the assembly is wobbly under pressure.
If you have any ideas, I'd be grateful, otherwise I'll write it off.
 
And if you live in Devon or Cornwall then you have to go to Trago - packs of 4 camping butane (485) or larger cans of 70:30 mix (600). I buy up from them as I've never found anywhere cheaper (in the known universe), I'm thinking about £2.99 for the 600 mix and under a tenner for the 4 pack.

I think I need to buy a load up and bring it to shows "up country".

Mike Darby @ Chuffed 2 Bits supplied me with a push fit adaptor - £6.95 sounds right.

Nick
 
Rob's ebay/Chinese adaptor arrived here this morning. I found that the plastic piece that locks on to the top of the can was looser than it should be but that there was no adjustment left on the screws. Shortening the screws by 2mm so they don't hit the bottom of their holes sorted it out and the adaptor now locks on to the can firmly and no longer leaks.
 
Just as an aside to supply, I was in Watford the other day and just happened to walk into a Fishing Tackle Shop ( don't ask) and cos these guys stay out all hours etc they need to feed themselves. There as bright as day was a pack of 4 Butane Cans for £5.00 a pack of 4. Did not note the size but they were the shortish say just over 6 or so inch high ones.

Hope this helps as another good possible easy source of supply.
JonD
 
I have an Accucraft "Ruby" that I run on the gas that comes in cans designed to plug into portable camping stoves.
I have spoken to other live steam enthusiests and they use the same stuff, in fact they recommended it.
I have had no trouble what so ever and am a little perplexed by people talking about the difference between using butane and propane.
From my perspective it is only the difference in type of a hyro-carbon,
is there really any difference performance wise, or is it just a case of people reading the recommended gas in manufacturers literature and not deviating?
I know that there is a difference in jet size betwen LPG and natural gas cooking appliances due to molecule size, is it the same with gas fired models?
Here in Aust the cans for portable gas cookers are like fleas on a dog and as cheap as chips.
 
GAP said:
I have an Accucraft "Ruby" that I run on the gas that comes in cans designed to plug into portable camping stoves.
I have spoken to other live steam enthusiests and they use the same stuff, in fact they recommended it.
I have had no trouble what so ever and am a little perplexed by people talking about the difference between using butane and propane.
From my perspective it is only the difference in type of a hyro-carbon,
is there really any difference performance wise, or is it just a case of people reading the recommended gas in manufacturers literature and not deviating?
I know that there is a difference in jet size betwen LPG and natural gas cooking appliances due to molecule size, is it the same with gas fired models?
Here in Aust the cans for portable gas cookers are like fleas on a dog and as cheap as chips.
Click to expand...
The reasons are more than just the type of H/C. Butane is stored at a lower pressure than Propane, so your gas tank must be suitable for the higher pressure if you wish to use Propane, or 'mixed' gas. Most manufacturers will quote what is suitable for their models in their literature. Read it. If you wish to use mixed gas and there is nothing to tell you, contact the manufacturer and they will then advise. Some gas tanks are marked 'Butane Only' but are still suitable for mixed gas, as on my Countess. Availability is always the concern, as is where you are, in respect of the ambient temperature. In very cold conditions Butane has a problem evapourating from its liquid state and then mixed gas is more appropriate. If you never experience temps lower than freezing, then Butane will do all year round. If your tank is suitable and you can get the gas into it (safely), then use it.
 
Like bobg, I have successfully run my Countess (and my Russell) on a butane/propane mix, but I find that pure butane seems to have a lower calorific value tank for tank than the mixture and the time between refilling is much shorter. This may also have something to do with the lower pressure (if only I had paid more attention during physics lessons...)
Graham H
 
No, you're correct!

I would also say that any temperature much below 10-12c, you would need mixed gas, if you want to get steam up today, not tomorrow!:rolf:
 
To clarify re Gas:-

Off thread slightly here.

Butane
Best in the summer

Proane
Best in Cold Freezing Weather

In between
Use a mx.

All will work in pretty much all conditions, but the above suggestions work for me.

JonD
 
I use mix all year round, though I don't often run for long if it's very cold, I like to feel my hands and feet.
 
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