Boiler Planning for A3 Switcher
Added 2022-12-08 18:20:13 +0000 UTCHey Patrons,
A few folks requested my bill of materials for the boiler build for the Pennsy Switcher. I've put my spreadsheet in the Patron drive and it's also attached to this post. It's a PDF, since I did it in Numbers, which is not a spreadsheet program most people use. I didn't plan ahead for sharing this, so it's very rough and in a weird format, but the data is there. Included are McMaster part numbers for everything. One thing missing is a bit of copper round bar, because I already had that in stock.
Total cost for these materials was about $800 Canadian shipped to my door, which is actually pretty good. I think copper prices have come down, because I paid over $1000 in materials for my vertical boiler that I built last year. Boilermaking remains an expensive endeavour, though. I expect all the materials for this locomotive will be many many thousands of dollars by the time I'm done, but it's hard to predict. It'll be spread out over many years, so I won't feel it as much. :D
Comments
The sheet stock is by far the biggest cost. The fittings are bronze, which isn't cheap, but you don't need very much of it. However the copper is quite expensive, and you need a lot of it. I will say that copper prices have come down, though. On my vertical 4" stationary boiler that I built last year, I think I spend about $1500 US on materials. The 4" pipe for the shell alone was almost $300 if I recall. Buying all the copper and bronze that I think I need for this boiler has only been about $700 CDN (~$500 US) which is not bad at all!
Blondihacks
2023-01-03 20:34:43 +0000 UTCWhat was the big cost on the boiler? Sheet stock or fittings? I really need to make a boiler at some point and I'm wondering if there's savings to be made by building bigger at the outset. But obviously by taking advantage of the best value on the most expensive...
UncouthJ
2023-01-02 22:06:10 +0000 UTCHi Steve- it may be that you're clicking them after the 24h window has elapsed? They only last for 24h (Patreon controls that and I can't change it). Otherwise maybe try the app. Some folks have more luck with the app.
Blondihacks
2022-12-21 23:40:33 +0000 UTCCan you explain how to get to the clips you post? When I click on the notification I get a page with what appears to be an several rectangles with unlocked padlock inside and a banner at the bottom that reads Replay Lens. Nothing happens when I click on any of that.
Steve Jackson
2022-12-20 19:25:52 +0000 UTCI ordered two larger burners and a longer neck tube from Best Materials this evening. I have the more vanilla Pro 86 handle from a couple of years ago but I think it will work fine. I think you're quite wise to start with the boiler on this project as so very many folks start building engines, finish up the running gear and that's about as far as they get.
Charles Morrill
2022-12-16 00:35:06 +0000 UTCQuinn, thanks for the Sievert info.
Charles Morrill
2022-12-12 18:10:14 +0000 UTCThat's it exactly. Part of my motivation for doing it again was for the practice with riveting straps like that. It's something I'll need to do a lot more of in some very critical areas.
Blondihacks
2022-12-12 17:30:10 +0000 UTCThat second fire door ring is excellent. You're right, the first was fine, but it's also totally worth redoing any part to get the level of finish you really want for this project. Maybe also a good chance to practice some of the construction techniques to be used as well?
ducksauz
2022-12-12 04:53:11 +0000 UTCThe only distributor in North America that I have found for the Sievert stuff is Best Materials (bestmaterials.com) . The website looks sketchy, but it's a real place and I've gotten all my Sievert stuff from them. The catch is they have SO MUCH stuff that it's hard to find what you want on their site. What I do is go on Sievert's website, find the the thing I want, get the part number, then search Best Materials for the Sievert part number. They seem to have everything.
Blondihacks
2022-12-12 01:44:01 +0000 UTCHi Quinn, where do you get Sievert attachments. I have a handle but am going to need a couple larger nozzles for sure....Many thanks.
Charles Morrill
2022-12-10 23:41:45 +0000 UTCYep all dimensions are in inches. Are you offering to send me materials? If so, no need- I have them all for the boiler already.
Blondihacks
2022-12-09 22:33:35 +0000 UTCIt's 4" in diameter, about 12" high. I do indeed have a video series on it: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY67-4BrEae8_HpGxaO1k3Wt_4oESh1hR
Blondihacks
2022-12-09 22:32:16 +0000 UTCQuick check - the dimensions are in inches 3.5" x 5" X 5/8" - yes? Ready to order. What's the address to send to?
Tom Paccioretti
2022-12-09 21:24:28 +0000 UTCHow big was that vertical boiler you mentioned. Do you have YouTube videos on the construction of that one?
Jerry Zakariasen
2022-12-09 07:03:22 +0000 UTC“Won’t feel it as much” = Death by 1,000 McMaster Orders
Kevin Bauer
2022-12-09 06:14:56 +0000 UTCQuinn - when you get a chance. Take a look at the Google Sheets for the Boiler. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eQPBgN9cg1f7ZHSUjuMqCRMdBOMKpMCMzINPQyFM0-s/edit?usp=sharing
Tom Paccioretti
2022-12-09 02:47:45 +0000 UTC
