C. H. Dutton Steam Engine Returns From 8 Years Of Hibernation

[@jimc4731]

To me that was an exceptional display and presentation! Ii assume the dynamo was putting out DC voltage? Thanks for taking the time to make these videos ❤ JIM

[@lineshaftrestorations7903]

The Dynamo was loaded to about 300 watts. It's rated at 500.

[@Harryset1]

Good Morning Sir, i would like to ask you: Would it be possible to run a system like this (or similar) in a day after day operation - let's say during the wintertime ? Good maintenance provided? All the best from Germany -- H.

[@lineshaftrestorations7903]

One of the bad things about manually fired steam equipment is they are much like a two year old child. They demand nearly constant attention. An automatic or semiautomatic boiler is preferable unless you have someone willing to dedicate hours tending the boiler. This little event example was only about four hours long with a half hour shutdown for a meal. Fortunately I brought just enough fuel.

[@widget3672]

Steam engines are a lot of fun, huh?

[@lineshaftrestorations7903]

They are when not being a pain in the arse. 🥵

[@jimc4731]

I saw that there were some thickness readings below.1875, how thin can you safely go? Just wondering. Keep up the good work! JIM ❤

[@lineshaftrestorations7903]

Generally, boiler shell average thickness determines maximum working pressure within a certain factor of safety. For most, this means no less than a factor of safety of 4 and preferably 5. The original shell thickness on this boiler was 7/32" not 3/16" as the subtitles indicated. The FS was at least 4.

[@24681359David]

@@lineshaftrestorations7903 In Oregon our Safety factor required is 5 times. This boiler was probably originally designed to be 3/16, but the plate mills at the time usually rolled the plate up to 1/16 heavier to gurantee the plate thickness would meet the thickness required by the purchaser.