Ellie cylinder improvements - steaming round the track 😁

This week we make a big step forward I've improved the cylinder to reduce friction and it's actually managed to steam round the track.
Thanks for watching!
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[@MrFactotum]

looks like you've cracked it Julia, were there's a will there's a way👍👍👍👍🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂 atb Kev

[@julias-shed]

Thanks Kev it's been an uphill struggle 🤣

[@marto2200]

Great series Julia, thanks for sharing. 👍

[@julias-shed]

Glad you are enjoying it 😄

[@paulathomas4944]

I think you've cracked it 😁

[@julias-shed]

Thanks Paula it's getting there 😀

[@SubterraneanRalph]

It's captivating. I have an old meccano steam engine somewhere.

[@julias-shed]

Ooh get it out and fire it up 🤣 glad you enjoyed the video.

[@davidrenn6897]

Could now make it double acting! 😁

[@julias-shed]

That's still a possibility David 😀

[@tonybird8558]

Hi Julia, Good to see your model performing. I might have missed something but I would have put two our three holes in the cylinder cover to allow air in and out? Take care Tony.

[@julias-shed]

Hi Tony thanks it's running a lot better now. The piston rod hole in the end cap is a loose fit so wasn't any noticeable pressure build up. 😀

[@mikeflight9]

Very well done Julia. The Ellie looked to be running very well. As regards the shaft of the piston. Does adding an end cap on the cylinder where the piston rod goes, make a big difference? I take it you want practically no movement from side to side on the piston rod and the end cap keeps it stable. Did you eventually have to drill holes in that end cap? I really enjoy videos on pistons and cylinders. 👍🚂🚂

[@julias-shed]

Hi Mike thanks glad you are enjoying the series. The end cap guides the piston rod so the piston doesn't dig into the cylinder walls. It's made a big difference to the friction coming from the cylinder assembly. The piston rod hole in the end cap is fairly loose so no extra holes needed I think.

[@Curly472001]

Hi Julia, interesting video. Your hole in the cylinder looks to me to be bigger than the recommended 1.6mm . A friend who runs 90 year old Bowman steamers has suggested doing away with the o ring altogether. Bowman’s pistons just have two grooves you fill with a drop of steam oil. He says the piston can rock slightly on the o ring. You have a port block leak like I do. Not sure how to stop that. I like the idea of an end cap which I might try along with a new piston. Best wishes Graham Powell

[@julias-shed]

@@Curly472001 Hi Graham its possibly a bit bigger but smaller than the gap between the ports which is the limiting factor. The port leak gets fixed in the next episode 😉 best regards Julia

[@Curly472001]

I will be very interested in that. The 90 year old Bowman steam locos are.much less troublesome!