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Museum News For 2016
(Updated December 2016)
January 2015
Joseph Evans Steam Pump -
A new phosphor bronze main bearing (flywheel side) has been machined and fitted to the crankshaft.
A new steam piston rod and a new water piston rod have been made and fitted. Also the replacement for the broken casting on the big end assembly has been made from solid bar.
Pipework for the steam cylinder drain cocks has been renewed and rerouted.
New water pump piston rod, together with new PTFE rings fitted to the piston.
Clapham Beam Engine -
After a bit of trial and error the flywheel friction drive (barring engine) is now complete and works well.
Once the crankshaft had been rotated it was lifted clear of the main bearings to inspect the contact and alignment of the brasses. It was found that the outer main bearing needed to be lifted slightly to bring it in line with the inner bearing. This has now been done successfully and good contact is shown on the lower brass.
Photo shows the design and construction of flywheel friction drive, which comprises a solid rubber wheel in contact with the rim of the flywheel, driven by an electric reduction gear drive.
The pump well on its way to being completed.
Steam Pump by Hayward -
Restoration to this duplex steam pump has just been completed and will be on display once space becomes available.
May 2016
Clapham Beam Engine -
The HP and LP cylinders have now been permanently fitted to the bedplate.
The two eccentrics and their rods have also been fitted. These drive the linkage for the slide valves and the steam cut-
The HP and LP slide valves are now in their respective valve chests and each valve opening and closing positions have been adjusted using the crank position as a reference. The final valve timing may have to be fine tuned, when the beam and pistons are connected.
HP and LP slide valves fitted to their steam chests. The rod between the cylinders drives the valves up and down, and is operated by the eccentric link on the far side of the cylinders.
The steam cut-
Eccentric rods fitted to their respective links. The smaller slotted link drives the steam cut-
A closer view of the steam cut-
December 2016
Clapham Beam Engine -
Entablature
At some point in its life the flywheel end of the cast iron entablature has been cut off. Not only did this look odd but it also made it unbalanced. This has been remedied by constructing a new end from 8” x 3” channel iron and bolting it to the existing piece. Concealed weights, consisting of scrap pieces of iron, were added to balance it all up.
The original walkway, which provided access around the beam, no longer exists. To replace it an aluminium ‘Spandeck’ walkway has been fitted and a tubular hand rail bolted to it for safety.
The modified entablature and walkway was hoisted into place and located on top of the four columns by existing dowels pins then bolted down. The position of the entablature may need some slight adjustment when it comes to setting up the parallel linkage on the beam etc.
Beam
The pivot bearings on the beam have been dismantled and inspected. One of the bottom brasses was found to have a crack running along one side but not significant enough to warrant any repair.
In the mean time, a suitable sump has been constructed so that water from the engine drains etc. can be collected and pumped out. Work has also started to lay down a limestone and sand base, for block paving, around the base of the engine.
The entablature with aluminium walkway and safety handrails bolted to it
Cast iron entablature with 8” x 3” channel iron bolted to each side to replace the cut off section.
The modified entablature, walkway and handrails nicely balanced and secured on top of the columns.