| Archive for Freesteam For collectors and enthusiasts of all steam engines |
| Spokesmann |
Cyldon 13/2 overview and steamingI was able to steam the 13/2 today, after some initial troubles.The engine was checked over for any obvious loose fittings and possible leaks. The engine was then fully lubricated - the linkages, cranks and the oiling point on the top of the cylinder housing. All turned over easily. So with a full boiler of hot water and a full lamp - after 10 minutes of heating - nothing!! The engine would only just turn over 1 or 2 turns. Nothing was leaking, there was a little water and hissing from the whistle (Very Mamod like), apart from that the SE2 sized boiler was sound. After the wicks going out a couple of times, I decided to replace them with some super wick. This seemed to do the trick, so after a recharge of meths and water, the newly wicked lamp was blazing - literally, although the paint did not budge once from the firebox. Finally after a little more coaxing the engine sprang into life and I was able to see at close hand the mesmarising engine unit working - a most ingenious and unique(?) valve mechanism. The engine unit s not double acting, is not oscillating but is in some respect a mixture of the two. The engine ran superbly, I extinguished the lamp at 15 minutes, but Im sure it would have burnt for longer. I was very pleased with the run and the engine's performance. All in all a very sound buy for just over a ton. We have a fairly good understanding of the historical background to these engines and their manufacturer (c/o John) - but how many were made and where did they get their ideas inspiration from? Another 'mysterious' engine marque joins my ever growing interest in this particular era of English toy steam manufacture, and one, which to me eclipses all other toy steam manufacturers. Enjoy the images and details, sorry for the amount but there is so much visual interest packed into a small engine. Videos will appear later... The wonderful brass tubular lamp... prior to wick replacement... 
Boiler details... 
Did Mamod copy the whistle design in the 1972- sprung reset whistles? 
Some images of the engine and its various mechanisms... 
Unusual layout, similar to the 13/4... 
New supercharged burner! 
Note meths colouring on wicks Old wicks... 
In steam... 
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| Spokesmann |
Videos are here:
http://freesteammamod.myfreeforum.org/about3079.html |
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| silverfoxsteam |
Nice close ups and detail there Mike. It'd be nice to see that valve system in detail, but don't go taking it apart just for me! | ||||
| Spokesmann |
That could be tricky! Essentially the rocking arm moves through approx 90 degrees back and forth, it is attached to a rod which passes through the cylinder at 90 degrees to the piston, it has two holes in it which line up with the exhaust and inlet ports in alternation, this carefully timed by the dwell between the two cranks at the flywheel end. |
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| John Chapman |
Stunning engine Mike, I love it 
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| Spokesmann |
Thanks John, Ill bring it to Exeter. | ||||
| John Chapman |
Look forward to that. Are we booked in ? |
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| Spokesmann |
NOT YET, I HAVE THE DETAILS, JUST NEED TO GET OFF MY BACKSIDE AND DO IT, JIM WANT TO COME AS WELL. Ill be booking or asking for 6-8 tables. |
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| Mamod Collector |
Lovely engine Mike
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| Spokesmann |
Been having a 'play'....
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| silverfoxsteam |
Like it - can I order one? | ||||
| Spokesmann |
Haven't printed any out yet Stephen, I need to sort the final size. Will let you know. | ||||
| steamyjim |
How do you get the correct fonts Mike? Do you draw them? | ||||
| Spokesmann |
I have based it on a commercially available font - then adjusted each letter accordingly. The 'N' needs a bit more work I feel. |
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| steamyjim |
Quite a long winded process then? How do you adjust them? Do you draw on extra bits, stretch them, squash them etc? I suppose the font has to be very close to begin with aswell? |
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| Spokesmann |
I convert the type to editable outlines in a professional drawing package, I then have complete control over every point which describes the 'shape' - which is now a graphic as opposed to a 'font'. | ||||
| Mamod Collector |
Does anyone know the correct pronunciation on the name Cyldon
I would guess its pronunced "Cildon" but I could be wrong 
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| Spokesmann |
Sill-don. |