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Minor1PJG

Gas, Gas, Gas

Well I've finally taken the plunge and will be converting my Green SL1 to run on gas.  I bought the Bix kit from Forest whilst at STIA and of course I need to buy some gas Rolling Eyes

Are there any preferences for gases: Butane or Propane/ Butane?

Favourite suppliers (cheapest) or brands?

Or anything else I need to know other than to watch the water level Wink

Thanks
Spokesmann

I think most stuff now is a butane/propane pix? Will be interested to se this Paul.
MTA

Paul,

If you can use Swan lighter gas. That is neat butane, it doesn't burn as hot as the butane/propane mix which I use. The butane/propane mix has a higher heat output so you run a bigger risk of running the boiler dry.

For the Swan cans (bright yellow) you won't need a gas can adapter. If you get the mixed stuff make sure it has an EN417 thread so you can screw a gas can adapter in the top.

Need any more info just give me a shout Wink
Chris

I use butane bought from B&Q in my Bertie.  Not had any problems yet, I think Roundhouse say to use Butane, but if using a mix make sure it has no more than 30% propane.

Did you get an adaptor to attach to the bottle?
SillyBilly

BTW, what Si refers to as the Swan cans are the same as Ronson cans that can be purchased from the tobacco counter at Tesco.
Minor1PJG

Thanks chaps  Very Happy

Yes I did buy an adapter so I can use the 'proper' gas cans.

I'll certainly keep an eye on the water level.  If the Butane/ Propane (70/30) mix burns hotter surely I just need to turn the flame down a little and I should get a longer run from the gas ? Confused ?

I know the water will run out before the gas SO......I'll keep an eye on the water level  Wink

I'll keep you posted.  Thanks again  Very Happy
Minor1PJG

A little reseach on t'internet shows that Accucraft and Rounhouse only recommend Butane and not the Propane mixes due to higher gas pressures and heat output Confused

I might see if I can buy straight Butane to start with - my SL1 is only soft soldered  Wink
Chris

Minor1PJG wrote:
A little reseach on t'internet shows that Accucraft and Rounhouse only recommend Butane and not the Propane mixes due to higher gas pressures and heat output Confused

I might see if I can buy straight Butane to start with - my SL1 is only soft soldered  Wink


I was about to find you the link to the roundhouse site about propane mix having higher pressures but I see you have already found it.  Very Happy

But there is some very good info on the roundhouse site, so I suggest anyone with a loco of what ever make read the faq and technical sections of their website.

http://www.roundhouse-eng.com/
SillyBilly

A friend of mine says that given the canisters you buy Butane/Propane Mix and the Buntane ones have the same can wall thickness it's not going to cause any major explosion. UNLESS you decide to start mucking around with hot water baths, which I doubt you will on a mamod.

Also worth noting that Butane/Propane burns better during cold tempreatures.
fcrammond

I cannot see what the wall thickness of the original cans have to do with it. It's what you are burning at the pointed end that matters. If the calorific value of fuel A is greater than that of fuel B you are going to run out of water faster.
Fred
SillyBilly

fcrammond wrote:
I cannot see what the wall thickness of the original cans have to do with it. It's what you are burning at the pointed end that matters. If the calorific value of fuel A is greater than that of fuel B you are going to run out of water faster.

Sorry, what I wrote was based on the general Garden railway argument of 'Should you put B/P in a tank designed for Butane only?' which continuously crops up.
Chris

Think I will stick with the advice from Roundhouse anyway.
Minor1PJG

Here are some pictures and a short vid of my first run on the bench.

I'm sticking with Butane for the moment but am open to discussion Wink

It was 0 deg.C in the workshop BTW before the heater took effect  Rolling Eyes :







MTA

That runs brilliantly, Paul Very Happy

How long a run did you get?
andysleigh

That great Paul!
Minor1PJG

Thanks chaps  Very Happy

I only ran it for ~10 mins as a test run only.  Next outing will be on the rails Wink
Spokesmann

Nice, was that on full gas jet?
Minor1PJG

No, not by a long way.  I wanted to take it steady to start with, so a very modest gas flame Wink
Chris

Looking forward to seeing it run on rails.  That is the same gas I use for Bertie.

How much noise does the burner make?
Minor1PJG

The gas burner is almost silent  Very Happy

Heres a vid of a run this afternoon (still cold at 0 !!)

I have been rather timid with the gas valve so the flame is no larger than from a meths burner, maybe lower, but I really notice that the heat is so even that the run is very smooth and consistent.  I have to say that I'm very impressed  Very Happy

Once again an instant ignition of the Butane in the cold.

Another 10 minute run and gas left in the tank  Wink

MTA

"Dizzy, I'm so dizzy my head is spinnin'"

Laughing

That runs brilliantly, Paul! Definitely got to get one for 'Victor' now Wink
Spokesmann

A fine runner....
fcrammond

I can see the attraction of gas as a fuel, clean, quiet, easily controlled BUT do you have to have that hulking great cylinder on the footplate? My Rocket has a rather neat little tank which hides on the tender although I must admit it only has to heat a tiny boiler. Does anyone market a gas conversion for Mamods that fits between the frames as the meths burners do? Or would that mean the gas got too hot?
Fred
Minor1PJG

I've not seen one as you describe Fred, but I think it looks quite neat.  Very Happy

We have to remember its not a scale model, but it will look better with the rear cab piece in place, I think  Wink
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