| Archive for Freesteam For collectors and enthusiasts of all steam engines |
| Spokesmann |
Rare Mamod SE3 variation - refurbishmentFirstly the initial pics of the engine and some background can be found here:http://freesteammamod.myfreeforum.org/about2315.html I have stripped the engine down and assessed the work to be done, lamp was missing and has been replaced with a spare I had - easy! The paintwork seems to be covered with very old oil and sticky residue, mild detergent has done most of the work, but a little meths was needed on the engine frame and area surrounding it. Still work to be done. Looked closer at the firebox and its not as bad as I first though, now most of the gunk has been removed - its crazed a bit in places (they do on some) and not as much rust as I thought, so Ill leave it. The baseplate is fine, although the engines frames are a little loose so will need to be re-rivetted. I have never liked the small eyelet type pop rivets - too weak. I also have very little to play with when fitting the special crankshaft, I have to do both nuts up and tighten the cranks on - so there is very little - if any adjustment that can be done, unlike the normal ones. A stiff engine frame may help. Boiler is OK, the rubbish at the end where the overflowplug has dribbled will be polished up. Boiler is a lovely colour. SV and plug need cleaning as does whistle. A couple of new seals will be fitted too. Pipe-work is all sound as is the stop-cock. Cylinders all OK, except for this sticky gunk on them, a bit like the residue left after a paper sticker has been pulled away. Before cleaning commenced: 
That odd crankshaft: 
A slight kink which will be attended to. 
Firebox: 
Boiler is OK: 
Finally the flywheel is very clean: 
Roughly back together: 
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| JJ |
When do you hope to have this engine running again ? and when you do run it, another video documentation would be nice. | ||||
| Spokesmann |
Later this month Jon. It should take too long. 
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| Mamod Collector |
I like this type of thread, keep us posted Mike 
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| big d |
on the crank of your se3 it looks like somebody has repaired it but they have done a very good job i now from the past the weights are alloy and the shaft is steel so when they come a part you can not weld them back together | ||||
| Spokesmann |
Its a genuine Mamod part. This type of crank was used around the 1970 period say 69-71ish, why I dont know - it has not been made by a previous owner and is a known oddity. |
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| John Chapman |
All things considered that is not in bad nick Mike, should come together really well. 
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| Spokesmann |
i should think so john, a nice balnace between lightly playworn and new . . . 
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| Spokesmann |
Work continues . . .
I have been de-greasing the whole engine - covered in dried-on oil. I have also come to a decision - Im not going to strip the the paint, lacquer or anything from the engine. Now the oil and sticky residue has gone, the engine underneath is superb, some nicks and burns, but a very presentable engine. So thanks Ian, you made me stop and think!!
The colour of the boiler is wonderful, the engine frame has been secured a little more by compressing the rivets. I have added another spacer to help with the end float on the crankshaft. Ill post some images tomorrow, but the engine I think will look better in this clean and plyworn condition, rather than polish the little hell outta of it . . . To be continued . . .
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| newts |
You had me worried for a while, a needless repaint, hath hell frozen over 
You've seen the light 
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| Spokesmann |
Steady on Mike. 
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| Spokesmann |
I have to say Mike, I dont go to extremes as some do! Dremels and the like are out for me, it just struck me looking at this engine that it will look just as purposeful with a few battle scars, Ill leave the polishing to my Griffin and George version instead . . .
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| Spokesmann |
Well I have put the engine back together, the boiler securing bands are always the tricky bits to get back, I wonder how they did it at a factory? They probably put the whole lot, engine, boiler, firebox and and frame on the baseplate in once piece, at the time it took me Id be able to put together maybe 6 SE3s an hour! I have thoroughly oiled everything and the flywheel turns freely, it took a few attempts to get the spacing right, as the crankshaft was a little too loose for my liking, the screw on cranks are threaded in such a way So that the nuts and cranks are set to approx 180 degrees apart. Anyway the engine is done and looking superb in my view. The oil/gunk on the machine has preserved a surprising amount of lacquer as well as keeping the paint rust free. I have straightened one crank-pin and fitted a new seal in the over flow that's it. I might fit a new decal . . .
Here are some images of the rebuild, images of the final engine will appear in the stationary reference area as well as pictures and collection threads. No brasso was used in this rebuild!! 
The baseplate has come up well 
Everything has been degreased with detergent and for the more stubborn deposits - meths. 
Some details of those screw on cranks: 
Note extra washers/spacers 
Invisible firebox!! thread the stop-cock housing back on with the pipework needs care. 
The oil-retaining felt inserts do a creditable job to lube the faceplate 
Cylinders look rough with the flash... 
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| big d |
can you still get the oil retaining felt inserts if so where from please | ||||
| JJ |
Good point, it would be nice to know if these are available from anywhere. |
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| Spokesmann |
No longer made gents, Im sure some inventive thinking can be used to find a substitute! | ||||
| JJ |
Perhaps the felt washers that sit between a guitar body and strap could be trimmed down to suit. |
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| Spokesmann |
Good thinking JJ, was also going to suggest piano felt, although I have no intention of using any from my John Broadwood upright!
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| big d |
tony green steam models sells them for a pound each | ||||
| Spokesmann |
Expensive. |
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| big d |
are they does anybody else sell them to be able to compare prices | ||||
| Spokesmann |
Get an old Mamod polisher and cut the mops to size!
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| big d |
they would be expensive if you have to buy an old polisher | ||||
| Spokesmann |
Quite possibly, however I feel we are getting  .
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| big d |
i dont change the mops on polishers did you know if you soak them in vanish they come up nice and clean have you tried that | ||||
| Spokesmann |
Cant say I have. |
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| big d |
they come up like new the better half did them for me | ||||
| Spokesmann |
You'll have to show me . . . Anyway SE3s . . . .
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