Summary of 6" Mc Laren road Loco build

Using High temperture silicone sealant for the cylinder block worked, but not for long. After two steaming sessions the cylinder block had to be removed and a gasket fitted. The gasket material used now is carbon fibre reinforced graphite. This was fitted with a coating of Follac Manganeese paste. The threadded studs were fitted with Hydraulic Loctite. This is a very good and complete job. Each of the Steam injectors and the crank driven water pump are able to maintain water level in there own right. Having three good boiler feeds will esure reliability in use.

The engine has now been named HOGWART. Fine patterns and castings manufactured by David Ragsdale for the name plates really finish the engine. I had lots of people pointing at the engine name at Abergavenny Steam Rally. Children like it very much.

Hogwart is a pleasure to steam. Fill the belly tank & tender and she will run all day without a refill when driving around the rally field. Little coal is used too. The engine is extremely free steaming and has to be driven with the damper closed with only a small fire to prevent excessive blowing of the safety valves. On the road and in high gear the engine will travel at around nine miles an hour with the crank only rotating at a nice steady pace. Open the regulator and boy you are really going fast!

I live on the edge of the Forest of Dean, driving along the country lanes is a real treat. It is easy to take a good look over the hedges as you travel because of the high driving position. I have only driven three miles continously, a longer road run will hapen later this year!

Jack, Christoper & Daniel on the engine at Abergavenny Steam rally line up"

Three Adults can get on the rear mounted seat. I often have Jack, christopher & Daniel sitting with me for a run. The engine has now been steamed six times without sweeping the tubes or cleaning the smokebox. The boiler tubes and smokebox are still relatively clean. I must get a brush and have a clean up.

6" Burrell Scenic Shownman's & Hogwart at Abergavenny rally, May 04

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