Hi Simon,

Yes, the only reason for soldering the tubeplate in first was I
thought it would be one less joint to do later! I used Silverflo 40.
The final soldering will be done with Easyflo.

The soldering was all done with propane using 2943 and 2944 burners. I
used Silverflo 24 for the barrel joint and throatplate joint and I
must admit it was a struggle. I did do the boiler in the open air
though with no packing which didn't help. I'm beginning to think that
using very high melting point solders such as 24 is not necessary.
Silverflo 40 is much easier to use and still leaves a margin for using
Easyflo for the final joints.I'd love to get some Oxy-propane as I've
got a Simplex boiler to build soon!

I've also got the boiler for the Flying Scotsman to the same stage. I
took them both to Chesterfield in October for Steve to check over
before I finish them both.

The cylinders are described in detail on my website - have a look at:

http://www.baggo.copperstream.co.uk/me/locos/25inch/helen%20longish/helen.htm

John




--- In halfinchlivesteamforum@..., "Simon Wass"
<simon.wass@...> wrote:
>
> All looks good John.
> One thing, I've never known anyone to fix in the smokebox tube plate in
> before having the inner firebox assembly fixed in by the foundation
ring and
> crown stays. It does seem a good idea though, only got to do round
the tubes
> at this heating session, might save burning tubes or overcooking the
flux.
> What heat do you use, looks neat silver soldering. We finally got
> oxy/acetylene this year, but only use oxy/propane for boilerwork,
cleaner
> flame. Much nicer than a 2944 burner on full chat.
> Simon
> ps, do you have any more photos of your built up cylinders, they look
> interesting