2nd loco for the PMR

[Big Jim]

I had been looking for another Merlin Loco but a chance phone call led to the acquiring of a Carodoc.

It has had bits added and a lining job. A servo has been fitted to the reversing lever but there is no other radio gear.

Ladies and Gentlemen the PMR is proud to present Snowdrop.

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Seems okay, I will steam it up later in the week, the only issue appears to be the reversing mechanism being stuck, I worked ok when I first un packed her but now seems to have stuck....

[Chris Cairns]

It is amazing how a simple change to the side tanks produces their new models. Long tanks here on Caradoc, shortened to produce the Ragleth, which on the 2014 model is getting longer tanks again to accommodate the 2 channel R/C.

Nice lining and paint job.

As to your stuck reverser lever check if it has this bolt fitted?



In the manual version this bolt is fully screwed in as it works as the position lock requiring you to pull the reverser lever outwards when changing direction. In the R/C version this bolt (if fitted) needs to be screwed out enough so that it does not engage in the position lock cut-outs behind so the lever can slide forward and backward.

Chris Cairns

[Big Jim]

It seems to be at the valve end that it is stuck.

[vjoneslong5040]

Is that the one off that Maxitrack had? If so, she has been standing for a while!

It sounds like there may be oil left in the valve block from when she last steamed. I would oil and light here up, and let her warm through. Once she is nice a warm, gently operate the reverser, it should come free. (I would disconnect the RC for now). If she does, then open the regulator and away you go.

If that doesn't free it, you might need to take the valve block apart to investigate. Someone with more expertise will probably give better advice.

I acquired a s/h Caradoc last year, so glad I bought her! When I found her the blow down valve, and burner we're totally blocked. Cleaned the boiler out with some limescale remover stuff, cleared the burner out, and she is one of the sweetest running locos I have.

[Big Jim]

Yes it is the one from Maxitrack. They did me a very, very good deal on her.
I will try and fire her up to see what happens tomorrow night.

[Soar Valley Light]

What a splendid little loco, beautifully lined out.

I must keep a look out for one of those myslef!

It would be great to see some footage of Snowdrop working.

Andrew

[kandnwlr]

Looks really nice. Can´t wait to see a video of her in steam.

[vjoneslong5040]

Yes it is the one from Maxitrack. They did me a very, very good deal on her.
I will try and fire her up to see what happens tomorrow night.

Aha! I had been eyeing that one up as well, pity the funds weren't forthcoming.

I think thats the wisest move. Be gentle with her, you will be rewarded!

[Big Jim]

I have just been up the garden for a quick steam up.
When I first tried she was stuck in reverse. After letting it cool down I was able, with a bit of gentle pressure to free off the valve. The lever was now moveable and the valve was moving ok.

I steamed up again and this time the loco would only move forwards. With the lever in the reverse position it would stop but would not go backwards.

I think it needs a little adjustment does anyone have any ideas?
There seems to be a bit of play in the joins in the linkage, most I should be able to tighten up to stop this.

I will post some more pics tomorrow.

[Chris Cairns]

Lay your locomotive on its side. Locate the reverser piston valve in the centre below the smokebox. It will have a scribed ring around the stainless steel piston rod.
Put the locomotive into reverse gear. As you do this the scribed line will just disappear into its steam chest. If it still shows, or goes in significantly more, then adjust using the locknuts on the shaft ? These may well be loose hence change in performance.

Once this is complete, place locomotive starboard side down. Turn the wheels anti clockwise as if running forward. As the main axle cranks reach 6 o'clock the scribed lines on the valve rod above the cylinder should just disappear into the steam chest. Adjust if required using the lock nuts.

Repeat for starboard side. One of these three adjustments you will probably find have loosened off hence drop in performance.

Your loco is now timed.

This is effectively what I did with my Ragleth. It was still just barely running forward with the reverser lever in the neutral position and did not run as fast backwards as forwards. So I adjusted the reverser piston valve.

Just checked both of the cylinder piston valves. The left side was spot on but the right side needed adjusting.

Make sure you are using 460 steam oil. Did the lubricator use up any steam oil when you ran it forwards?

Chris Cairns

[vjoneslong5040]

Does indeed sound like it needs adjusting. Chris Cairns has put up some solid advice, so I would try that. Failing that, drop Accucraft a phone call or e-mail, I have always found them exceedingly helpful when trying to solve issues.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

[Big Jim]

I have now sorted the reversing problem thank for the advice gents and thanks Chris for the Tag Gorton post.

I will need to sort out the RC next. There is only one servo fitted and I think it might have been run with a tender as the wire and connector have been run through the back plate. I want to fit another servo for the regulator. I will have a troll through the posts to see what others have done.

It appears to have a chuff pipe fitted as well.

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[vjoneslong5040]

Hurrah! Congratulations!

Fine engine there!