In July 2016,
I asked Steam Traction World a set of clarifications. They were most helpful, and gave me extra
confidence that they are committed to the success of our projects. Here is Dean Rogers’ helpful set of answers
and updates.
Q: What will
need to be done to enable and register the Lykamobile for UK use on the Public
Highway?
A: We will supply full details of how to do this
with the final set of instructions. Basically they are registered as ‘steam
vehicles’ on the V5 document with the motive power being ‘steam’ and not diesel
for example. In eight years we have only ever heard of one issue with
registration and that was because the owner did not follow the instructions
provided. We are not guaranteeing road registration on any of the vehicles as
that is the ‘owners’ responsible but we will assist in every way possible to
ensure registration is a smooth process.
Q: Rick
Stoeber, some 10 years ago, blogged a series of his assembly notes for the
ModelWorks predecessor. http://memoriesdreams.com/locomobile.htm
Which of his adaptations were needed, and which have been accounted for in the
Series 2? For example:
·
Brake
pad modification.
We were looking at a more commercially available brake pad
(for a go cart or a motor bike for example) however currently it looks like we
will be leaving the brakes the same. The scollop that was missing previously
will obviously be in place on this batch.
·
Cylinder
drain cocks.
Some sort of drain will be provided on this batch.
·
Modification
to allow for some reduction in consumption of steam oil.
This is just an adjustment in the lubricator.
·
Addition
of lubrication points (I think I saw that you were looking at this?)
These were added on the last on we did.
I am
assuming that the issues corrected by ModelWorks themselves have been
incorporated into the Lykamobile.
Your
intended improvements to boiler and valve gear are noted and awaited!
The valve gear was massively improved on the batch
we did 7 years ago and we will be using the same parts, adding more oil points,
oil impregnated bushing and bearings throughout. This is what we achieved the
John o Groats to Lands End run with, and had NO engine problems. The boiler design
is just being tested as I type and as soon as this has been proven we will
provide further information and a start date for production.
Q: What
variation in fuels will be practical (paraffin/ domestic heating oil/ diesel).
A: The burner is capable of running on diesel or
kerosene but this is depending how the builder sets it up based on what he
wants to use.
Q: Is any
advice provided on ‘consumables’, their specification and potential suppliers;
A: No but happy to point you in the direction of
suppliers to use as and when you need them.
·
lubricants,
tyres, brakes,
·
your
recommended paint supplier is noted, thank you.
We recommend Craftmaster Paints for all our engines. The Lykamobile
though is slightly different as you could use almost any paint supplier or
powder coater.
Q: What
lighting is provided or recommended (e.g. brake lights, side lights, etc.)
A: No lights or accessories like build horn for
example are provided.
Q: Are any
security options recommended (e.g. padlock on reversing lever) beyond a key for
the boiler electrics?
A: The boiler may not have electrics this time
around. This is still to be decided as Steve is considering making it more
original. A padlock on the reverser is very sensible indeed and is probably
worth us adding to our final set of instructions as a recommendation.
Q: Are there
any operating instructions, hints and tips?
A: All comes in the final set of instructions.
·
How
to avoid hydraulic locks/ priming?
·
Out
of season storage
Are there
any suggested improvements for the owner/ builder? Not
really sure what this is reference to but if you mean going away from what is
supplied, I personally think they look better with louvered sides which is
reletaively easy for the customers to do and not ‘standard’.
Q: Is any
water conditioning recommended? Or is a routine boiler blowdown sufficient?
A: Both really. Water Treatment is recommended and
we also recommend regular blowdown of the boiler.
Things
currently being worked on and considered as follows:
Firetube
Boiler
Differential
Assembly improvement.
Wider
Body
More
sloping sides to seat
Check
Valves on Water Pumps
Larger
Drive Sprocket to up gearing and slow it down
Improving
engine clearance by lowering the engine mount
Removing
low level water warning
Water
Tank Level tube on outside
Boiler
water level change from electronic to reflex gauge
Hard
chromed pistons for brake callipers
Optional
extra of stainless tanks
Change
to throttle design
Commercial
safety valve not factory made
Springs redesigned and strengthened to do away
with supports.
Hopefully
this answers your questions and gives you an insight into the improvements we
are making.
Best
Regards
Dean
Rogers
