Towing and Electrics

I have not followed my strategy of building the Lyka without amendments.  

At some stage it will be necessary to tow the Lyka.

I have added towing points which clamp to the front axle.  A cross bar will take any lateral loads between towing eyes.  The cross bar will also  be useful for mounting any other extras, such as number plate.  The assembly is clamped to the front axle with 2 U-bolts on each side; a further U-bolt on each side serves as a towing eye, which will also take a slowing down force (as trailers under 750kg do not have to be braked). 

General towing point arrangement

Closer view of Left Hand

Side

Views from underneath

Front View

I have tested out the towing arrangement (hence the red rope).  Using a block and tackle, I applied an estimated >300kg (0.5 g) No distortion or breakage occurred.

I have also done some work on a set of electrics.  I shall use modern lighting components, in the interests of safety on modern roads.  They might be disguised as period lamps. I have yet to decide on the physical layout, to be decided by the characteristics of the components.
As a towing bar will be needed, with the regulatory lights, it would make sense to use these on their own for Lyka use.  When unplugged from the towing vehicle, they would be plugged into the lighting control box, to be placed handily for the driver.  I have assumed a 7-pin connection (using an adapter if necessary)



I have added a key driven main switch, in the interests of security; and a burner cut-out switch.  These will entail modification of the original design.

A warning beacon is included, as this is a requirement for vehicles travelling at <25 mph on unrestricted dual carriageways.  I have tried to keep to conventional pin allocation and wire colouring for trailer connections.  As far as low water levels in the boiler are concerned, STW have advised that no additional safeguards are needed beyond those which are provided, to the original design.  Any additional monitoring and safeguarding systems are up to the builder.

Engine OK, now to catch up

The engine now turns over, with valve timing achieved and steam chest covers in place.  I have not yet run the engine on compressed air.  The band brake is operational.  All the controls on the quadrant work (brake, valve gear control, water control).  I now need to catch up on the disc brakes and basic electrics.  I have also designed a clamp-on attachment for towing and any front-end extras, providing two u-bolts to act as towing points for an A-frame tow hitch.  I am planning to put in place some modern electrics for lighting, the additional lighting is at the design stage; I shall abandon historical accuracy in favour of safety.  With all the work done to it, the steamer's paintwork is starting to look a bit shabby; there will need to be a programme of re-painting before it is fully presentable.