DIY Model Engineering Cylinder Alloys

Some context When it comes to model live steam cylinders we are all familiar with gunmetal and cast iron. These two alloys not only proved themselves in the hobby but also in large scale with the largest of locomotives successfully running with superheated steam using cast iron cylinders. So why mess with a proven formula? Well, not all cylinders are suitable for cast iron, especially if the locomotive will stand for long periods. My current project has cylinders that are slanted at an angle so any condensate will accumulate on the piston and I suspect oil squirted into the top tallow cock will only displace the problem. Gunmetal is of course the logical alternative but due to rather unfavourable local conditions the availability (and cost) of granulated tin has become…

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Model Engineer (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 4731

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