| The Breakroom > The Water Cooler |
| Boiler Explosion |
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| John Hill:
Here is some interesting reading on the subject:- http://www.nytimes.com/1860/11/08/news/steam-boiler-explosions.html |
| kvom:
The library at my club has a picture book of RR accidents going back to the late 1800s. In a couple of pictures you see the boiler completely blown off of the locomotive. :bugeye: The very first locomotive in England exploded because the driver disliked the sound of the safeties and disabled them. He did not survive this "experiment." |
| PTsideshow:
Other than the reason stated. The biggest reason for hobby boilers, to fail is the cheapness of the owners, Not having the boilers properly tested and or x ray and other ultra sound testing which cost just as much for hobby as full size commercial boilers. I quit going to shows Full size traction engine shows that don't have, show inspections and some form of certificate of operational worthyness. I know the full size people on some other steam sites will call me names, etc for daring to mention it. But people that own them are sure granpappy ran it right, along with my favorite statement that causes me to put some good distance between me and an boiler. "it's only a little rust on or around the stay bolts or hand holes or rivets or crown sheets." But I will link to a couple of sites. Five people died as a result of that accident, and in the process our hobby, whether we like it or not, changed forever. The Brit's steam groups take on the accident he is the indecent report with photo's of the stay etc. Reducing the operating pressure doesn't guarantee anything other that it might let go this time, but it will at some point. There are more than enough out there to give one pause. |
| kwackers:
I was told that copper boilers are safer because when it goes it goes it goes in a somewhat less catastrophic manner. Is that true? To put some perspective on it though - you're more likely to be killed in a traffic accident on the way to the show. |
| PTsideshow:
And by the way just as to clarify I don't consider myself an expert in the hobby field as I have spent 40 years in and out of it. I hold and have held A first Class Stationary Engineers License for 34 years(issues), which means I am qualified to operate and be in charge of Steam boilers, Engines & Turbines of unlimited pressure and horse power in the City of Detroit and registered with the state of Michigan. Which is fast becoming an antique in itself, with the change over to flash steam generators. No license required, and the contract companies! :doh: |
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