Too Much Time To Ponder
So I have been unable to proceed on the build due to a lack of kits. STW tells me that the boilers are being held up by the certification process that has been in a state of flux.
It is my understanding that in January this process will smooth out and the boiler build will progress.
Since there is not much to do without the boiler, I have been putting together some of the "accessories" I think I might need. Basically, I am fantasizing what different items I might want to add, without really knowing if they are going to be in the kits or not.
Name Plate / Badge
When I look at a picture of the Lykamobile, which we all know is a replica of a Locomobile, I see that there is a marked resemblance to the vehicle shown in the advertisement below:
The center tiller steering is unique to this model. The Model 2 and newer models have a side tiller steering. While I do not have any actual documentation to back up my opinion, I am willing to bet that there was some type of patent argument over the mechanism and this resulted in the change of the steering mechanisms.
This ad shows the address of the "works" for the Locomobile Company of America as being in Newton, Mass. I know that they later moved to Bridgeport, Conn, and this is reflected in later advertisements.
When I did a search for name plates used by Locomobile, I only found one that listed Newton as an address:
So I contacted a manufacturer in India and arranged for them to make me some. There was a minimum order so I have about 20 extra. They are 3mm thick, 43mm x 73mm. with 4 pre-drilled holes in corners.
If anyone would like one, email me using the contact form and I will get you the details.
I am asking $30.00 each (incl. postage - USA) (postage extra for rest of world).
Water and Fuel Levels
Water and Fuel Levels are basically monitored manually. There is one fuel tank under the floorboards. In order to check the level you have to lift the floor covering and stick a stick into the tank to see how much gets wet.
Water is stored in two Feed-Water Tanks. They are mounted in the chassis on either side of the boiler. STW provides a site-tube along the side of one of the tanks that you can glance at in order to keep an eye on the feed tank level.
The actual Boiler water level is monitored via a sight glass that is mounted on the side of the boiler, this is visible if a mirror is mounted on the front of the body in such a way as to see the assembly while looking forward so you do not have to keep twisting your neck around and can keep your eyes forward.
So the two items that merit a look at an upgrade are the feedwater and fuel tanks.
The Fuel Gauge and Sender unit.
(Next to the Speedo)
I used a hole saw for the basic size, then placed some tape inside the hole to catch any swarf.
Tapping the individual mounting holes.
Mounting hole and screws ready.
