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Hornby Rocket

Hi,

Has anyone got experience of these locos? You see I got one recently, it needed a replacement gas tank but otherwise is in working order. However when I follow the instructions Hornby provided to the letter, it steams, smoke come out the chimney and nothing else much happens. The flame from the burner is a long blue roaring flame, I am using distilled water to avoid scaling up and I use proper steam oil bought from a shop that sells live steam locos (Rockets included).

It seems it is not man enough to move, if lifted off the trck the front wheels turn at a great speed, but even ith a push it is reluctant to run on its own for very long, it goes a few feet then slows and stops, hissing at me.

What am I doing wrong? Has anyone any tips for me, websites or books to refer to?

Thanks David

Reply to
djdublo
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I had one of these as a kid, and it's about to be resurrected for my son. I had the same problem as you, and I only found out later that there was a problem with the water filler. The top of the boiler isn't sealed until the filler cap is screwed in. This means that careless or over filling causes water to run down teh outside of the boiler and onto whatever lagging is around the outside. This prevents the engine producing enough steam. I have not run my rocket since being told about this, so I can't say I've confirmed this by testing, Cheers, Bill.

-- Rarebits4classics .......just what you've been looking for

PO Box 1232 Calne Wiltshire SN11 8WA United Kingdom

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Reply to
William Davies

I mentioned my dad's Rocket (which sadly, he decided to clean - in the dishwasher !!!!) to the guy in my local model shop. He said that it would almost certainly need a replacement rubber washer / seal somewhere or other.

The shop in question was "The Toy Shop" in Horwich, Bolton 01204 669782.

Adrian

Reply to
Adrian

Thanks for your help, Would tipping the loco upside down get rid of the water? They mention that it takes only 68ml of water, I suppose the best way would be to use a syringe to fill it up! I have to admit that filling it up has bee a bit hit and miss, just filling until I think it is right, looks like I might have overfilled.

Will try again sometime!

Reply to
djdublo

Check this very carefully but I seem to remember it uses a car oil (engine or gearbox????) full steam oil might be too thick. But please see if someone else confirms this before trying it.

Hmmm. must try steaming mine again one day

Reply to
Mike PC

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