[modeleng] A leaking ring!

All,

My 7.25" 1/4 scale Hunslet ("Elidir") recently showed signs of a leak in 
the firehole ring (the loco is 18 months old).  First indications were 
that it was coming through the ring (I wondered if it was a porous piece 
  of copper) however performing a hydraulic test with the loco on her 
side showed that it was a weep between the firehole ring and inner 
backhead.

This afternoon I was at Lackham and was trying to caulk the joint using 
  Comsol.  All I seem to be doing is moving the weep around the ring! 
As I seal one, another one appears!

It has now moved to the very top of the firehole ring (a very awkward 
place to get at) and no longer can I do it with it on its side (as the 
solder will just run off!)

I plan to bring the engine home as I will have more tools at my 
disposal, however, my first thoughts of how to tackle this is as follows:

Clean the area as well as possible.  I have wondered about the 
feasibility of using one of these "abra"? files and bend it around the 
ring to get a clean area.

I have Comsol flux, so that should clean most of the rest.

With the engine upright, place a piece of Comsol on top of the ring 
where I believe the weep to be.

Then using a propane torch from underneath and an oxy-propane from the 
front and heating the "inside" edge of the firehole ring, try and 
persuade the Comsol to caulk.

So, will that work or can more experienced members suggest a better way.

Cheers


Peter
(off to Japan/Taiwan for three weeks a week today!)


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