Main Index Introduction Layout Operations Models Scenery Tools and Cheap Things

Flare stack at the refinery

Yes, that's N scale. I went to what was left of the National Train Show up in Canada this year. That layout is in a (Toronto) Canadian retailer's backshop, and its unique in that it has the only occurrence of an open flame on a layout that I've ever seen.

They took a small bottle of propane, put the usual torch adapter on it. But they cut off the nozzle before the air-breather holes and nozzle, and ran a rubber tube up to the brass column you see in the picture.

By using the valve on the bottle, they adjust the flame to about 1/2 inch high, and let the drafts in the room blow it around. Makes for a very convincing refinery flare, don't you think. By the way, its not a hot flame. You can run your hand through it without harm. I tried. Hot like a kitchen match, but not 5,000 degrees like when you mix air with it first.
Bill K.