[Steam-engine] Handhole Gaskets

[EJHottel at aol.com]

I have used asbestos, Bulldog, TopoG and made my own from red rubber,  
neoprene, you name it. They would all blow out sometime. I finally solved that  
problem with some new handhole plates from Cattail Foundry. They have a deeper  
flange and seat better in the handhole. Cattail also furnishes gaskets which I  
like better than the others I have used. They seem to be made of black rubber  
with fabric reinforcing. With that combination I have never yet blown a 
gasket.  I will keep my fingers crossed.
Interestingly enough when I got the engine in 1970 the handhole were  
gasketed with leather.
 
Jack Hottel
1917 Peerless 50