steam generator

[Mike Cecil]

While I was a curator at the AWM, we had one of the ALCO steam generators donated, with 99% confirmed service in Borneo. It was in very good condition, but lacked the boiler, and peripherals. I think ALCO stood for Arthur Lions Company? Others may confirm that. There was at least one that was owned by an Australian collector that had a repro boiler, etc, and was demonstrated at militaria gatherings from time to time.

A excellent article appeared some years ago in a UK magazine about them, their construction, operation and use.

The Australian SRD equipment lists the steam generator deployment 'pack' as an all up weight of 127 pounds, packed into 3 containers. The 'pack' included spares such as tubing, gaskets, etc plus batteries, distilled water, and so on.

The Australia SRD found that they were something of a problem to keep going, as finding dry combustible wood in the jungle was just about impossible: there are references to same in 'Operation Semut 1' by Bob Long and in 'Silent Feet'.

Mike C

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

. I think ALCO stood for Arthur Lions Company? Others may confirm that.

Close enough Mike, actually spelt Lyon. I have a small ALCO charging set made for the RAF, with an overhead valve engine made by J.A.P. under the Alco name.
http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Arthur_Lyon_and_Co