Tornado Steam Raising Blower
The MRW Tornado steam raising blower, is the perfect companion for a day’s steaming, whether it be at home, at your club or at organised events. Robust and easy to use, the Tornado is suitable for large 3 1/2" most 5” locomotives and small 7 ¼” examples. The Tornado is handmade by us right here in the UK.
For product technical drawings head over to our Technical tab.
Please consult the Operating Instructions guide before considering purchasing this product.
MRW Tornado Miniature Steam Engine Steam Raising Blower
The MRW Tornado steam raising blower, is the perfect companion for a day’s steaming, whether it be at home, at your club or at organised events. Robust and easy to use, the Tornado is suitable for large 3 1/2", most 5” locomotives and small 7 ¼” examples. Check the drawings in the images to ensure compatibility. The Tornado is handmade by us right here in the UK.
Years of testing and refinement have led to a product specified to create ample draw for your locomotive and noticeably reduce the time taken for you to get up to steam. The product features a simple ergonomic handle for safe removal from the loco when hot, and a rubber O-ring to protect the paint on the chimney of the loco. Large exhaust vents allow for easy cleaning, whilst a silicone cable removes any chance of melting on hot boilers.
Which blower is right for Me?
The Tornado blower is suitable for large 3 1/2", most 5” locomotives and suitable for small 7 ¼” examples. For very large 5" and some smaller 7 1/4" locos, you may wish to consider our Hurricane Blower, which has a greater draw strength at its minimum than the Tornado and variable draw control, but please check the drawings in the images to ensure compatibility with your model.
Thermal shock reduction
Thermal shock is always a risk when using any steam raising blower. The Tornado is designed to aid draft in an agreeable time frame - for users of larger locomotives, the inlet pipe can be widened by the user using a drill, however this is generally not recommended.
Please be aware - as thermal shock is a risk with any steam raising blower, it is the acceptance by the customer that thermal shock, whilst highly uncommon, can be an eventuality. The use of these products is at the risk of the user and it is at their responsibility to ensure a steam engine is not being brought to steam too quickly or in such a way that could cause damage or failure to the boiler. MRW are therefore not liable for damage caused to boilers steamed too quickly.
Power supply
To power the Tornado, all standard 12V leisure and automotive batteries are appropriate and it is tolerant of up to 12.7V continuous supply. Please be aware that the product will not perform as effectively with an undercharged battery. For your safety, the electrical system is fused, using easily sourced automotive blade fuses to keep you steaming happily and safely wherever you may be.
Details about the design and manufacture
The Tornado is designed for use with 3 1/2", most 5” and small 7 ¼ inch locos. Please be aware of the below dimensions to ensure the product is compatible with your engine.
Height: 171.2mm (approx.)
Width: 149mm (approx).
Weight: 1.5kg (approx).
Minimum Loco Chimney Inner Diameter: 22.5mm (7/8”) (See drawing for chimney pipe dimension)
Maximum Chimney Outer Diameter: 89mm (3 ½”)
The body is Aluminium construction with a few mild steel components used. Where possible Stainless steel fasteners have been used to ensure the product remains new in appearance and long lasting.
Making a purchase
This listing is for one blower, select the number of blowers you require from the drop down menu. You may also contact us for large orders and specific requirements or modifications required for your locomotive.
Defective items will be repaired/replaced within one year from the date of sale, damage caused through improper use is not covered by this guarantee.
Please note if purchased with a long lead time item we will hold this item and dispatch it as one order unless otherwise agreed.
In-stock orders
Please note there is approximately a 1 week lead time on this product from payment until dispatch unless otherwise noted.
Monitoring your Tornado blower
The product is regarded as maintenance free, although cleaning can be required regularly to maintain airflow depending on the type of coal used. MRW are committed to offering spares support for long term failure through acceptable wear and tear of electrical components. The product is also designed in such a way that assemblies affected by accidental damage can be repaired or replaced at our workshop, so please enquire if this is a service you require. Repairs outside of our 1 year warranty period will be undertaken at the customer’s cost. Fuses should be replaced with standard automotive blade fuses matched by current rating to that provided originally in the product.
Transportation & storage your Tornado blower
When transporting your blower, ensure care is taken to not stack heavy objects on the product. The body is robust however particular assemblies are prone to bending due its sheet metal construction and changes in this respect can have an impact on the function of the product. The product should be stored in a dry environment as excessive moisture has the ability to cause corrosion to the motor and chimney assembly.
