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R.L.W.

Pioneer Oil Refinery: California Star Oil Works kit #RLW-1680

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

STILLS

There were four stills at the refinery during its period of significance. Stills 1 and 2 were
originally located at Lyons in Stevenson Ranch but soon were relocated about two miles to the
Star Oil Works site because of the adjacent Southern Pacific Railroad spur (Andrew’s Station)
and an abundant water supply. Still 1 is a “goose neck” still; still 2 is a “pot” or “cylinder” still.
Stills 3 and 4 are “cheese box” stills. They all were fired with the waste oil sludge left from the

refining
process.
Standard Oil
restored the
stills in 1930.
In the 1960’s
From left to right: still 4, still 3, stills 1&2, Standard Oil
boiler, “residium” tank (SCVHS)
disassembled
stills 1 and 2 and moved them to their property in
Richmond, CA. Stills 3 and 4 remain on the site.
Still No. 3 Stills. 1 & 2 (with white metal “goose
neck”)
Wash the resin castings in soap and water or isopropyl Still No. 4 (with white metal
alcohol. Examine the castings and fill any small bubble manifold)
holes which you might find. Drill the holes for piping
where shown on the right with a #76 drill (there are dimples where holes are required.) Drill four holes around perimeter for fuel oil as
noted in “PIPING” section. Drill out holes in white metal manifold and “gooseneck” castings where shown below (six holes in the
manifold). Glue the white metal goose neck to Still 1 and the manifold to Still 4 with CA adhesive. Spray all three assembled castings with
Vallejo NATO Black and allow to dry 24 hours.
Use paper to mask the steel vessels (avoid taping
to painted surfaces) and spray the brick with
Vallejo 71.080- Rust (Micro Mark 29015X2 – X3
Box Car Red). Detail the brick as described in
“Working With Resin Castings”. Apply Rustall
°°° °
to “steel” vessels – one application for stills in ° ° °
°
use, multiple applications for abandoned stills.
Piping and pipe trough installation will be

Drill #76 holes where shown; see “PIPING” section for additional holes.

covered in “PIPING” section.

See “Site” section for instructions on installing the stills on the site base.

Still 4 “Manifold” Still 3 “Gooseneck”

CHIMNEYS
The stills had three brick chimneys – one for Stills 1 & 2 (which are on a common brick
base) and one each for Still 3 and Still 4. The flues for these were underground (see
diagram at right). All three were of similar construction although the chimney for Still 4
was somewhat larger. The chimneys in this kit are all the same size.
Wash the resin castings in soap and water or isopropyl alcohol. Examine the castings
and fill any small bubble holes you may find. Test fit the chimney halves and sand backs
if necessary for an aligned fit, then glue halves together with two-part epoxy or slow
setting CA adhesive.

© 2016 Republic Locomotive Works 1680 – pg. 8