A little something about the category: All Other Engines
Engines in this Collection:
(click hyperlink to jump to that engine type)
Approx. Dates Manufacturer and Model Origin
1961..............................Fleischmann Model 122/3 (Home tab) Germany
1970's...........................Sutcliffe Oil Cans England
late '70s...(mod '07).....Wilesco # D36 "Old Smoky" Roller (Modified) Germany1990-2004.....................Wilesco # D45 Vertical/Upright Boiler Germany
The Stirling and Vacuum Engine Concept
1980's??.......................PM Research "Flame Eater" Engine USA
2005..............................HOG Mikro-Stirling Engine Germany
2005..............................Wiggers Stirling Engine Germany
2012..............................CarlAero Stirling Engine Germany
Machinist Built Engines
2006..............................Liney Thimble Engine USA
2008..............................Liney Four Cylinder Aircraft Engine USA2008..............................Wolfgang Engineering Turbine USA
2009..............................MFsteam MF twin England
2011..............................Peake 2 AND 3 Combo Engine plant Australia
2011..............................Tripod Steam Plant USA
2012..............................Wolfgang Engineering Turbo-Fan USA
2012.............................."Demon Industries "Chuff Pot" Australia
As compared to typical stationary engines with the engine separate from the boiler/firebox, I "think" an overtype is perhaps more efficient at keeping steam lines short and hence more energy going into the operation of the engine and less into global warming.
I decided I wanted just ONE good example of an engine that originated from Nuremberg, Germany, when and where the toy steam art form was at it's peak. This piece has nicely satisfied that need.
Being a restorer myself, I was quite impressed with the quality of the work by whomever undertook it. Restoration of the paint, pinstriping and lithograph base was well done, but it came with a heavy custom turned brass chimney that was completely wrong for this engine. I made up the chimney seen here to the proper tube dimensions and capped it with a brass Mamod stack piece which fit perfectly.
The chimney is obviously NOT correct in this configuration, but until I find the proper finial for the top or better still an original chimney, it will do nicely and is a whole lot closer to the original than what came with the engine.
The sketch in the Bing page shown above gives a good idea of what the original chimney would have looked like. I believe the basket part at the top was done by "metal spinning"...an almost lost art. I shall have to keep looking!!!When I compare this engine to my 1961 Fleischmann, it is interesting to see the genetic link in a little thing like the outer metal sight glass protector, they are virtually identical yet made about 40 years apart.
Fast forward from Dec. '05 to Oct. '06 and I have finally fired up this shelf queen for the first time since getting it. She took some tweeking of leaky gaskets and the slide valve needed adjustment, but it soon burst to life and ran exceptionally well.
Under the chimney was an originally installed condensate drain tube with a little hook on the end. I envisioned a small bucket hanging on that hook that got lost along the way much as chimneys have a habit of doing.
My wife being a doll collector offered up a little metal bucket that seemed to be custom made for it. The engine now looks whole again and the bucket will hold about 5 minutes worth of chimney condensate before needing a quick emptying. I've enjoyed watching this engine run for repeated firings now and I can see how a guy could get hooked on collecting Nuremberg engines. They are a departure from the "tank like" toy steam pieces I usually gravitate to, showing I have a touch of right brain admiration for art...well, mechanical "art" at least.
Fortunately this pretty face is also built well and without question now holds down the spot for both most attractive engine and oldest engine in my collection. A grand old dame indeed.
Although fully restored, I think the brothers Bing would approve of their offering being given a new lease on life and would probably be amazed to think their creations live on nearly a century later. Thanks guys, nice piece of work!
CLICK HERE for an instant
video
A little something about Empire: Click Here
Engines in this Collection:
(click hyperlink to jump to that engine type)
Approx. Dates Model
1921-31......................Model B-31 Vertical Boiler/Cast iron base
1921-41......................Model B-30 Horizontal Boiler/Cast iron base
Accessories in this Collection:
(click hyperlink to jump to that accessory)
1933-40......................Model B-47 Ferris Wheel
1935-53......................Model #56 Windmill and Water Pump
A little about Empire Engines and Accessories
The
Empire cast iron based engines are a close favorite to my Jensens, with
similar "tank-like" construction. Unfortunately there is much less
history, folklore and data available on Empires compared to Jensen.
Empire's parent company Metal Ware Corporation
of Twin Rivers, WI U.S.A. went out of business in the '60's, having
made all manner of steam engines, steam accessories and other toys since
the 1920's.
One
gentleman named Don Stilson has done a yeomans job of accumulating,
photographing and publishing more information on Empires and the Metal
Ware Corporation than anyone I'm aware of. Don's Website
(link seems to have gone dead May 2011) features his own significant
collection of steam toys and he can be contacted via the website about
purchasing his superb Empire book published in 2005. Don is also the
only source I am aware of for a limited group of Empire replacement
parts such as chimney stacks, whistle tops and wood knobs which are
often found missing on eBay or attic finds. I've bought all from him
and the quality was top notch.
Here is Don's direct mailing address which is printed in his book: Don Stilson, 604 Burritt Road, Hilton, NY 14468
email: dstilson@rochester.rr.com If you need parts or his book, hopefully you can reach him.
My
interest in Empire relates solely to their toy steam engine and
accessory line, further refined to their four cast iron based engine
models. Empire also made a number of pressed sheet metal engine models,
but as I have learned quickly, you have to focus, or pursue the
impossible task of trying to collect everything. Finding all four cast
iron based engines wasn't too difficult with the help of eBay where I
picked up three and a private collector sold me the fourth. All four
were electrically heated and include the B-30 horizontal, B-31 vertical,
B-35 turbine and B-42 twin boiler-twin cylinder. I have restored
all.
UPDATE January 2015...I have sold the B-42 and B-35...retaining
the B-31 and B-30. Photos of the B-42 and B-35 now reside in the "Loved
but Gone" tab which captures engines/accessories I have parted ways
with.
One
very appealing feature of the Empire cast iron based engines is the one
piece cast brass engine frame/cylinder combination with internal steam
lines. Simply put, everything painted RED above the boiler is heavy brass except for the wooden valve knobs and everything painted RED
below the boiler is of made of cast iron. Pistons and connecting rods
are also heavy brass construction with built in piston oil grooves,
something usually found on only the best engines.
Empire Accessories
In
addition to their cast iron based engines, Empire did another thing
very right. They made a set of pressed steel accessories different and
more robust than any others by any maker I have seen.
I know
some of the Nuremburg makers had pumps, windmills and waterfalls for
example, but the gauge of tin used in them seems less than half that in
the Empire group. I think the Empire accessories were truly built to
be kid-tough, and as a result they have lasted well and by the numbers
seen on eBay, they made a lot of them.
Using Stilson's book
(bible), I have been able to confirm model numbers, approximate years of
mfg. and even the official names. As best I can tell there were 7
total accessories made. A few of these had different numbers and slight modifications over the years of production. This
collection includes two of the original accessories...the B-47 ferris
wheel and the #56 windmill-pump in original perfectly good condition. I
had a #B-34 variable speed windlass and B-50 water pump, but subsequently sold them off.
There
are several other unique accessories that were made, but either they
were not that popular or maybe didn't hold up that well, but I have
NEVER seen them in the flesh or on eBay. They are pictured in Stilson's
book, so at least one of each was made!! These rare pieces include the
#48 carousel-like rotating swing, #51 buffer and grinder and #52 circular table saw.
Although
the B-42 is a pretty impressive looking piece and desirable in part
because they are hard to get...it is NOT my favorite Empire. That honor goes to the B-31 pictured below.
1921-31 Empire B-31 Vertical
Favorite
Empire honors have to go to my B-31 vertical which is really just a
B-30 horizontal turned on end. I'll get to the B-30 in a little bit.
Pictured to the right, you can tell this is a stout piece just by
hefting it your hand.
The
engine and boiler are of very solid brass stock, with the base of solid
cast iron. Using Don's Empire book, I'd place the dating of this piece
between 1921-1931
Aside from the stout construction aspect I
like of these engines, the best part of the B-31 is the really unique
chuffing sound it makes under steam. I think
that is caused by the piston and cylinder orientation, but whatever the
reason, it is a delight to run and listen to. It is the 2nd most
popular cast iron Empire in my opinion, based on frequency of seeing
them on eBay today.
CLICK HERE for an instant video
The
B-30 was actually the first Empire I acquired having spotted it on eBay
and thinking it was both robust looking and quite charming. I knew
nothing about them, but I figured it had to be a substantial piece just
by the shipping weight!!
Don
Stilson's book indicates this model was popular and had a long
production run from 1921 to 1941. The popularity and resultant number
made explains why this is the most frequently seen cast iron Empire on
eBay today...there is usually one or more for sale each week.
As
received the engine was an eager runner, but likewise an eager leaker.
Unlike Jensens where you can get all the gaskets you need with a toll
free phone call, Empires don't come with that luxury. It's a trip to
the hardware store with engine in hand and a sheepish grin asking "do
you have something that will fit this" (then 20 minutes explanation of
what "this" is). Ultimately a few gaskets end up being store bought
from the toilet washer section and the rest home made from flat gasket
stock!!
Nearly
all old steam engines with sight glasses arrive on their new owners
door step as leakers...that is practically a given unless a prior,
recent owner did the honors and sometimes even those are less than
perfect. I won't go into gasketing further here, but check the tab "Restorer's Toolbox"
which I will be populating with trivial little time savers and repair
solutions as I get to it. Fixing the sight glass gaskets and getting
the stack/pressure valve to be steam tight are both covered in that
section.
CLICK HERE for an instant video
Mamod TE1 Traction Engine...1964-65 vintage
Mamod began making the the TE1 in 1963. This example is most likely a 1964-65 vintage model bearing the early mark of a brass "nut and bolter" vs. riveted construction which came along in 1965. The detail cast into the rear wheels is simply gorgeous, right down to the 2 raised rivets on each wheel spoke. This TE1 is in fired but pristeen condition after just a bit of spit and polish.
The TE1 and subsequent TE1A went on to be among Mamods most successful offerings and 44 years later the TE1A version is still being made. They are NOT large engines, but they pack a lot in a small space!The TE1 had several features I really liked in addition to the quaint nut and bolt construction.
These include the ability to throttle down the speed with it's classy brass inline exhaust regulator. I can also toot the whistle with an equally classy brass whistle.
A "meths" (alcohol) vaporizing burner provides the heat source...a pleasant change from the smell of Esbit tablets used on later Mamod models.
These 4 desirable TE1 features were changed in later years, but this example has them all and it's easy to understand why Mamod collectors have a warm spot for the venerable TE1. An added nicety is the use of copper leaf springs on the front axle as seen above.
In the pic below, you can clearly see the brass exhaust regulator that enables the user to really throttle down the speed to a more scale like pace. Regulating speed via exhaust control is a new one for me...most of my engines throttle the steam output BEFORE passing thru the piston...this one does it very effectively on the back end.
The whistle can be seen to the right rear directly over the firebox...hence one needs asbestos fingers to operate it when a fire is down below, but again, it looks great, I'll just need to toughen up those fingertips!
The turned brass whistle and regulator are so appealing...it's easy to forget that this little jewel is NOT a high priced model traction engine...this is a toy, just a very well executed one from the days when the Malins family ran Mamod and quality was king.
Although I am not usually a fan of acquiring and then storing original boxes...this piece came along with a pristeen box plus all the accessories, literature, funnel etc. that accompanied it when shipped from Mamod's Thorns Works, England facility in the early 1960's. While of simpler construction and functionality vs. Wilesco mobiles, I do prefer the more robust Mamod build quality.
This engine took a 40 year nap in the loft of a nice 82 year old English lady named Margaret who sold it to me via eBay. Thank you Margaret, I should be so computer savvy when I'm your age!!
OK...I know oil cans probably don't belong in "All Other Engines"...but I didn't know where else to put them!
Though I have had these two cans for several years now and they've graced my steam shelves all this time, I'm only just now getting around to creating a virtual place for them on this website.
I came by these two in very different ways.
About the time I was searching for one on eBay to accompany my British engines particularly...steam friend Steven of the UK sent me the red one as a gift. Almost at the same time, I won an eBay auction for a stripped of paint example that I like to pose with my Stuart Beam which is also sans paint. The red one sits with 3 of my other Stuarts just because it looks especially good with them!
I don't actually oil with them, preferring a needle oiler for control, but I love to simply look at them and envision a much larger version in use on the full sized steam engines that inspire our toys and models.
I shall have to post some additional info on the Sutcliffe company and how they came to make oil cans for small steam engines like ours, but I will leave that for another day.
A "few" more pics...can you tell I am delighted with how this turned out?To the right is the custom alcohol tank and burner designed to slide in under the coal scuttle...it fits and works beautifully.
I made the tank from brass plate bent into a box plus brass tube and a couple of ammo casings for upright burners.
Burner slides in and is retained by a couple of pieces of picture hanger hardware soldered to the bottom of the scuttle. Squared off brass knob is the filler plug vent and also helps to keep tank aligned in place. Pic below shows tank in place with screws/filler cap slid into the retaining hangers.
I highly recommend that if the spirit moves you, this sort of modified engine is well within the scope of what most folks can do and won't ruin a rare or exceptionally valuable piece. Old Smoky models in good shape can often be found on eBay for about $150 USD...plenty have been made. The Wilesco traction engine is almost the same platform and would work as well with adjustments.
Results of such modding are the look and function of a much more expensive engine. The fun in getting there?...Priceless!
Here are a couple of videos to wrap things up.
First video shows the engine running with it's designed in gear system...a nice scale pace with the characteristic gear clatter Old Smoky's are known for.
CLICK HERE for an instant video
Second video shows the engine running about 2X normal speed using direct belt drive from pulley to left rear wheel while gearing is set to neutral.
These Stirling engines are modern offerings readily available from eBay or other online sources. While not historically collectible these engines demonstrate principals discovered over 100 years ago.
They operate by heating a
fixed volume of air that increases in pressure as it get warmer. The
warmed air acts on the underside of the piston pushing it to the top of
its stroke, the air is then cooled. The cooled air has reduced
pressure and allows atmospheric pressure to push the piston back down.
Stirlings have two pistons, the power piston which drives the crankshaft and the displacer piston which moves the gas between hot and cold parts of the engine. This process is repeated rapidly over and over resulting in the motion you see.
CLICK HERE for an instant video
Although I have watched this engine operate dozens of times, the principal just seems to evade my understanding.
You heat this glass tube with another glass tube inside, and in about 5 seconds the inner tube begins to move, which sets the whole thing in motion.
Many inventive folks have tried to harnass such motion on a larger scale, but nothing commercially successful seems to have ever come forth.
It's primarily a novelty, but a pleasant one for those of us who collect toy/model steam engines and occasionally like something a bit different.
The HOG will operate a good 12 minutes on a filling of alcohol and operates almost silently in a blur of moving parts.
This engine is also a favorite with visitors who will hold it in a hand and marvel that all that motion is driven by a tiny flame.
Here is video of my two Stirling engines humming along together (ignore the Boehm, I've sold it since).
CLICK HERE for an instant video
Wiggers
packages this engine in a lovely custom fit outer beechwood box that
could be considered a jewelry box given the beautifully dovetailed
corners, fancy clasp and hinges.
BUT,
we don't buy the box, it's what's inside that counts. I just love the
looks of this engine running or sitting still (even in the box).
I've admired this type of Stirling engine for ages and finally broke down and bought a German made CarlAero Stirling in kit form. Kit came in record time, assembly was not so easy.
I broke one part in the assembly process and CarlAero were very helpful, shipping me another part at no cost. I do recommend their finished product, quality is first class in every way.
Let me caution anyone interested in buying this engine in kit form...don't...buy it assembled for just $40 more shipped! Those 12 little Philips head screws seen on top and 12 more on the bottom were a bear to thread into the 12 unthreaded brass tubing supports. The rest of the assembly process was pretty straightforward, but getting all those screws in place took me almost 4 hours. BUY IT FINISHED!
Despite my struggling with the assembly, the completed engine is a thing of beauty, performs flawlessly and is whisper quite when running.
Sit it on top of a cup of boiling water and it soon takes off...powered by just the difference in heat between the bottom and top stainless steel panels. If you keep the cup of water sitting on a mug warmer, this little jewel will run all day with no tending whatsoever!
This type of Stirling engine is truly magical to watch operate. Get one, it's good for the soul !
CLICK HERE for an instant videoI've wanted a D.R. Mercer TE or roller for many years now but was always put off by the high cost when purchased new, AND the long wait to get one. Each is handbuilt by Mr. David Mercer in Birmingham, England at the rate of just 2 per month. Mr. Mercer has loosely based his design on the large traction engines made by Burrell and Garrett in the early 20th century, with all build materials machined or made on site.
In June 2011 I got my chance and purchased this older yet unfired/shelf queen Mercer from Alistoyshed, an online reseller in the U.K. Owner Alex was a delight to deal with and shipped the engine well packed for it's 4,000 mile journey. Highly recommended source I will purchase from again!
The double acting slide valve engine with full Stephenson's linkage has a working throttle lever, Forward, Neutral and Reverse lever that changes direction of travel and a lever to engage or disengage the drive wheel so it can sit still and run in place.
The steering mechanism employs a worm gear and chains like the real thing and the smokebox door on the front will open and latches like the real thing. Steam exhausts thru the chimney.
In addition to the basics offered in the Type 1 variety, this one had a few Mercer accessory upgrades including the personalized roof, a six spoke brass flywheel and the protective gear cover (green just above the right rear wheel visible above).
The next photo shows the prior owner went so far as to name his Mercer "CLARA":
Mr. Mercer must like brass as he uses it extensively in making these engines...check out those brass treaded wheels front and back! I will be using rubber treads to protect those wheels on concrete.
In the photo below you can see the lift up door on bottom rear of the scuttle, which allows the burner to be inserted. The knurled brass knob just visible in the center of the scuttle's top edge is an on board oil reservoir with a dipstick for applying a small drop of oil to moving parts.
Notice the built in steps to both sides of the scuttle and the integrated tow bar in the lower rear of the scuttle. An inline displacement lubricator and built in oiler cup on the main crank are yet more niceties.
It's easy to understand why folks wait in line many months to become a Mercer owner. I was lucky, buying from Alex of Alistoyshed, I got to jump the line and had this beauty in 7 days from buy to delivery.
As purchased by me, the engine was missing it's factory made alcohol (meths) burner which slips under the scuttle's rear and is concealed within...original was lost somewhere in time...perhaps lack of a burner was the reason this engine has never had a fire under her!
Since I acquired this engine, Mamod forum friends provided photos and measurements of the steel meths burner, which I have recreated to the exact same dimensions in brass.
Here is the burner sitting just behind the engine where it is inserted.
It's not often I stumble upon both a bargain and a top quality piece of machining at the same. Well, in Feb. 2009 I did just that. While cruising eBay I came upon this:
In the seller's words...here's his description:
"This is a special project I've been working on and was rightly named "The Noise Maker, version NM2.51". A brand new item from Wolfgang Engineering.
This is a Steam Turbine Engine capable of reaching speeds of 25,000 rpm's with as little as 35 psi. It will run on 5 psi if you wish. It is most commonly run off of compressed air, but can be run off steam if so desired.
It is mostly constructed from 6061-6 Aluminum and Brass and is brought to a high polish finish. The outside of the brass ring measures 2.5", the base is approximately 3.5" long by 2" wide.
The turbine was designed and built with simplicity in mind and as a conversational piece.
There are a number of pieces to this steam turbine that need to work perfectly in order for it to run well. I do machine some of the parts with CNC machines, such as the turbine blade itself, but most of it is hand built with manual machines.
Each turbine is hand assembled and tested by me. The entire unit is made in house, right here in the
I must add that the turbine is suspended in two ball bearing races, so there is very little friction. I initially gave it a test run using compressed air with about 20 PSI behind it resulting in a very impressive spooling up sound that endears me to any
turbine that sounds like a jet taking off on my benchtop. I kept wondering how high that whine would go, but my small air compresser could only deliver 20 PSI max and not for very long given the high volume this piece takes to sustain operation.
So I decided to give this one the acid test, I hooked it up to a table top dedicated boiler capable of sustained 30 PSI steam output.
Oh my, that brought a smile to my face and I could not resist laughing out loud as it absolutely screamed.
PLEASE...check out the YouTube video that follows just below to enjoy the sound of this baby spooling up. I am absolutely delighted with the aptly named "Noise Maker" turbine and will be watching Wolfgang Engineering for future offerings...this was a winner for sure.
CLICK HERE for an instant video
A modern brand you may or may not have ever heard of comes to us from England.
First made in 2007, an "MF Twin" is a replica of a rare twin cylinder engine called the Mamod Minor 2. The original dates to 1939 and total production was no more than 100 pieces at that time. Very few of the originals survive to this day.
A gent named Ian, who goes by the online name of "MamodFan" opted to get into ltd. mfg. of a replica of the original Mamod twin. Ian launched his replica in 2007 with a goal of 100 total units. Ian sells direct via his website MF Steam , which also features Mamod and Bowman burners , chimneys and other spares he makes.
The following photo is courtesy of Ian's online postings and shows a genuine 1939 vintage Mamod Minor 2. You can see the superb recreation he has rendered in the subsequent photos.
Each MF twin bears a unique serial number in the series of 100 units. Aside from identifying your specific engine in the build sequence, the name/serial number also prevents someone from trying to pass these off as pristeen examples of the originals. Personally, I doubt any of the originals were as well made as these.
I was fortunate in April 2011 to pick up serial MF Twin #51, an unfired example from another steam collector. I should have bought one earlier, they are fantastic engines...I didn't realize it at first, but given my birth year is 1951, it's kind of neat that I got SN #51.
Here are some specifics copied directly from MF Twin website:
======================================================================================================
The MF Twin limited edition replica features:
Each MF Twin is individually engraved on the engine mount with its edition number showing that it is a genuine
MF Steam product. This engraving will also prevent it from being passed off as an original pre-WW2 product.
============================================================================================
I am partial to wooden plinths for appearance and to keep engines from dancing all over when running. I set mine up a bit on brass spacers for ventilation and quite like the look.
The firebox is much more robust than any Mamod I have ever seen and the black/red paint finishes are especially heat resistant...I wish I knew what paint Ian used, as my paint restorations never stand up so perfectly as what you see here.
I added one small feature in addition to the wood plinth, a magnet glued to the wood plinth such that it holds the steel burner tank in a fixed position, preventing any movement due to vibration.
When empty, you can even turn the whole engine upside down and the burner won't budge...a simple, cheap "fix" that is very useful.
I also added a brass vent tube to the cork stopper in the burner tank...experience has taught me that burners produce a cleaner/bluer flame if the tank can vent properly. Many users leave the 1/4" hole in the burner tank wide open to the air, but I am leary of alcohol fumes that close to a flame.
Should you fire an MF twin???
I'd like to comment on the "disclaimer" noted on MFsteam's website...it states that the engine is only intended for running on compressed air and/or for static display, NOT for flame firing. Being a small business, I imagine MFsteam felt obligated to make such a statement to protect themselves from the liability of injury, a sad reality in today's lawsuit happy society.
I think most steamers know they take some risk every time they fire a steam engine (or plug in an electrically heated one), especially those of dubious past and/or in poor condition upon receipt. One look at Ian's workmanship and at least this steamer had no qualms about firing it...I did so 5 times in one day! I know many other buyers have done the same with their MF twins and like me, been rewarded with a delightful experience.
DON'T let the "do not fire" disclaimer deter you from buying or fully enjoying such an engine if you acquire one...they are better made than 90% of the stuff available new from the major makers!
A young man from Australia is making a name for himself by producing a line of unique steam engines. His name is Ben Peake, a trumpetmaker by trade, but with a keen eye to making engines as well.
Ben's website is a joy to navigate, check it out!
The Peake No. 2 Engine
Ben has named the engine above his "Peake No. 2", it is a "2" in the sense that it's his second cast engine offering. The main body of his engine is cast aluminum with brass inserts for the crank shaft, a built in crankshaft oiler and a brass cap to top it off.
The Peake No. 2 is a single acting "upside down" steam engine and
the first of the Peake Engines to have a cast 'S' spoked flywheel. My specific example is number 12 of 25...a very small run of a very desirable engine.
The "as received" photo of the Peake 2 seen above is courtesy of steamer friend Geoff Walton...he was kind enough to let me use it as I forgot to take a photo of my engine before incorporating it into the plant visible further down this page.
Below is the back side of the engine showing the piston, cylinder and crank.
The integrated oiler supplies lubrication to the crankshaft and there is an integrated pulley for driving accessories if desired. The engine
is reversible and the valve timing is adjustable.
Peake No. 2 Specifications
Bore: 12.7mm (1/2")
Stroke: 16mm (5/6")
Valve travel: 3mm
Flywheel Diameter: 88mm (approx 3.5")
Height: 130mm (5.1")
Base: 102mm (4") (at the widest point)
The Peake No. 3 Sun and Planet Engine
My second Peake engine is an oscillator with a Boulton & Watt design called the "Sun and Planet Gear", first patented in 1791 as a way to convert motion of the piston into rotary motion.
The Sun and Planet Gear is neat to watch in action and has the unique property of rotating the flywheel twice for every cycle despite the gears having the same number of teeth.
This property enables a lighter flywheel compared to a standard engine configuration.
Below is the back side of the engine showing the oscillator with the Peake rendition of Sun and Planet gearing.
Ben has added some nice cosmetic features to this offering.
Features include an integral name plate with the engine's serial number (51 of 60 in my case) and a second Peake Engines name plate (which I remounted for better visibility in the plant setup)
An integrated crankshaft oiler is included, a convex flat belt pulley, a lovely Royal Blue paint job and it's all presented proudly on a piece of rare Australian Silver Oak.
That bit of wood is really quite beautiful.
Peake No. 3 Specifications
Bore: 8mm (5/16'')
Stroke: 23.5mm (0.925'')
Base: 90 x 52mm (3.5 x 2'')
Height: 82mm (3.2'')
Flywheel Diameter: 47mm (1.85'')
Number of Gear Teeth: 24
The Peake No. 2 AND No. 3 Combination Engine Plant
Just for fun and functionality, I have married both my Peake 2 and 3 engines with a Jensen 60 boiler/firebox to provide the steam and mounted the works on a wood plinth. I made up a vaporizing alcohol burner earlier to fire the boiler as shown in the photos below, but now prefer to run it using a gas burner as seen in the video at the end of this section.
Below...an in progress stage of pipe fitting...
Each engine can be run separately or both run together given dedicated steam regulators. I prefer to
watch the action of the reverse side of each engine, while still being able to see the
flywheel.
My "backwards" mounting of both engines vs. the traditional "front" was purposeful to best enjoy the view.
Given the
positioning of the inlet/outlet tubes on the engines, this layout also
fit better with my wanting to position the engines to the left and boiler
to the right.
Condensate is piped out the rear of the wood base under the firebox.
Another creation from the shop of Wolfgang Engineering. The TF-10 as the maker named it has the appearance of a turbo-fan engine off a jet airplane...very cool to look at and even cooler to spin it up to speed.
Here is the technical background in the maker's own words:
"This could be my most ambitious project to date. It is the TF-10, a mini Turbo-Fan model based off of the AM-10 turbine design.
I placed a 1.5", 18 blade turbine fan in the front, machined from solid Brass. The fan cover and cone are machined from solid 6061-6T polished Aluminum which gives it a nice contrast. This is NOT a static model.
The fan blade actually rotates when air pressure is entered through the back. It turns the same 0.860 micro turbine blade the AM-10 has and brings the turbo-fan to approximately 35,000 rpm with about 45 psi.
The total height of the model stands 3.5" tall and is placed on a 2" by 3.5" solid Aluminum base. You can also see all of the small detailed parts that go into the project.
There are many pieces that have to go together just right in order for everything to work out properly, and each model is hand assembled to make sure everything works.
I will not be building too many of these. They are very difficult and time consuming to put together especially, when working with such small pieces, some only 1/8" across".
More pictures just because I'm very taken with this engine...what a cool addition to the Temple!
Below...a look inside the main part of the engine...(maker's photo)
My present air supply is very limited and doesn't do this engine justice. I will add a video with sound as soon as I can find a friend with a high PSI air compressor.