Steam engine model failures

[drsportster]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2SM59CF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 Bought this little steam engine Because i thought it would be fun to watch run . It is a total failure with the boiler never making enough steam to spin the engine , Very disappointing and big waste of time because it is getting returned Avoid this product

 

[Ericp351]

If you lack the skills to home build, the Britts have long made quality, no machining, kits.

 

[RedMF40]

Dad was into antique and vintage toys, brought home some little power unit that ran on steam. Had a flywheel maybe size of a silver dollar. It actually worked when he fired it up. Some strange little white tablets were the fuel. I was too young to understand what it was all about.

 

[cushman]

Your engine seems to have the boiler quite a ways above flame to run.
I have an electric Jenson model 25 that runs quit well

 

[Absent Minded Farmer]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2SM59CF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 Bought this little steam engine Because i thought it would be fun to watch run . It is a total failure with the boiler never making enough steam to spin the engine , Very disappointing and big waste of time because it is getting returned Avoid this product

Change your heat source. I'd put it over a blue flame, like a bunsen burner.

Mike

 

[tom upton]

My Dad had a life long friend by the name of Johnny Crooks. He was a master at building mini replica steam and gas engines so detailed that if you saw a picture you would think it was the real deal. He once came for a visit and he had built a replica 1/16 scale fairbanks and morris gas engine the same as Dad had used on the farm to power the milking machine grinder etc etc. set it on the tailgate of his truck and fired it up! He also built I think about a 1/12th replica of a 10/20 McCormick that was totally functional! Even made his own rifles! The real amazing part was this was long before cnc machining,3D printing etc. Truly a super talented, and humble

individual, the likes of which will never be replaced.

 

[RedMF40]

Amazing work, hard to get my mind around how intricate it is. Thanks for sharing, hope the models are displayed where people can appreciate them.
Gerrit

 

[greenmech]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2SM59CF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 Bought this little steam engine Because i thought it would be fun to watch run . It is a total failure with the boiler never making enough steam to spin the engine , Very disappointing and big waste of time because it is getting returned Avoid this product

My Dad had a life long friend by the name of Johnny Crooks. He was a master at building mini replica steam and gas engines so detailed that if you saw a picture you would think it was the real deal. He once came for a visit and he had built a replica 1/16 scale fairbanks and morris gas engine the same as Dad had used on the farm to power the milking machine grinder etc etc. set it on the tailgate of his truck and fired it up! He also built I think about a 1/12th replica of a 10/20 McCormick that was totally functional! Even made his own rifles! The real amazing part was this was long before cnc machining,3D printing etc. Truly a super talented, and humbleView attachment 165108 individual, the likes of which will never be replaced.
View attachment 165108

You could run air to it for the engine to run. Ron MN

 

[Fixingfarmer]

Dad was into antique and vintage toys, brought home some little power unit that ran on steam. Had a flywheel maybe size of a silver dollar. It actually worked when he fired it up. Some strange little white tablets were the fuel. I was too young to understand what it was all about.

Esbit tablet for camping stove dad used to call them an alcohol tablet but I don’t think that’s correct. Burns hot for about 8-10 min

I also have one of these little steam engines several companies make them

 

[showcrop]

Dad was into antique and vintage toys, brought home some little power unit that ran on steam. Had a flywheel maybe size of a silver dollar. It actually worked when he fired it up. Some strange little white tablets were the fuel. I was too young to understand what it was all about.

I had the same thing when I was a kid. I looked up the fuel. It is called hexamine. I recall a distinctive smell to it. I don't think that the engine was around for very long. I may have worn it out quickly.

 

[Dusty MI]

I've got a toy steam engine that sits vertical and is electric. I remember running it, maybe 80 years ago. I've still got it, hasn't been run for maybe 80 years.
Dusty

 

[RedMF40]

I had the same thing when I was a kid. I looked up the fuel. It is called hexamine. I recall a distinctive smell to it. I don't think that the engine was around for very long. I may have worn it out quickly.

Yes, hexamine. Looks like people use them for camp stoves and other things. Maybe an emergency backup fuel as they are pretty small.

 

[miangus]

I had a toy one, wish I could find it. It ran great on the little white tablets. When I saw the heading, I thought maybe a boiler explosion.

 

[Hemmjo]

Dad was into antique and vintage toys, brought home some little power unit that ran on steam. Had a flywheel maybe size of a silver dollar. It actually worked when he fired it up. Some strange little white tablets were the fuel. I was too young to understand what it was all about.

My dad gave me one of those when I was maybe 10. So 67 years ago. Flywheel is about 3”. Still have. Burned little white tablets. Search for Esbit. It is solid fuel used by campers.

Found this.

Esbit 4g Solid Fuel Tablets for Backpacking & Camping Stoves & Grills, 1300-Degree Smokeless Emergency Fire Starter Squares, 60 Pack​

 

[Hemmjo]

I was outside on my phone for the previous response. Now I am inside and see what you have, it is very cool.

If I had that I would try insulating the boiler. As previously mentions the heat is too far from the boiler. Also too much heat is lost without heating the water. Get some aluminum foil from the kitchen. Make a "hat" for the top of the boiled. Does not have to be pretty, just needs to keep air from flowing freely over the top. Then make a "fire box" to fit around the borrom. Dont try to make it air tight as it needs air for combustion and needs to exhaust. Right now, it is like trying to heat your house in the winter with a hole in the roof and all the windows open.

Let is know how it goes.

Here s a crude picture of my thoughts. Maybe a few holes at the bottom of the "fire box"/

 

[drsportster]

I was outside on my phone for the previous response. Now I am inside and see what you have, it is very cool.

If I had that I would try insulating the boiler. As previously mentions the heat is too far from the boiler. Also too much heat is lost without heating the water. Get some aluminum foil from the kitchen. Make a "hat" for the top of the boiled. Does not have to be pretty, just needs to keep air from flowing freely over the top. Then make a "fire box" to fit around the borrom. Dont try to make it air tight as it needs air for combustion and needs to exhaust. Right now, it is like trying to heat your house in the winter with a hole in the roof and all the windows open.

Let is know how it goes.

Here s a crude picture of my thoughts. Maybe a few holes at the bottom of the "fire box"/

View attachment 165247

I will try that I have nothing to lose