Model Steam Engine

[spdpug98]

Not sure if this the correct section but seems the most logical

I have promised my 6 year old I'd buy him a mini/model steam engine, I think he's been watching too may things on Discovery (plus I like the idea of building one too!!)

Now, all of this is very new to me and after a bit of Google'ing I've come up with either a Wilesco D9 or a Mamod Static engine, I really like the idea of us having to build it together rather than buying something already built

Is there anyone who has built/bought something similar and able to offer any advice

[Zad]

It is possible, but not cheap. Something like this?

http://www.grahamind.com/tvr1a.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmLEnD7IdUE

It will run happily on compressed air if you have an air source. Otherwise it will obviously need a steam boiler, which isn't really the sort of thing you can knock together safely. It will also more than double the cost of the kit.




(Watch it running, the static photo doesn't do it justice)

[spdpug98]

That's an amazing bit of kit, although probably a bit much for the first build, thinking something that's simple'ish to build

[horacethefrog]

How about this?

[spdpug98]

horacethefrog said:

How about this?

I saw that the other day but only looking at spending c. £150, but funnily enough when I showed my 6 year old the static engine today he said but I want one that moves, like a car or a steam engine like Guy Martin was driving on How Britain was Built

[jmorgan]

Get yer wallet out.
http://www.gyroscope.com/

Links down the left hand side. Might be something there for your son as well.


Edit. opps, not many kits.

Edited by jmorgan on Saturday 3rd November 21:15

[spdpug98]

jmorgan said:

Get yer wallet out.
http://www.gyroscope.com/

Links down the left hand side. Might be something there for your son as well.


Edit. opps, not many kits.

Edited by jmorgan on Saturday 3rd November 21:15

No, but have you seen the steam turbine for £1400!!!

[Zad]

I'd definitely go for a Stirling engine then. You can get cheap cardboard ones for £20 or so, via £100 metal kits to lord knows where.

[jmorgan]

spdpug98 said:

No, but have you seen the steam turbine for £1400!!!

Nice toys in there...

The Hero turbine is tugging at me. I remember them from my science books when I was a nipper. Don't know why, but the age of it and the simplicity.

[dr_gn]

spdpug98 said:

Not sure if this the correct section but seems the most logical

I have promised my 6 year old I'd buy him a mini/model steam engine, I think he's been watching too may things on Discovery (plus I like the idea of building one too!!)

Now, all of this is very new to me and after a bit of Google'ing I've come up with either a Wilesco D9 or a Mamod Static engine, I really like the idea of us having to build it together rather than buying something already built

Is there anyone who has built/bought something similar and able to offer any advice

FWIW I'd definitely go for the Wilesco D9.

I've got a Mamod TE1a Traction Engine and a small stationary engine bought by my Dad decades ago. Both have a cylinder that rocks about a pivot to open and close the steam ports. I always thought that these versions are a bit clunky. The Wilesco D-9 seems to have a 'proper' sliding valve driven by an eccentric, and personally I like that system much more from an aesthetics and engineering point of view - they seem more intriguing to watch, and it replicates a 'real' steam engine more closely. Of course its in kit form too, so I'd say you've found your own answer.

A freind of my Dad's had a Wilesco twin cylinder steam plant with a generator powering a lamp - it ran like a sewing machine and was a beautiful piece of kit. Expensive no doubt!

And BTW very well done to you for encouraging and educating your son. If he's really into steam engines, then take him to the Kelham Island Industrial Museum in Sheffield. They have an absolutely awe-inspiring steam engine there which would undoubtedly make him more keen on the stationary engine option!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lW0PJu8wUg

[Zad]

On your way to Kelham Island, stop off at Papplewick pumping station. Just down the M1.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyvnOAppQnU

[mrmaggit]

spdpug98 said:

horacethefrog said:

How about this?

I saw that the other day but only looking at spending c. £150, but funnily enough when I showed my 6 year old the static engine today he said but I want one that moves, like a car or a steam engine like Guy Martin was driving on How Britain was Built

Well, that was a Fowler Ploughing Engine, late 1800's model, single cylinder with vertical steering. This gave way to the Model V, which had a sloping steering shaft. This was much less likely to throw the steersman out if the front wheel hit anything in the road (decent size stones were quite capable of this, and were searched for most diligently!).

My father made 3 model V's in 3" scale, they each weighed half a tonne. He sold the matching pair some years ago and I still have the last one. You don't want to know how much though. ;o)

[dr_gn]

Mentioned this thread to my Dad who said he was going to suggest a steam engine for my 5 year old. Just ordered the Wilesco catalogue.

Dammit this forum doens't half cost me some money...

[slomax]

My dad had one of these as a kid


http://www.mamod.co.uk/shop-categories/1313c-centu...
(it might be slightly different, but from what i recall it looks exactly the same, might be a different shade of green)

I still have it, in its original box and all parts, it even has the price written on the box in pencil! (probably from the 60's)

Any way, as i was getting more into engineering and mechanics and cars, my parents and relatives all clubbed together to get me one of these kits for Christmas and birthday one year.



http://www.mamod.co.uk/shop-categories/1405-fire-e...

I think i was about 12 at time.

I loved building it up with my dad and its pretty cool and interesting.

It doesnt get used much now as its a pain to fill the boiler and find a nice flat space to run it in. We have a tiled kitchen floor, but the grouting gaps make it not very smooth and it will get stuck occasionally. Mamods really are built to last though and i can see the ones i have now being passed down to my kids (if and when i have any).

If i was to get another i would definitely get a static one and make it do something cool, like a pencil sharpener or paper shredder. Mainly because otherwise it will be forgotten. I would happily spend 15minutes or so firing it up to sharpen a pencil. It usually takes that long to find a bloody pencil sharpener anyway!

[slomax]

Just seen this on the Wilesco Website!

THAT IS SO COOL

Tempted to buy one for my room at uni. Will encourage me to go out and get some smelly candles to make my room smell nice, and warm it up a touch too!

At least then the GF cant complain that my room doesn't smell nice, or i'm not romantic etc etc......

[onesickpuppy]

You bds just cost me £70. Old Mamod Minor 2 off EBay. Should arrive Monday.

Edited by onesickpuppy on Friday 9th November 22:21

[Cyder]

Dads got a static Mamod, I'm going to have to get him to fire it up next time I'm down!

[GTO Scott]

Bah. I wasn't allowed Mamods or the like when I was a child, so when I grew up I went off to play with these instead:



But now I'm searching the 'bay for a Mamod. Ideally I'd like the steam roller.

I can see this being expensive

[slomax]

onesickpuppy said:

You bds just cost me £70. Old Mamod Minor 2 off EBay.

Mrs OSP: you had a heavy parcel arrive today, what is it?
OSP: Its a model steam engine from the 80's (?), it's really cool!

• unwraps box like a 12 year old boy at christmas"

OSP: look how awesome it is!
Mrs OSP: You paid £70 for that piece of old crap, what does it do?!
OSP: Look it does this.

• spends the next half hour setting it up*

pft pft pft pft pft pft



i haven't shown my girlfriend my two steam engines yet.
FOR GOOD REASON!

[dr_gn]

Just bought a Wilesco D20 off EBay.

Damn this forum.