Oscillating 4 Cylinder Model Boat Steam Engine. Built

Specification :- Double Acting..

• Bore                                              1/2" ( 12.7 mm )
• Stroke                                           12 mm
• Piston Ring                                   Vitron 1/2" O/D. 1/16" Wall Thickness. 3/8" I/D.
• No Cylinders                                 4
• Working Presure                          30-35 Psi
• Cylinder Spring Pressure             800 to 1000 gms
• Lubrication                                    Displacement Design
• Control                                          Speed and Direction from Top Rotating Control ( Only 1 Servo Required ) 
• Control Movement                       + and - 45 Degrees ( for full forward to stop to full reverse )
• Steam Inlet                                   5/32 Pipe ( Nipple + Nut Supplied )
• Steam Exhaust                             5/32 Pipe ( Nipple + Nut Supplied )
• Thread Size Steam Unions          1/4" by 40 ME 
• Output Shaft                                 5 mm  
• Output Shaft Length                    30 mm 
• Shaft Height                                 10 mm ( Center of Shaft to Base Mounting )
• Crank Bearings  ( 6 off )              5 mm Ball Race
• Oscillating Bearings  ( 4 off )       3 mm Ball Race
• Overall Height                              90 mm
• Overall Width                               120 mm ( Pipe Union to Pipe Union )
• Overall Length                             110 mm
• Mounting Holes                            2.5 mm ( Enlarge to suit yourself )
• Mounting Holes Left / Right        74 mm ( Distance between centers approx )
• Mounting Holes Front / Rear       60 mm ( Distance between centers approx )
• Weight                                           1.6 Kg  ( 1600 gm )

      Material                                         

• Main Block / barrels                     Brass to Spec CW614 / CZ121
• Piston Rods                                    3 mm Silver Steel
• Cylinder Compression Bars          3 mm Silver Steel
• Main Drive Shafts                         5 mm Silver Steel
• Output Shaft                                  5 mm Silver Steel
• ALL Fastners                                 Stainless Steel
• Gear Wheel Size                           0.75 Mod by 24 Teeth by 6 mm Thick by 5 mm Bore
• Gear Wheel Fixing                        2 * 3 mm Stainless Steel Grub Screw
• Brass Flwheel Fixing                     2 * 3 mm Stainless Steel Grub Screw

Power Output

This is a difficult question to answer. Each cylinder has a similar specification as the ones used on the very succesfull Cheddar Models Puffin.

I would therfore assume that as my design has 4 cylinders then the power output is twice the Puffin.

There is of course a power loss in the gear system but a power loss reduction due to using ball races on all main shafts and oscillating pin bearings.

The design criteria was for a small compact steam engine capable of powering a 36+ inch model boat. No external linking pipes and no silver soldering.

I have designed and built an engine that is easy to maintain and has a long life due to use of ball bearings where possible.

The engine is free running and will operate on very low pressures ( so low that by blowing or sucking the steam inlet will cause the engine to rotate ).

Proportional Speed Control is via the steam control located on the top of the engine, movement is +45 degrees to -45 degrees to go from full forward to stop to full reverse.

Oil consumption is dependant on steam pressure, air temperature, engine revs and load.

To this extent it is suggested that trial runs are carried out to evaluate when to stop and replenish the supply. ( use ONLY proper model oscillating engine oil NOT car engine oil ).

As a guide running on the bench with no load at 3/4 max revs for 20 Mins resulted in the Lubricator becoming half empty ( half full ? )

A syringe is supplied to allow the displacement lubricator to be emptied of oil/water ready for refilling with correct steam oil.

Also supplied are 4 spare 'o'rings for pistons and a spare 'o' ring for the lubricator ( total 5, same size for all )

It is reccommended that a sepearate stop valve is fitted between the boiler and the engine. This will allow the lubricator to be inspected / refilled without having to vent the boiler to 0 PSI

When refilling the Lubricator add a small drop of oil to each of the gears.

Note. The gears are Steel and will need to be kept oiled to resist corrosion. ie oil up after every run prior to storing away .

I have Run the engine for a total of 60 Mins to 'bed in' the cylinder surfaces. To this extent although the engine is new it will appear discoloured and will look 'used'.

If running on Air Pressure ensure the matting surfaces of the cylinders and block are kept well lubricated.

NOTE .. DO NOT REMOVE THE OIL CAP IF THERE IS ANY PRESSURE IN THE DELIVERY PIPE TO THE ENGINE .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z3llZRdhYM        (Running on Air )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxcfeZDK6wU      ( Running on Steam  )

If you have any questions then email me at jerry.irwin@homecall.co.uk or contact me through the Ebay system

Good luck in bidding.

Feed back is important to me as I'm sure it is to you

Therefore if for any reason you are not happy with your purchase then please contact me.

There is always a way to resolve problems.

POSTAGE INFORMATION

Postage is by Post Office recorded / signed for next day  delivery within the UK  £9.50 

Postage to Euope is by Small Package International Air Mail Signed For  £15.00

Postage to rest of world is Small Package Air Mail Signed For £27.00  

NOTE... I may use other Couriers

Payment is PayPal, Cheque or postal orders ( not crossed )

( Please allow 7 days for cheque clearance from date when banked  )

Please note:

 I always get proof of post, and Signed For where neccasary. I cannot gurantee delivery although I can say that I have never lost a delivery.