Question 1: What is included in StirlingKit Company’s beam steam engine model engine kit?
A1: The kit includes various parts for assembly, a multi-tool, tweezers, and pre-assembled components such as the governor, flywheel, and boiler.
Question 2: This engine, what’s so special about it?
A2: The steam beam engine model has a horizontal boiler, a centrifugal ball governor, and comes with a full set of guidance drawings and plans. It comes well packaged with pre-assembled parts. This model of a steam beam engine with horizontal boiler and centrifugal ball governor. Equipped with a working centrifugal governor, this unique feature adds an interesting aspect to the engine's design.
Question 3: How many parts are in the model engine kit?
A3: It is estimated that 93 individual parts need to be assembled, but taking into account the assembly of multiple parts, the total number of parts may be closer to 200.
Question 4: What is the heat source of the model engine? What is the recommended fuel?
A4: The heat source is methylated spirit or similar substance poured into a hot plate under the boiler. Mineral water and alcohol containing 95% or more are recommended.
Question 5: Can the model engine run continuously and how to fine-tune it?
A5: During the demonstration, Marty ran the engine intermittently. He mentioned that some tweaks and adjustments were needed to achieve sustained operation.
Question 6: Is it recommended to run the machine on air pressure before using fuel?
A6: Run the machine on air pressure for 15 minutes before using actual fuel to wear it down and improve performance.
Question 7: What steps are taken to prepare the engine for the initial steam test in the video?
A7: Preparation involves adding water to the boiler, filling the burner with water, igniting it, and placing a drop of oil in the piston to lubricate the engine. These steps provide insight into the operating aspects of the engine.
Question 8: How is the boiler built and what materials are used?
A8: The boiler is made of brass tubes with central bolt-on end caps. It utilizes O-rings and rubber gaskets for sealing rather than being welded together.
Question 9: How to deal with potential fuel leakage during assembly?
A9: It is recommended to tilt the entire boiler forward rather than tilting the fuel tray to prevent spillage.
Question 10: What is the significance of the large water level window on the boiler?
A10: A large water level window provides a visual demonstration of vapor pressure in a liquid, providing insight into the science behind vapor generation.
Question 11: How to solve the need for slow operation to maximize boiler efficiency?
A11: It is recommended to run the engine as slowly as possible to make the most of the boiler's operating time.
Question 12: What is StirlingKit Company? What products do they produce?
A12: StirlingKit Company manufactures small model engines, offering a fascinating range of steam and internal combustion engines, steam fittings, valves, pipe fittings, water pumps, lubricators and complete steam boilers. Model engine home enthusiasts can build these engines. These engines are designed not only for display but also for actual functionality.
Question 13: Would it be possible to use the RETROL DIY Steam Beam Engine in conjunction with the FD-5 12V Miniature Motor - i.e. using it as a generator? Would it perhaps require a larger pulley on the steam engine to achieve sufficient RPM for the generator? Do you know if anybody has tried this combination before?
Question 14:I bought a Retrol Steam Engine Kit, and just finished assembling it. While rechecking torque of all bolts I found the one arm to counterweight had loosened up and fell off. I cannot rethread bolt into brass counterbalance wheel. Will not start. have sanded lightly and attempted to thread back in but will not start.. Alos the nose boiler is too short and has a kink, so I need longer hose to correct. can you assist?
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