These steam machines are real miniature live steam engines. Principles are simple, heat + water = steam, steam pushes pistons and provides power in a circular motion…. how you harness that work is up to you :) I use mainly stationary or marine engines to start. They use alcohol, gas, or solid fuel tablets for heat, and requires oiling on each run.
I have no machining skills or equipment, the only power tool that I use is my trusty Dremel. Therefore I spend a lot of time finding the right parts to build with. I frankenstein as much existing proven mechanics from toys or R/C vehicles as possible.
Hmm, “frankenstein” used as a verb. That’s unique too.
They aren’t the first steam powered “toys” around, British company Mamod (http://www.mamodonline.co.uk/) have been making such things for a long time. But these do look a little more unusual than the simple Mamod engines.
Oh I do like that.
COOL!!!
VERY COOL. Every time I go to the Henry Ford Museaum in Detroit i feel like getting one of the steam engines (runs a mini-generator) they have in their gift shop. The one’s he’s made (crabfu.com) are DEF much cooler!!