Model steam engine

Stationary model steam engines have been produced since the beginning of the 20th century. They serve the entertainment and understanding of physical processes. Compared to "big" steam engines they usually work for a simpler, more inefficient method.

The stationary model steam engine

Construction

The standard models have a boiler base ( usually stamped tin, to mimic the brickwork ), on which a simple, cylindrical steam boiler is arranged. This is a valve and a pipe with a reciprocating steam engine connected (consisting of cylinders, pistons, valves, rods and flywheel ). From the building also stands a chimney dummy. Boiler and steam engine are mounted on a common metal plate.

Operation

Water (preferably distilled to avoid scale ) is placed in a boiler according to the model by Esbit, lighter gas, alcohol, or electricity for cooking, in order to gain the necessary for the operation of steam. A pressure relief valve prevents an explosion of the boiler. Through a sight glass, the water level must be observed in order to avoid overheating of the boiler. The steam is passed through a tube to the actual machine, the structural unit of the cylinder, piston, connecting rod and flywheel. The unit is operating in an oscillating in simpler versions, more expensive models have a prototypical fairer slider control. The exhaust steam is delivered on larger models through the chimney of the boiler house, creating a smoking simulated.

Accessories

For model steam engine accessories are available, among others, in the form of various machine tools, but can not do any useful work due to the low power of the steam engines, but are just examples. Also carousels and generators are available. The drive is typically on endless coil springs serving as the elastic drive belt. About transmissions more drive models can be powered by a steam engine.

Different types of construction

In the compact " stationary Locomobiles " is the steam engine mounted on the boiler, which corresponds to the classical Locomobiles. The models were widely used by the small footprint and low heat loss through the short steam lines.

The so-called "standing stationary model steam engines " are a - less known - subspecies. The name refers to the upright arrangement of boiler and engine. Such steam engines was often used in the real world as ship propulsion. The integrated in the upright boiler fire tube, the fuel is effectively utilized, the fuel loading is therefore made ​​smaller.