From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base
Model steam engine
Steam engine used as a demonstration model
Steam engine used as a demonstration model
A model steam engine is a small steam engine not built for serious use. Often they are built as an educational toy for children, in which case it is also called a toy steam engine, or for live steam enthusiasts. Between the 18th and early 20th centuries, demonstration models were also in use at universities and engineering schools, frequently designed and built by students as part of their curriculum.
Model steam engines have been made in many forms by a number of manufacturers, but building model steam engines from scratch is popular among adult steam enthusiasts, although this generally requires access to a lathe and/or milling machine. Those without a lathe can alternatively purchase prefabricated parts.
History
In the late 19th century, manufacturers such as German toy company Bing introduced the two main types of model/toy steam engines, namely stationary engines with accessories that were supposed to mimic a 19th-century factory, and mobile engines such as steam locomotives and boats. Later, especially in the early 20th century, steam rollers, fire engines, traction engines and steam wagons began to appear. At the peak of their popularity, around the mid 20th century, there were hundreds of companies making steam toys and models. Today, companies such as Wilesco (Germany), Mamod (UK), and Jensen (US) continue to produce model/toy steam engines.
Design features
Toy steam engines will commonly have fewer features (such as mechanical lubricators or governors), and operate at lower pressures, while model steam engines will place more emphasis on similarity to life-sized engines. Manufacturers such as Wilesco sell both simple toy engines for beginners (e.g. the D3) and more intricate model engines that are meant to be used to drive things like workshops or boats.
Model steam engines typically use hexamine fuel tablets, methylated spirits (aka meths or denatured alcohol), butane gas, or electricity to heat the boiler. Cylinders are either oscillating (single-acting or double-acting) or fixed cylinder using slide-valves, piston valves or poppet valves (normally double-acting). Spring safety valves and steam whistles are other common features of model steam engines. Some stationary engines also have feedwater pumps to replenish boiler water, allowing them to run indefinitely as long as sufficient fuel is available.
Gallery
File:Cyldon 3.jpg|Vintage oscillating-cylinder engine by Cyldon File:Wilesco D24 EL cropped.jpg|Electrically heated Wilesco D24 File:Mamod fire engine fe1.jpg|Mamod fire engine File:Wolfsonian-FIU Museum - IMG 8242.JPG|Model steam engine in the Wolfsonian-FIU museum File:Wilesco-dampfmaschine-D161.jpg|Model steam engine with attached workshop
Notes
References
- "Penn State Engineering: Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department Split".
- Hasluck, p. 10
- Hasluck, p. 21
- Rooks, Marcus. (2008). "Toy Steam Accessories".
- "Wilesco steam engine | tradition and innovation made in germany".
- Hasluck, p. 14
This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.
Ask Mako anything about Model steam engine — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.
Research with MakoFree with your Surf account
Create a free account to save articles, ask Mako questions, and organize your research.
Sign up freeThis content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.
Report