Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

Now, for my GRAND FINALE, late though it may be, let me present what I consider to be the finest JEWELS of my collection.

These little GEMS are decidedly rare, as they are almost never seen for sale, and though I have no idea how many of either were ever produced, I can assure you that it could not have been many, either in the original production in Japan, nor in the authorized copies later made in the UK by friends David (vpro) & Miles (logoman). I'm fairly certain that it was Miles that obtained the authorization to allow a copy to be produced, but David did all the superb tiny and intricate machining work to such high standards, that the copy is arguably much better than the original, which itself is truly superb.

These tiny treasures are four cylinder single acting engines with power way beyond their size or appearance, yet are very conservative of steam throughout their incredibly wide rpm range.

Clearly someday, I need to make actual use of one of these miniature machines that truly compliments its own qualities. But until that day they live a very sequester but certainly honored existence, as true "EYE CANDY'!!!

Here then, the Saito V4PR & TRIBUTE V4PR:



Once again, the camera lies, and you are best served judging speed by the sound these engines are making.

Clearly the Tribute engine revs significantly higher in the video, but I suspect there are two reasons for that. One is that the Saito engine is used, though not very, but likely has some old stiff steam oil lingering in its bearings and cylinders, while the Tribute engine has nothing but the lightest oil throughout. Also, the Saito engine's steam inlet is just slightly smaller diameter, thus pinching down the tubing just a bit more than it does on the Tribute engine.