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

Oh I’m tempted. The ignition will run on anywhere from 6-12V. The electric starter will also, though current drain at lower voltage will skyrocket under the momentary load.  The fan would likely run on even less, simply slower. 
I actually have a 7.2V nmh battery from an RC car. It’s a few years old, and actually puts out about 6.6v with a full charge.
I’m sorely tempted to make up a temporary connection and give it a spin. I could’ve done that at any point I suppose, mashing up a temporary radiator support, etc. but once I’d cut and glued up the base, and began my admittedly mediocre metal work on the radiator housing/support, I decided to get it all done first.  Yesterday morning all I really had left was the throttle linkage and quadrant. Nobody else I’ve seen video of has even bothered with those bits.
But I was determined to hold the line and do it properly.  Whether my resolve holds out longer than the newly slowed postal system remains to be seen. But I find it curious that DHL or FEDEX can get something into my hands faster from China than a seller in a neighboring state can get things through the mail. Ordered 12/2, USPS picked up the shipment on 12/4. I could almost walk there by now.