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

Hello folks. New member, waiting not so patiently for an M91 ordered a few days ago.

My background includes R/C gas Airplanes up to 6hp, nitro outboards, etc.  So I’m not exactly new to small engines etc.  but like many, I suppose, I’ve always been enamored with hit and miss engines, played with one used by a friends family to pump water and spin a milking machine in a barn without power many years ago.  That engine ran at least twelve hours a day, and nonstop all winter around the clock for fifty years.

In doing my reading and viewing the many fine videos, I’ve stumbled into a bit of confusion here and there. 
Several years ago, when I owned a four stroke scooter made in Taiwan, I had occasion to research gasoline.  It turns out that in many parts of the world, the very same 87-89 octane we have in the US is tested using a different method and scale, and is called 95 octane.  Bottom line, what they’re calling for is bog standard gasoline, If you so choose.
Like many, I’m not a fan of mixing ethanol and gas, one or the other, thanks, so I’ll stick to zippo or Coleman. Even zippo won’t break the bank. It’s not like we use gallons at a rip.  I do like MMO, used it religiously in high revving engines as a bit of top oil, and have used it in high speed, high heat producing gun mechanisms with great results. 

Not sure what to make of the two versus three battery advice. My ham radio experience tells me that any circuit happy on lower voltage runs cooler and lasts longer than if it’s pushed. So I guess I’m gonna try two and see how that works. A dowel and wire and tape dummy is a two minute project. 

I like the one video I saw where the guy added a screw adjustable governor speed control. I’m hoping to use the engine to power some things, yet might also want to just run it low and slow for demo and enjoyment.  That seems the way to achieve that. Might also rig a timing adjust screw like he did just for giggles.  Thinking about adding an exhaust stack as might be used to direct exhaust up and to the side, as in an engine shed type installation.   

Also would like to know what anyone thinks of adding oilers? The little flip cap brass ones like old electric motors had seem to be available, and can be modded to reduce flow with a little JB weld and a smaller drip hole. 

Anyway, waiting for our friends in China to get it on its way. Tracking showed it’s been processed, so I’m guessing it’ll get a hop soon.