I found this on PM Research website, seems a good value? The bronze/iron version is pictured at only $85 plus shipping...all aluminum is much less, I did not care for aluminum cyl bore but maybe the aluminum version comes with cyl liner or I could machine my own liner, but the bronze flywheel may help it idle lower and looks sharp.
Engine #3
When machined properly, these can be fine runners.
Engine #1 by pm reasearch...much larger flywheel at $129 plus shipping
Then these 3 from Stuart seem to be the ones in sub $150 range but priced in Euros. These are the ones I found but if you know of better options...would love to hear of them! Pre machined kits are welcome but may not be much in the sub $150 range....
Found this video of PMR #3 powering Generator...it is making very nice engine "noises" even on Compressed air!
I have not often seen drive belt on the big flywheel but is the go-to spot if higher rpm desired at the accessory. Love the flat belt drive to...this one is growing on me
https://youtu.be/DXtPVPkyAd4
I built a PM#3 last year.
https://www.officeofsteamforum.com/general-discussion/pm-research-3-steam-engine/msg25531/#msg25531
All the PM Research kit's I built seem pretty nice.
Thanks for posting krypto! About all I can judge on a video is how true the main flywheel runs...and more importantly if the engine will run smoothly at low rpm and pressure. Yours is among the best I have seen! Well done.
Ok, the thread will remain open as I like the sub $150 category as there not super involved projects, but I have pulled the trigger on a #3 casting kit. The single sided crank shaft greatly simplified machine work required.
Thanks. I'm finally starting to document the PM #3 build in my blog if that would be of interest.
Also don't forget to checkout bar stock engines for some fun builds like the DA wobbler I built.
Here's mine with a PMR generator i machined, and a couple of free harbor freight led flashlights as a load. The little weeden boiler is a little small for the task, but it does work. The generator was harder to build than the engine!
crazydoug
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgzZoyWeNFg
Thanks. I'm finally starting to document the PM #3 build in my blog if that would be of interest.
Also don't forget to checkout bar stock engines for some fun builds like the DA wobbler I built.
I read the blog and the tips and photos of setups where helpful, I want to see how slowly I can get mine to run reliable so I will study the drawings carefully before starting. Looking forward to the kit!
Of all those I think I like the PMR #1 the best , its not what I would suggest as a beginners build , but the elegance is memorizing , that large thin flywheel is difficult to turn down on a lathe. I have owned all of these engines at some point.
Of all those I think I like the PMR #1 the best , its not what I would suggest as a beginners build , but the elegance is memorizing , that large thin flywheel is difficult to turn down on a lathe. I have owned all of these engines at some point.
I watched the PMR #1 run on YouTube...it seems to have quite a long stroke for its size, think that enhances the look running. I may give it a go IF I have fun machining the PMR #3
This engine would look nice in a real Dark green or Dark blue IMO
This is the first all aluminum PMR #3 I have found running!...an aluminum kit would machine like butter but I went for the bronze/iron version. I suppose this might be a good way to go if you had a small hobby grade mill/lathe as the aluminum castings would not require as much rigidity as the iron kit.
https://youtu.be/xuHjK8ClWR0
I just finished building the Stuart "Progress" oscillating cylinder steam engine that was pictured in this thread. I sent to Stuart for the casting kit. Very easy to build and a great runner. The cast iron frame did have some hard spots, so used my solid carbide mills here. I am just about finished with the PM Research #3 engine, also. both will be run off my PM Research vertical boiler, when I get it finished. These are great COVID projects. Brad