I would be the first to point out cardboard is NOT a great material to construct a working steam engine, however a persistent craftsman may achieve success...with a little help from aluminum foil and other bits.
I have ordered a kit out of curiosity! I believe the company makes a working Stirling cardboard kit and a few others as well.
https://youtu.be/0WwX9hjo9pA
And here we see the "smoking" chimney feature....I suppose I may be the only one here that thinks these are pretty neat
https://youtu.be/0haBwU6pl4M
They are pretty neat Ben , but for me...if I'm going to spend my time and effort on something , I want it to be with more durable materials such as metal and wood , I don't want the Grandkids spilling their juice box on it and have it curl up and be ruined.
They are pretty neat Ben , but for me...if I'm going to spend my time and effort on something , I want it to be with more durable materials such as metal and wood , I don't want the Grandkids spilling their juice box on it and have it curl up and be ruined.
I totally get where your coming from Bruce, this is actually a paper cardstock model (I downloaded the instructions) and not a 5 min build...more like 10 hrs!
What appeals to me is how Well you build it affects the performance, the manufacturer actually gives you a gauge to test your skill. It was designed to run on 5 tea candles, but to measure you start removing candles.
5 tea candles = beginner or child built
4 tea candles = better
3 tea candles = really good
2 tea candles = pro build/with mods
1 tea candle = no one has reported one running on a single candle(yet)
There are actually cardstock model forums where people build all sorts of models, scale buildings for model train layouts are popular and some are Very detailed. This thread perhaps belongs in one of those forums more than here? If it does not get much interest in the next couple days I will let it fade or a moderator can remove (I will not be offended in Any way) these type kits are not for everyone and even though it IS steam powered, it is at the very fringe of our forum hobby at best!
I agree with Bruce
I find them fun educative builds for students, but given the inferior quality my shoptime here is too dear to be spent on them.
I agree as well. It is most certainly an educational toy set.
However, as pointed out by Jan and Bruce, It seems a bit wasteful to expend 10 hours to assemble something something that at least feels like it could morph into a large mush spitball if left out in the rain overnight. (With todays coatings and treatments it may be more rugged than I think while still having that feel it should go straight to the recycling bin as soon as it's owner loses interest)
That said, kudos to all who take the challenge and time to get it together and running well.
Let us remember that even the most cheaply constructed steam toys of 50 to 150 years ago are in many cases still in our collections and still able to run today. I don't think you can say that will be the case with many of these.
It does have nicely printed surfaces on all exposed parts.
Is this the latest iteration of our throw away society?
Thought I would share a bit on just where all the 10 hrs of build time comes from!
Models of this type are made from greeting card paper stock of different grades, to create "structure" you laminate multiple layers, I don't have the kit in my hands yet, but it would not surprise me if the flywheels and beam are 6 layers(or more). The cardstock model crowd are constantly searching for the ultimate glue, water base glues cause warp and curl, but can be used IF you dry sub assembly parts clamped...say between premium hard cover books and weighted down. The hard core guys have even gone to the extent of having a few small plates of thicker Glass plate to use as premium "dead flat" drying fixtures! Solvent base glues are prefured and thick super glue drys "Hard" and water proof, so adding much needed structure but can be more difficult to work with.
If you have a Large number of hardcover books And a large work area to have Many parts drying "in the press" you likely could cut build time in half or better!
These kits Can teach youth valuable craftmanship, woodworking and laminating skills....I might Also suggest that person's with skill sets similar to say Jan and Bruce for example may be better served just bringing a youth out into the shop and teach them valuable Metal working skills! (And problem solving skills in general)
I don't think it's quite fair to compare a paper cardstock model to our traditional steam models constructed from what I like to call semi-precious metals, things like Silver solder, brass, copper, bronze, Nickel and cast iron are high value materials and thankfully many of our small models require only a few lbs or sometimes only a few oz of these premium material.
Also there Are a few persons that are never more happy than when they are building "something". the final product is not as much of a "prize" as the relaxation time! I may like to argue that time building paper models IS higher quality than say watching tv or playing video games! But agree that shop time spent creating things of Lasting quality is "Greater" than Cardstock modeling. The beauty is everyone can enjoy there free time in the way that gives them pleasure!
I just have to say it is a great idea, a real challenge to get
it to run correctly, and neat looking. Ensuring that the engine
has no water damage would be no more difficult than protecting
any number of ephemeral items such as books, magazines,
comics, family photos, records, books, artwork.....I'm sure
the list is longer. The only indestructible collectible that
I have is agate rough. Decorative glassware and pottery will
probably be ok if soaked. Non-electric metal collectibles will
make it too, if they are quickly recovered and dried (well, paint
on the surface might be a problem).
Given that, my paper collectibles that are in the basement
are kept on the higher shelves. During hurricane Sandy I had
water in my basement but only rocks were soaked. Well, other
boxes of junk, too, but nothing that counts as a loss.
The message is, don't let such worries stop you from having
some fun. If your friend buys one, and you think it is nonsense
because it is delicate, well, if you can't say something nice....
A bit wordy but sincere,
Wayne
I also agree that the hands on work required is the most fun part of these projects.
Gil
I would absolutely agree with Wayne and Gil.
https://youtu.be/BB0YIknxbn8Very amazing! I think this is like climbing a mountain. Sure it accomplishes nothing long last lasting but it's still impressive to me and a shows off skills.
I build paper* rockets now and then and building them isn't easy. I look forward to a seeing a paper* steam engine built. I think it is very appropriate for this forum.
*Obviously there may be glue, expoxy, plastic, rubber, etc involved too!
https://youtu.be/BB0YIknxbn8
Very amazing! I think this is like climbing a mountain. Sure it accomplishes nothing long last lasting but it's still impressive to me and a shows off skills.
I build paper* rockets now and then and building them isn't easy. I look forward to a seeing a paper* steam engine built. I think it is very appropriate for this forum.
*Obviously there may be glue, expoxy, plastic, rubber, etc involved too!
Someone in the home of that video is a fairly avid paper cardstock modeler!
In the video, on the steam engine, you see him pull the steam tube off and replace, it is a ring magnet! This is your "safety valve" in "tips to improve" performance, you can place a couple drops of Heavy oil on lid and fit magnet, the heavy oil slightly improves steam seal. "Small" gains matter as these run on very Little steam pressure.
I have seen a video of the Paper Stirling so well constructed, the Flywheel ran as true as a CD from a CD player!...Have seen one of the Paper steam engines that was built almost that well.
I enjoyed your Mountain Climbing Analogy....thanks for sharing CBWho!
Found another paper steam engine "kit"
This one is not rated for live steam but seems to run nicely on compressed air. The model in the video has had an upgraded flywheel fitted, they actually rolled paper tubes for spokes. The stock kit has a Much more basic flywheel.
I did find a paper cardstock modeling company that will let you download all sorts of "textures" that can be printed on cardstock to make your own kits. There bricks and stone masonry textures are impressive and realistic looking. This basic kit was printed in 1986 and can be found in used book stores for as little as $5
Not trying to promote, just thought I would share.
https://youtu.be/ZkmF9WaLxeA [ Guests cannot view attachments ]