Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines
The Regular Stuff: Chat, Buy, Sell, Off Topic, etc. => General Discussion - Model & Toy Steam Engines – Stirling Cycle – Flame Lickers – Small Antique Originals => Topic started by: crazydoug on February 07, 2021, 11:39:43 am
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I too assembled one recently. An enjoyable couple of hours and it runs really well. Mine is destined to to onto a locomotive chassis.
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Nice Doug , i've been wanting a Graham engine for awhile...just never hit the button, how long do you think it took you to build ?
Close guess 5 hrs
Thank you 😊👌
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Nice Doug , i've been wanting a Graham engine for awhile...just never hit the button, how long do you think it took you to build ?
Close guess 5 hrs
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Nice Doug , i've been wanting a Graham engine for awhile...just never hit the button, how long do you think it took you to build ?
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Thanks for the write up on these Doug, appreciated mate!
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Nice quick build and a great runner 👍
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I was not aware of this manufacturer, I just ordered the kit in this thread And the horizontal variant! From videos I watched the vertical may run nicer and has the reverse feature, but the pricing seemed good for Machined kits and free shipping is available if your not in hurry! Thanks for showing us this fine running model!
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A very nice little engine, well done Doug :)
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I think Graham Ind. makes really fine engines. I only have the TVR1A vertical twin, which is basically two in tandem of your VR1A, but I must say that I am very impressed with this engine, and only wish I wasn't so far behind in my project list, or I'd be planning a nice boat to put it in!
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On Forum member Jan's advice, I purchased one of the Graham Industries machined kits. Their website leaves a lot to be desired, and because of that, I have no idea where this engine was coming from. I thought it was actually coming from over across the pond. Much to my surprise, it arrived in only a few days, because it actually came from New Mexico, right here in the USA.
I was quite impressed with the detailed parts list, with all the parts identified and numbered, and even more detailed page-by-page assembly instructions, with many full-color pictures. I appreciated that all the gaskets were already cut and ready to install, as they would have been very hard to make for this tiny engine. Although the tiny parts and especially the 0-80 screws were a bit of a strain on an old guy's eyesight, I did manage to get it fully assembled and running in an afternoon, even taking time out to change the oil in my wife's car.
It took right off running, with no problems at the suggested 30 psi air pressure. Within a few minutes, it was running smoothly at 5 psi. Since they recommend a two hour break-in period on air, I have not yet tried to steam it. I just might have to order another one of their kits shortly! I also considered some of the Stuart machined kits, but I have built most of them, as well. The only Stuart engine I would like to add to my collection at this point is the Stuart Progress, which does not come as a machined kit. So for now, it will have to go to the bottom of the list of wants. I have also ordered one of the cheap Chinese Stirling kits that Jim recommended, and another one, as well, that currently has not been reviewed by anyone on the Forum, so I may be the first to offer a review.
The next current build is a small digital alarm clock kit, which was only $13 with shipping, so it won't be hard to get my money's worth and provide a few hours of entertainment, until I can get back out to my shop.
Here are the pictures of this engine, from unopened box to completed engine:
[attachimg=1][attachimg=2][attachimg=3][attachimg=4][attachimg=5][attachimg=6][attachimg=7][attachimg=8]
https://youtu.be/0l1-jEKVhtE