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

Hi all,
I am a complete newbie and I have never owned a steam engine model. I remember a friend having one when I was a kid and I was very jealous! So now I am almost 50 I thought I should do something about that jealousy! I dont have much to spend though, maybe £250-£300 at most. I have looked at wilesco but they seem to have mixed reviews. Has anyone got any advice for me please? I am going to need a boiler and engine. I live in the UK, on a relatively small Scottish Island(Lewis) which also might effect what I am able to order,
Thank you
Dave

Thanks Stoker,
I have been having a good look around the forum as you suggested. I would like something that I need to put together myself but without any machining to do. Its difficult both because of the amount of choice and overall cost. I really like the horizontal mill engines. So if anyone can offer further advice I would appreciate it, something that needs assembly but doesnt cost the earth! I guess my interest in steam power started with my Dad as he used to work on steam engines when he was young. Lots of stories from crashes to frying bacon on the coal shovel! Ive spent hours looking at traction engines and steam powered motors at County shows.More recently I visted a tin mine in Cornwall where they have a working beam engine, its well worth a visit.



I dont climb mountains much anymore Stoker, although I used to do some scrambling and I have hiked up a lot of the mountains in Scotland. My wife and I spent several months in Canada and Alaska before we were married. We visited Denali National park a couple of times and I loved the place, thats why denali makes its way into usernames and such all these years later!!

Thanks again for the advice, I might even make my mind up soon!

Cheers
Dave

Hey Dave

Just ran across this video of a possibility for you, but I see Charlie already posted a video showing a different kit engine from the same source. They do have several options for your consideration, including I.C., Steam and Stirling.

This appears to be a really nice one with lots of desirable details, though I'm unsure of the kits cost, but you can easily find that out yourself.

Here ya go:

https://youtu.be/ukdpCxa22W8?si=NZ4rPKwJAme6UhvO

  Good choice, Dave.   There are a number of youtube videos
about this engine - building, steaming, and some good tips
and mods.  I'd consider it for myself but already have several
'restore to running' projects up in the air.  Actually, I just
recalled I have a Christmas present PM Research machined kit
to build. 

So much fun,
Wayne

Hi all,
Engine arrived all the way from china today. Not bad postage really, took about 5 days. Comes in a good strong box and well packaged. I will look at putting it together over the weekend. What would you use in the burner? I have Isopropanol and also lamp oil?
Cheers
Dave

Good Luck!

  Regarding fuel....I suggest grain alcohol, in NY sold in liquor stores under
various names, as the cleanest of liquid fuels.  In fact, it is very useful
in the house, straight or watered down.  Just know that when alcohol catches
fire the flames are almost invisible.  Maybe keep a small wet towel to smother
any out-of-control flames.  A fire extinguisher wouldn't hurt.

Good Luck,
Wayne

Quote from: Denalidave on February 03, 2024, 07:00:42 am

Hi all,
Engine arrived all the way from china today. Not bad postage really, took about 5 days. Comes in a good strong box and well packaged. I will look at putting it together over the weekend. What would you use in the burner? I have Isopropanol and also lamp oil?
Cheers
Dave

Definitely want to use either Ethanol or Denatured Alcohol in that puppy for the cleanest burn with the least smell and soot. Ethanol is truly best if you can readily get full strength Everclear at a reasonable price, wherever you purchase ardent spirits. Otherwise, denatured alcohol works nearly as well, though it does have some less pleasant odors from the additives that make it toxic to drink, while it is generally available at hardware stores or paint stores at quite reasonable prices.

Or ......  You could purchase a butane or propane burner option and have the cleanest, most convenient way to fire your boiler short of electric heating!

I like to use denatured alcohol outdoors and 190 proof (95% pure) grain alcohol indoors such as Everclear and Graves. While more costly, I much prefer it indoors because denatured smells while burning after a while irritates your eyes and the rest of your family.

Gil

Hi all,
Engine arrived all the way from china today. Not bad postage really, took about 5 days. Comes in a good strong box and well packaged. I will look at putting it together over the weekend. What would you use in the burner? I have Isopropanol and also lamp oil?
Cheers
Dave

Any update on the build?