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Author Topic: Ugears pneumatic engine  (Read 517 times)

ShadetreeMotorcycle

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Ugears pneumatic engine
« on: February 12, 2021, 04:38:40 pm »
I have built one of these some time ago, but the video is not mine. I still need to make a YouTube account.
  The engine is a bit of challenge, not because of complex build but dealing with wood and warp and it is "dowel" togather with round toothpicks. I painted mine vintage blue because I did not care for the burn color edges from laser cut, and did not want to sand away all the burn. What got me thinking about the model is I am currently collecting parts to run my steam engines on a compressed air tank so I don't have to listen to a compressor and can enjoy just the mechanical engine noises. The Model was designed to run by blowing up a balloon and the gentleman in video demonstrates this near end of video. I have some build tips if anyone wants to try this model, in fact I may build an improved one. These can sometimes be found on eBay below retail as people purchase and then perhaps overwhelmed by the # of parts or perhaps a child was not interested. The largest issue is the piston to bore fit has a lot of clearance and some of the toothpicks are warped. I purchased a box of premium toothpicks and spin them between my fingers and select only the straightest ones, this plus lube all moving parts with #2 pencil lead Greatly improved performance. Also valve timing set correctly is very important. Thought I would share.


Nick

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Re: Ugears pneumatic engine
« Reply #1 on: February 12, 2021, 04:44:56 pm »
I still need to make a YouTube account.

Yes, you do!  :D
Nick

ShadetreeMotorcycle

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Re: Ugears pneumatic engine
« Reply #2 on: February 12, 2021, 04:52:43 pm »
I still need to make a YouTube account.

Yes, you do!  :D

Haha....thanks for the reminder Nick! maybe I can work on setting that up this weekend. -Ben

ShadetreeMotorcycle

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Re: Ugears pneumatic engine
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2021, 04:43:03 pm »
I finally found my "Blue" engine, the paint is dusty and seeing it in the photo I can see I need to repaint the little red speed indicator needle and some touch up blue. The paint really hides the fact that it is all wood construction...sharp eyes may notice I upgraded a couple critical axles and Rods to music wire rather than stock toothpicks...the toothpicks do have one virtue over music wire, once you burnish them with pencil lead they hold it well. I can not get pencil lead to stick to the wire and this engine requires dry lube.