Hey everyone who loves steam engines. I am Rin and I am a high school student in Budapest. I've always loved steam engines, but i am no expert, and this school year i have to make something as a project and I've decided to design my own steam engine. I've gotten myself some books related to the topic, but because they are ancient, very technical and English isn't my first language it's hard for me to understand them and I can't get started with designing. I am looking for someone who could help and mentor me via skype or google meet a few times so I can finally start designing. Hope someone can help me. Happy Holidays. Greetings, Rin.
Greetings & warm welcome Rin.
I am not very tech savy, but hope someone here will help you in your quest 😀
Hi Rin,
Welcome to the Forum. You might find Elmer's engine drawings useful available free at:
https://www.myheap.com/metalworking/resources-downloads.htmlIf you have any questions, I might be able to answer them, though unfortunately I am not very good with computers, having not really progressed past emails.
Good luck with your project.
Take care Tony.
As mentioned above by Tony, Elmer's drawings are an excellent place to begin and are proven designs. Steam engines have been around and improved on for around 200 years so you may not need to redesign it. However if you still want one all your own, study all of Elmer's drawings and choose a style to develop. You might also look into Rudy Kouhoupt's designs as they are also excellent. (I hope I spelled his name right)
From what I can see your English is excellent.
Thank you for your kind words. I will definitely look at Elmer's drawing, they look helpful thus far. The thing is, that I also have the choice to use a working design and alter it, but in that case, ill won't be able to order the parts necessary, or will I? Are there any modeling stores where they make very specific equipment?
For those who would be so kind, as to help me, I mostly will need help on the part of valves (or how to play with steam (and make the piston move backward as well)), since that sector of the steam engine is the most complicated (for me at least).
Hi Aal,
The thing is, that I also have the choice to use a working design and alter it, but in that case, ill won't be able to order the parts necessary, or will I? Are there any modeling stores where they make very specific equipment?
I think if you can contacting a Model Engineering club would be an idea, not a problem here in the UK and I have several acquaintances in mainland Europe but alas not in Hungary, I tried the internet but couldn't find any there. What I think you need is something like:
https://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/Though perhaps European based, where they might even have Hungarian members. Or perhaps model engineering clubs that have web sights.
I hope this helps. Happy New Year.
Take care Tony.
Thanks, Tony, for all your kind words and for sending me the links. The book is beneficial and I hope I can find something.
quick update I have just spoken with my teacher and he told me I have to design at least one but it would be better if I could build two engines. The first one has to be the most simple steam engine ever and if I have extra time till the deadline (April) I can use my gained experience and make one a bit more beautiful. Ill try to find something in Elmers drawing, but what would you think is the most simple type of engine design that I can use as inspiration, and what is the most simple valve system?
i wish everyone a happy new year
regards
rin
After some reading and recommendations, i think ill will start with a wobbler-type engine from Elmers engines
Hi Rin,
Schooling is definitely different in Hungary, students here in the UK won't be back at their desks for another week. From what I remember there are a number of straight forward oscillating engines in Elmer's drawings. I have not made any of his engines however, if you haven't looked already looked in
https://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/ there is often a build thread of Elmer's engines and you might get answers from someone who has built what you are considering. Just had a look on the site and found this
https://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/threads/not-bad-for-a-college-student.34303/ not an Elmer but could prove useful.
Good luck with your project.
Take care Tony.