Model steam engines are manufactured according to a variety of scales and gauges. The choice of scale and gauge is crucial as they are the major differentiating factors between the model steam engines.
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Review: Sunnytech® Hot Air Stirling Engine Model Educational Toy Sc02
Review of the Sunnytech® Hot Air Stirling Engine Sc02 The Sunnytech Single Flywheel Hot Air Stirling Engine is a well-crafted, fully working model which demonstrates the operational principles of Stirling engines. What is a Stirling engine? A Stirling engine is an external combustion engine. That is, it is an engine that gets its energy from an external heat source, in contrast to the internal combustion engine where the heat input is generated within the engine itself. The Stirling engine was invented in 1816 by Robert Stirling, who wanted to create an alternative to existing steam engines, whose boilers could often explode because of the high steam pressures used and the strength limitations of the materials available to engineers at the time. How does a Stirling engine work? Like all heat engines, the Stirling turns heat energy into mechanical energy. The key feature of the Stirling engine is that it uses a fixed amount of gas – usually air – enclosed in a sealed container, with the heat consumed by the engine applied externally. This means that the engine can run on just about any heat source, including coal or gas, solar energy, chemical reaction and nuclear energy. It can also work with very low temperature differentials, which means a Stirling engine could be powered by body heat or even the steam from a cup of coffee. And because it uses heat from a constant source and does not, like an internal combustion engine, rely on a succession of explosive ignitions, the engine runs very quietly. The heat source used in the Sunnytech Single Flywheel Hot Air Stirling Engine model is supplied by a small methylated spirit burner, which comes included, and the engine’s output is delivered – as the name suggests – by a single flywheel. Model features The Single Flywheel Hot Air Stirling Engine is robustly constructed from steel, copper and aluminium, and comes fully assembled, which means that you can have it up and running within minutes of taking it out of the box. Just fill the burner with meths, light the wick, let the working fluid (air) heat up for 30 seconds, give the flywheel a spin, and off it goes. The model’s main features are: Specification: Single Flywheel Hot Air Stirling Engine Model No.: SC02 Speed: 1300-1500rpm Size: 130mm X 80mm X 115mm Materials: Aluminium, Copper and Steel Weight: 500g Colour: Silver The Single Flywheel Hot Air Stirling Engine is an ideal collector’s item for engineering enthusiasts, as well as an engaging educational demonstration model. Most importantly, it is lots of fun. It should, however, only be used under adult supervision, and it is not suitable for children under 10 years old. Customer reviews of the Sunnytech Hot Air Stirling Engine are consistently excellent. People who have bought it are particularly impressed by its quality and performance. In today’s world, where everything is made from plastic, the look and feel of a solid, tactile piece of high-quality workmanship is immensely satisfying. It has an elegant design, is well engineered and constructed, and runs like a dream. CHECK PRICES
6. Feb 2018
Review: Mamod SA1L Working Live Steam Limousine (Silver)
Review: Mamod SA1L Working Live Steam Limousine (Silver) – Classic Car of Yesteryears Car fanatics and lovers of the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost are going to love the Mamod SA1L live steam limousine. The SA1L takes its inspiration from the widely loved Rolls-Royce car. The Rolls-Royce name and many car models in their series have managed to acquire titles for themselves that are certain to make them blush. From the, ‘best car in the world’ to the ‘Silver Ghost’ name, reputation and more, the cars manufactured by Rolls-Royce are undoubtedly some of the greatest in history. Mamod know a good thing when they see one and have outshone themselves with a model car that, dare it be said, is on par with the Silver Ghost it mimics. Just like the Silver Ghost, this model car is appealing to the eye, sturdy, reliable and fun. The SA1L is perfect for those who people missed out on the chance to drive their own luxurious car from times gone by. If you’ve got a teenage son who loves cars (as most teenage boys do) and you’re not ready for him to hit the road just yet, this car is the perfect gift. Whilst younger children usually have a fascination with cars, this model is not like a generic toy and needs supervision from an older teenager (14 years old +) or adult. For these reasons, the model is great for families who would benefit from some good old fashioned quality time together. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than by turning the television off and throwing yourselves back into yesteryear with a swanky car good enough to make modern day cars jealous of? This fully functioning model is made up of many components that are needed to work together to run: steering rod fuel tablets, oil and funnel (these are included when you buy the model) pressure safety valve (to control the pressure of the working parts of the car) heavy gauge steel and brass (crafted in England) When the model is constructed (and the SA1L has already been built for you, so you don’t even need to worry about that), it weighs 3.8kg, is roughly 16 inches (41 cm) in length and its dimensions are 410 x 198 x 160. Mamod has a keen eye for detail and even the interior of the car is well upholstered. A Lilliputian would be happy perching in one of these seats; it really is as if someone has take a real life Silver Ghost and minimized it! This model is simply stunning and will benefit from a home or person that is dedicated to taking pride and care in their selection of live steam vehicles and models. If this is something you are interested in, then the SA1L is definitely worth you sparing a minute to look at and consider adding to your set. If you do decide to invest in this fine piece, you’ll probably end up being the envy of all your model collecting family and friends! CHECK PRICES
6. Jan 2018
Review: Bachmann 32-882
Review: Bachmann 32-882 Fairburn 2-6-4 Tank 42062 BR Lined Black Late Crest Holding a high stake in the railway model manufacturing industry, Bachmann is introduced yet another great product in the market. This one is the Bachmann 32-882 Fairburn 2-6-4 Tank 42062 BR Lined Black Late Crest is a freight train. It has a great design, a great sound decoder, and an excellent speed. The engine is a freight engine, has great carrying capacity, a well-balanced layout, and a very economical price as well The main features DCC Ready. 8-pin socket OO Gauge It belongs to the 5th era of the UK Railway ranging firm 1957 to 1966 It belongs to the Fairburn class of the railway engines It is a freight train The wheel configuration is 2-6-4 The entire structure has a pristine coating finish which makes it more durable and gives it a finishing touch as well. Cap tarpaulin is also available Route discs and lamps are also available More information This isn’t a toy, so shouldn’t be considered as one for younger children. The train operates with steam, so it can be dangerous for kids. Kids above 14 years of age can use it but adult supervision is still recommended. That said, it’s a great model and is a fantastic addition to any enthusiast’s collection. The Bachmann 32-882 has a very sleek and sturdy infrastructure. The design is well balanced and comes with a pristine touch which makes it scratch free as well. You can get it at an economical price which is quite suitable owing to its great design and efficient working. It is not a toy but a genuinely used model engine that has gained much respect from the users. The price is economical and it is easily available as well in the stores and online as well where you can order it and customize it as well. CHECK PRICES
1. Jul 2017
Review: Mamod SP4 Stationary Live Steam Engine
Review: Mamod SP4 Stationary Live Steam Engine This beautiful model is the Mamod SP4 steam engine. You would expect an engine of any kind to not be too aesthetically pleasing, they are designed to be the power unit, not the focal unit everyone lusts after. However, second best is never good enough for Mamod and their live steam engine units always look and play the part. This steam engine is engineered in England using the highest quality metals. Not straying far from the classic Mamod use of colours, the SP4 is made up of bold red, silver and black colours. These colours create a glossy and tasteful finish to the model. Each model is: 260 x 208 x 185mm heavy duty brass boiler and piston & cylinder unit a water gauge connected to the boiler a chrome plated fire box solid fuel, oil and filler funnel (for hours of fun running the unit) The SP4 resembles an old fashioned steam engine that would have typically been used in the past to run a range of things: pumps, mills, machinery and more. Stationary engines had no purpose without the other pieces of equipment and Mamod knows this very well. Never missing an opportunity to allow their models the ability to mimic the real world from times gone by, Mamod has created the SP4 steam engine with the opportunity to connect with other models. This live steam engine can be used to power pieces from the 1336 WS1 workshop and running them has never been easier. The SP4 is already assembled, so you don’t need to be an engineer to work out how to run this engine. Simply add water, light the fuel and the engine will work. This would be great to connect to other pieces – you could be running your own mini mill in no time. This engine is suitable for a huge range of people due to its versatility. If using alone to just appreciate the power unit, it’s a fantastic educational tool for little ones and adults alike. It is worth noting, however, that children under 14 years old should not be left unsupervised with this product. That’s nothing to worry about, though, because adults will have a great time teaching their children and grandchildren all about the times of the past! Your kids are going to come top of their history class with their new model. The unit is also a fantastic gift for hobbyists who already have units from the 1336 WS1 series. Once they acquire the Mamod SP4, they’ll be able to fit all the pieces together and they’ll help each other work! Even if the hobbyist in your life does not have any other Mamod models, this is most certainly still one to think about for them. It’s a given that engines of the past were only used to power other units, but Mamod have made that a thing of the past by creating an engine one can appreciate by itself and will look perfect amongst any model collector’s pieces. If you’ve already got a collection of live models, but not a stationary engine, the SP4 should most certainly be at the top of your list! CHECK PRICES
30. Aug 2017