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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.
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Review: Working Live Steam Mamod 1920’s Red London Omnibus LB1R
Review: Working Live Steam Mamod 1920’s Red London Omnibus LB1R
Oozing in class, this remarkably beautiful London bus throws collectors back to a time gone by. A world renowned icon of England to this day, the red bus of London is forever popular. Mamod does this symbol of London and the history of the British bus justice. Not straying from the real life 1920’s omnibus the model is based on, the LB1R comes in a vibrant red colour, with lovely old fashioned signs painted in yellow and red. The small details of the curved staircase, steering wheel, driver’s seat and engine give this beautiful bus detail, even down to the most minute parts.
Each LB1R is made to order from heavy gauge steel and brass. These heavy materials give the finished piece a weight of 3.8kg. The model’s dimensions are: 455 x 285 x 170mm (not quite as big as a real London bus, but big enough to admire without a microscope!) and come with fuel tables, oil and a funnel (everyone knows how annoying it is to get a gift that needs batteries, without batteries in the box. You won’t have to worry about this with the LB1R). No fear of overdoing it, though! The models are equipped with a pressure safety valve. If you’re still worried about the safety of the model, rest assured, Mamod’s switch from old fashioned methylated spirits to solid fuel tablets means that running the London steam bus is safer now than ever. The first time you’ll use the product is simple too! No faffing around, and with this particular model in the wide range of Mamod models available, no assembly is required. Just add water and off it goes. Every single omnibus is hand crafted with expertise in England.
This model is a perfect gift for a man who you would ordinarily spend hours pondering over about which gift to buy for them. The LB1R is unique – how many other men can say they were gifted a live working steam London Omnibus? Men who will enjoy this gift in particular are ones who enjoy history and English culture, men who are interested in a range of vehicles, men who appreciate finely crafted models, those who you think welcome a new hobby and last, but most certainly not least, those who are avid hobbyists and would love to extend their collection of exquisite models. Children will also benefit from this little slice of history, but bear in mind that due to the fuel and steam, it isn’t suitable for those under 14 years old to use without adult supervision.
Due to its precise craftsmanship and good quality materials, Mamod’s LB1R London bus is made to last, making it a worthy investment. Just as the real London bus has transcended through years of history and time, your own model will bring about years of delight through generations of your family. This is definitely one to be passed down from grandfather to grandson, giving the piece sentimental value, as well as monetary value.
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Review: Corgi 1:50 Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 Steam Vehicle Model
Review: Corgi 1:50 Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 Steam Vehicle Model
Model collectors and enthusiasts that are looking for another model to add to their collection might just be interested in the beautiful Corgi 1:50 Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 steam vehicle model.
Having been building steam engines as far back as the 1880’s and primarily for powering fairground rides, Showman’s completely revolutionised the way rides were driven. Previously these rides required horses to power them, which was obviously more labour-intensive and would provide a limitation on the sizes of the rides.
Usually distinguishable from other road-going steam locomotives of the time due to being painted in bright colours and using brass decorations, Showman’s were always good on the eye. This is just one of the reasons why models of these fabulous automobiles are always sought after by collectors.
This is a highly detailed die-cast model of one of Burrell Showman’s, creators of some of the earliest steam locomotives, most beautiful models. Initially built in 1912, the Philadelphia No 3413 has quite a story attached to it.
A Model with History
Originally used by its first owner, a certain Joseph Smith, to operate a fun fair ride in Southampton, it was later sold by his family after his death to Alfred James Bartlett. Put back to use at powering funfair rides, the 3418 was eventually requisitioned for involvement in the second world war. Used in agriculture during the war and up until 1948, it was eventually left in a shed for almost 50 years.
John and Brenda Newton who now own the Philadelphia first tried to purchase the Philadelphia in 1966 but after many years of negotiations, the sale only went through more than thirty years later in 1999.
What You Get
With a scale of 1:50 and made from a die-cast material, collectors and model enthusiasts will be getting a highly detailed model of the Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 Steam Vehicle.
The Corgi Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia 3413 is certainly not a model for children and is primarily for hardened adult collectors.
Scale – 1:50
Length of 130mm
Highly detailed
Colourful piece
One for collectors
A piece of history, a fascinating story and a truly beautiful model, the Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 Steam Vehicle Model is one that most collectors will want in their collections. Die-cast and with extremely high detail, a model such as this will prove to be a fantastic addition to any collection..
Furthermore, built to be sturdy and to last, this model can be displayed with the peace of mind that it can withstand a bit of use here and there with the right care and attention. Anyone that has not added this particular model to their collection as of yet, should seriously consider doing so as it really is a gorgeous piece.
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Review: The Hornby Santa’s Express Train
Review: The Hornby Santa’s Express Train
The Hornby Santa’s Express Train Set perfect for beginners as it includes a power transformer and a mat. It also has an oval track as well as the Santa’s festive train attached to it. Its spectacular decorations make it the best set for Christmas occasion.
Who’s this for?
Interestingly, the Hornby Santa’s Express Train is a perfect fit for beginners and is also suitable for users of all ages; young and old. Then again, it is ideal for seasoned modellers. The fact that it fascinates people of all ages makes it perfect for the festive season. Building the set around the base of your Christmas tree ensures an outstanding decoration that you may need for the festive season.
You can also gift this locomotive to anyone for the Santa festive season. The included additional track packs can be used to provide a larger layout. Its steam engine works to ensure that the locomotive serves you well.
How do other customers feel about the Hornby Santa’s Express Train?
Customers who have used this locomotive applaud its fascinating appearance from the Christmas tree which delights both children and grown-ups. Its durability has also been commended since it can be used all year round after Christmas celebrations are over, for decorations. Consumers have also been excited over the ease of assembly that is associated with the Hornby Santa’s Express Train Set.
Moreover, its provision of value for the money spent is said to be excellent. Its smooth and quiet operation is another factor that has pleased the customers on Amazon.
Let’s look at the key features of this outstanding piece of locomotive
This locomotive occupies less storage space with minimum storage requirements set at 1600mm*1180mm. It weighs 921g which makes it slightly lightweight and therefore easily portable. The locomotive has everything that will help you to start using it immediately. This includes an oval track, power transformer as well as a mat.
Moving on, the Hornby Santa’s Express Train Set includes its steam engine that is used to power it up. Additionally, there is a wagon that is full of presents. Moreover, the reindeer box van-3rd Radius starter oval power track is available. It has an engine that is charged with the responsibility of starting the train. These features ensure that you get a spectacular decoration during and after the Christmas season.
In a nutshell
The Hornby Santa’s Express Train Set presents to you a colourful and fascinating decoration for your Christmas tree. The wagon that is usually full of presents makes it more interesting. Its spritely little engine has enough power to start up the train. This locomotive provides room for acquiring additional trackpads which are used to construct a larger layout.
Astoundingly, the Hornby MidiMat has included therein so you can view how the train set can continuously grow into a sensational railway model. These, therefore, make this train set a perfect present that you would gift to a friend or family member. The decorations that accompany it cannot be overlooked as well as its power and capability to give you an exciting Christmas period.
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