It seems that whenever I have a longish project, I run into problems that I cannot readily solve so, to take my mind off the problem, I start a new project, usually something simple that hopefully takes only a few days to complete. By that time, I should have come up with a solution to the original problem.
This little engine is one such quickie, but it took a lot more than a few days, due to various other distractions. It is based on Elmers Twin Wobbler 02, but inverted and drives a small motor. Some quite long time ago there was a picture of a similar engine on this site, but I cannot find it now to credit the original builder.
http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/images/attach/jpg.gif
I like the air inlet to come in from the base of my models if possible. The columns of this engine did not have enough room to bring the air passages up through them, hence the separate manifold. Two tubes supply air, done like this to balance the look of the engine. The tubes are just placed in the nuts with a bit of gasket sealer so they will be easy to take apart.
The motor and toothed belt came from a junked printer. To allow the flywheel to grip the belt, I used an auto centre punch to make a series of dimples around the groove. The shaft runs in small ex-hard drive ball bearings.
http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/images/attach/jpg.gif
Without the electric motor connected, it spins up on just a few psi of air, but the motor really loads the little engine. The two lamps are blue LEDs in series and the engine needs to turn pretty fast to get any light, even allowing for gearing up to the motor. I dont think the power companies need fear any competition!
Dave
The Emerald Isle
This little engine is one such quickie, but it took a lot more than a few days, due to various other distractions. It is based on Elmers Twin Wobbler 02, but inverted and drives a small motor. Some quite long time ago there was a picture of a similar engine on this site, but I cannot find it now to credit the original builder.
http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/images/attach/jpg.gif
I like the air inlet to come in from the base of my models if possible. The columns of this engine did not have enough room to bring the air passages up through them, hence the separate manifold. Two tubes supply air, done like this to balance the look of the engine. The tubes are just placed in the nuts with a bit of gasket sealer so they will be easy to take apart.
The motor and toothed belt came from a junked printer. To allow the flywheel to grip the belt, I used an auto centre punch to make a series of dimples around the groove. The shaft runs in small ex-hard drive ball bearings.
http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/images/attach/jpg.gif
Without the electric motor connected, it spins up on just a few psi of air, but the motor really loads the little engine. The two lamps are blue LEDs in series and the engine needs to turn pretty fast to get any light, even allowing for gearing up to the motor. I dont think the power companies need fear any competition!
Dave
The Emerald Isle
