Simplicity Steam Engine

[vascon2196]

After the completion of a successful elbow engine I have decided to build an engine that I have been putting off for quite some time. Mainly because of some of the smaller fussy parts that I just did not have the experience to attempt until now. I drew the engine plans in SolidWorks a few years ago but the original plans I copied were from Live Steam magazine. The engine is called the Simplicity Steam Engine. I found a couple of ball bearings with the exact I.D. I needed so I had to change the design a little. For the most part I plan on following the original plans as much as possible.

Chris

 

[rebush]

Chris: I'm along for the duration. Roger

 

[vascon2196]

Okay Roger...here is a link to a video to give everyone an idea of what the finished engine should look like.

Chris

[ame]http://youtu.be/y8qnKfLPlTw[/ame]

 

[rebush]

Chris: Like the video can't wait to see the real thing. Roger

 

[vascon2196]

Some more pictures. There are a couple of holes in each angled crank post. I drilled and pinned them together before machining. I installed the ball bearings, machined the crank, faced the crankshaft ends, and put it all together. The brass piece is the eccentric driver unfinished and I also finished the eccentric strap. I will be making another eccentric strap because I do not like the outome of this one...I will looking for a better way to make one hopefully on this site!

Chris

 

[b.lindsey]

Should be a nice project Chris and the parts thus far look great!!

Bill

 

[ShedBoy]

Neat looking parts
Brock

 

[vascon2196]

It has been a while since I posted pictures of the Simplicity Engine progress...here you go.

 

[Herbiev]

Great video. Loved the music too

 

[AussieJimG]

Nice project and really nice photos - I like the idea of showing the drawing behind the object.

Jim

 

[vascon2196]

Wow...I finished this engine in October and forgot to add updated pictures! Here is an overall shot of the finished engine in the rough...I just took it out of the box I put it in back in October...she needs a cleaning!!!

The engine runs great...I can get it to turn itself over by blowing into it...one of my best runners.

If I did not say before...it came out of Live Steam magazine...it was fun and runs great.

Chris

 

[Philjoe5]

Chris,
Nice engine....is that a piston valve?

Phil

 

[vascon2196]

Yes Simon it is a piston valve. It runs extremely well with no packing or o-rings or permatex...some tolerances are really loose and it turns over like nothing.

 

[ke7hr]

What issues of Live Steam did the plans come in? Are your modifications available as drawings (PDF)? Thanks! It is a very nice looking build! I want to build one too.

 

[vascon2196]

Check out the cover of March/April 2008 Volume 42 No.2

I think the plans are in the previous issue which I borrowed at the time from a friend.

Hope that helps!

Chris