Unusual sliding cylinder steam engine model

[ChooChooMike]

While I was out rummaging around an antiques flea-market (or is that fleece-market: ), I came across this steam engine model. It has a very unusual configuration where the cylinder itself moves/slides as well as the piston/valve gear. I've never seen anything like it before ??!!

If anyone has more info, please post it here. I don't think this unique style of steam engine ever caught on. I can only imagine this style of engine had to be a maintenance/lubricationnitemare in full-size version. The guy selling it didn't know the history of the model, but suggested the moving cylinder configuration could result in an effective longer piston stroke in a more compact space. It has a reversing lever and looks like the piston is moving opposite of the crank/crosshead motion ??

I would have loved to buy the model, but he was asking something like $900 which was waaaaayyyy out of my price range for a curiosity.

Here's 3 short vid's showing different angle of operation. They're a bit choppy due to me trying to hold the vid cam with one hand and turn the flywheel with the other.

[youtube=425,350]RGCjISBw2pU[/youtube]

[youtube=425,350]VwWXQPo7kgs[/youtube]

[youtube=425,350]AMzWEnm4HQk[/youtube]​

 

[Jadecy]

Very interesting design. As you alluded to it seems like way too many moving parts. Neat idea for a model though!

 

[mklotz]

One can only ask, "WHY"?

 

[baldrocker]

Because someone could.
BR

 

[rake60]

I love it!

Building your first running engine is a GREAT accomplishment.
It's a personal challenge that has been met.
I hope we see EVERY first runner here!!!

After you build 40 of them the challenge disappears.
A design as drastic as this one would give that challenge back to you.

Thanks for sharing the info Mike!

Rick

 

[cfellows]

Maybe it's just a novel way to balance the engine...

 

[stevehuckss396]

One can only ask, "WHY"?

I think we should be asking "Why Not"

I have alot of respect for people who think outside the box. Feels great to build an engine from plans. Feels ten times that when those plans are your own.

Good for him!!

Steve Huck

 

[Mike N]

Another very unique engine design is the Kansas City Lightning, it has 2 pistons in the same cylinder that meet in the middle. I made the ignition timer parts for the models with the aid of Wire EDM. This is a new engine from Morrison & Marvin engine works.

http://www.pbase.com/captain_carl/kansas_city_lightning

www.morrisonandmarvin.com

 

[ChooChooMike]

Maybe it's just a novel way to balance the engine...

I can't see it being balanced with the cylinder moving one way and piston, crank, eccentrics, cross-head moving in who knows what way

It's certainly a unique engine model !!