Customer Reviews

Making Simple Model Steam Engines

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is one of the better Model Engineering books that I have read. The author gives clear instructions on building oscillating steam engines and boilers from the very simple to the more complicated. Clear drawings and instructions are given for each model, although there are a few errors in the drawings, they are not too hard to work around. Each model has two sets of drawings, one with dimensions in the metric system and the other with Imperial dimensions. I can highly reccomend this book to anyone who wishes to build their first model engine and boiler.

Using clear instructions, without overly technical language, this well illustrated book provides excellent guidance for making small oscillating steam engines. Some can be made with basic tools - drill, vise, square and scribe. And by separating engine, boiler and burner designs you can mix and match to suit your own creative ideas. It is also good for those who just want a better understanding of how steam engines work. I recommend this book highly.

Excellent book - especially for the beginning model engineer. All the engines are the "wobbler" type. Boiler plans seem adequate. The last project is a locomotive after the style used in many logging railroads in the United States in the early 1900's.

I'm happy with this book, but I thought it was about building simple steam engines without machine shop tools. You need a lathe for all but the first project. the skills needed are fairly simple, but unless you have a metal lathe, you will not be able to build anything in this book.

This book has it all, diagrams, instructions, and best of all its not written in technical garble.

Gives good instructions on how to build a number of small stationary steam engines and boilers to power them. Has plenty of
diagrams and photos to guide you. The book is aimed at beginners. There is nothing very complicated here. These are very
simple engines, not scale models of actual engines used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Most real workhorse engines
were considerably more complex than these are.
Even for those interested in building scale models, this book is a good starting point. Experience gainned from these simple
models will go a long way toward being able to build more complex engines.

I purchased this and Building Simple Model Steam Engines by Tubal Cain to get a start in model making. While both are fantastic, this is a superior beginner book. Mr. Bray explains in detail boiler construction, engine construction, proper plumbing, fittings, and valves, all things you might not think about. It is filled with well dimensioned drawings, high quality useful photographs, and fantastic tips. Simple a fantastic way to begin. I don't think a better book has been written for the novice.

This is a great book! It bridges the gap from too basic to too advanced. It clearly discusses tools, techniques, and construction. If you have never built a steam engine or a boiler, then this book is for you. If you read this book and build a few of the engines, you will be ready to build the more complex ones. I especially liked the "Hero's" engine. I highly recommend this book.

Ken

I found this book a very good entry level summary of both boilers and engines with several examples of both.

Clear explanations and instructions presented to build up your knowledge. The only thing missing is more of a list of tools needed for each project.