Kit review Vertical Steam Engine Kit - Enjomor - from EngineDIY

[James H]

Vertical Steam Engine Kit - ENJOMOR
Available from EngineDIY for $129.99

 

 

 

A vertical steam engine is a type of stationary steam engine with a vertical cylinder and cylinders located directly above the crankshaft. They are also known as "hammer" or "steam hammer" engines because of their similar appearance to the steam hammer, a common 19th-century steam technology. Vertical steam engines became more common in the 19th century as steamships grew in size and tonnage. This was because they were simpler, more efficient, and easier to maintain than other engine designs. 

The kit
This is the simplest of the steam engine kits that I've looked at here, but one that's quite elegant in its operation, plus this could sit easily on a shelf, due to its narrow footprint. The kit comes in a fairly small  and plain, black card box, with a single tray of parts and the remainder of parts, tools and fixings, found underneath the white foam tray. A series of colour sheets is included for the instructions, guiding you through everything you need to know to build this simple kit. 

 

 

The base for this, as stated, is quite narrow, and made from tough paint-coated steel. The colour is quite neat too, having that industrial feel to it. The very first thing that needs doing is to attach the self-adhesive feet to each underside corner, as shown here.

The pushrod and counterweight assembly is now coupled to the piston and locating pin.

 

 

 

It's now time to build the piston chamber. The machined brass sleeve is first fitted with a silicone ring and then the pair inserted into the steam receptor box. These are then coupled with a steel retainer, held in situ by four screws. 

 

 

This assembly is now attached to the pulley. A little oil is used to lubricate the moving parts. 

 

Two mounting brackets are included. These are first fitted with the appropriate bearings, and then this bracket it mounted to the piston/hammer assembly. 

 

More in a moment...

 

 

[James H]

The flywheel is now attached, as are two brass mounts which will be used to secure this assembly to the base.

 

 

 

The whole assembly is now fitted to the base. The flywheel is checked for clearance all around. 

 

 

The other bracket is now fitted to the main assembly and then drive belt wheel added. At this point, I have to tell you nothing is attached to this. The kit is simply to show you how this simple type of steam engine operates.

 

The boiler for this is comprised of two brass discs, secured with metal flanges and an internal rib and rubber gasket. On top of the boiler is a safety valve which will operate if the boiler goes over-pressure. 

 

 

Once the boiler is made, three standoffs are first fitted to the specific bolts that are used in certain circumferential positions. A firewall is then slipped between the two closest. This is to protect the main piston assembly from the alcohol pot. This boiler is then mounted to the base, and a silicone tube used to link the piston to the boiler.

 

The condensate chimney and safety valve are fitted.

 

 

Lastly, the alcohol pot is added. This is actually magnetic, meaning it won't flop about on the steel base, once it's lit and in operation. The part you see sat underneath is actual a flame damper, used to put out the pot. This will not sit here during operation. 

 

Now it's time to run the engine...

[James H]

25ml of water was injected into the boiler and then the safety valve fitted. The fuel pot was filled with ethanol and the synthetic wool was soaked thoroughly before lighting. It took about 2 minutes for the boiler to reach pressure, and the flywheel was turned a few times before it set off by itself. When the boiler has been running for a short while, it can be stopped by putting the flame damper tool over the fire pot. The engine stops very quickly once you do this.

 

 

Conclusion

This is a perfect little project for anyone new to building steam engines. The kit parts are perfectly machined and fit together beautifully. Engine operation is also easy to understand with the bare minimum of user interaction needed to ensure smooth operation. This is also a nicely priced little kit and the finished project does look quite ornamental too, so it'll look real nice on your desk or shelf. This is one I absolutely recommend!

 

My sincere thanks to EngineDIY for sending this little model to be built and reviewed here on Model Ship World. To purchase this directly, click the link at the top of the article.