Steam engines
You will find various model building material kits on our website from which you can build a steam engine yourself in your home hobby workshop. All milled parts have already been manufactured by us using CNC milling. The turned parts still need to be processed by you. As with all of our material kits, these steam engines also come with extensive construction instructions and drawings.
A particularly beautiful steam engine is the model "Sophie". "Balanced steam engine is modeled on the steam engines at the beginning of industrialization. The columns steam engine “Donatus” are particularly impressive therefore. The machine is equipped with a functioning centrifugal governor. A special challenge for every model maker is certainly the 2 cylinder steam engine “Tobias”. o;. When the steam engine runs, the hard-working model maker is rewarded with an incredibly fascinating sequence of movements of the individual machine elements. But we also have models for beginners. The Danni steam engine and Steam engine Leni are also suitable for beginners in technical model making.
Valve-controlled steam engines are certainly among the most impressive machines. Since the valve control is attached to the outside of the cylinder, the process can be observed very well. The centrifugal governor increases the number of moving parts even further. A slow-running valve-controlled steam engine with a centrifugal governor is a real treat for every model maker.With this material kit you get, as usual, all the parts you need to make this beautiful valve-controlled steam engine. All milled parts are already milled. All turned parts are included in the kit as raw material and must be made by you according to the drawing that is also included. A valve-controlled steam engine has a particularly impressive control system. The distribution of the steam is not controlled by a compact valve but by 4 individual valves. Each of the valves has its own eccentric. In our machine, the centrifugal governor controls the speed by accessing the valve rods and limiting their travel. The model With this material kit for the valve-controlled steam engine ‘Isabel’, you can build a very complex valve-controlled steam engine. The kit has a stable machine base made of sheet steel. The majority of the engine parts are made of brass. The 4 eccentrics of the steam engine are driven by 2 brass bevelled wheels. The centrifugal governor is driven by two diagonally toothed brass gear wheels. It can be used to regulate the speed of the steam engine. The cylinder of the valve-controlled steam engine is made of brass, the piston and plain bearing bushes are made of bronze. The 140mm flywheel is made from a very cleanly cast steel casting. The base plate is laser-cut from 1.5 mm sheet steel that can be easily bent by hand. All other parts are made of brass, as proven in steam modelling. The following is required for construction:To build the horizontal steam engine you will need a lathe, a small drill and a gas burner for soft soldering. Furthermore, hand tools are required, which should be in every "steam engine workshop" (tap M2, M3, M5x0.5, M6x0.75, M10x1 / dies M2, M3, M5x0.5, M6x0.75, M10x1 / reamers 3H7, 4H7, 8H7, / files, drill set). You can find more information about building this steam engine in our model building magazine. In our magazine you will find a construction report of the horizontal valve-controlled steam engine "Isabel" with many pictures and explanatory texts. This means you can find out about the construction in advance and also find suggestions and support during the construction phase. The scope of delivery includes finished CNC milled parts Raw material for the turned parts Raw cast part for the flywheel Laser cut for base plate All required screws, model building nuts and springs 1 set of bevel gears, 1 set of helical gears Drawings of valve-controlled steam engine “Isabel” (18 sheets) and construction instructions (7 sheets) Dimensions of the model building steam engine “Isabel”: Height with base plate: 170mm Length with base plate: 250mm Width with base plate: 420mm Piston diameter: 20mm Flywheel diameter: 140mm Stroke: 36 mm Weight of the finished machine: 4.4 kilos
The 2 cylinder steam engine Tobias with Stephenson reversing is an impressive model of a standing 2 cylinder steam engine, as it often was used in steam ships or stationary systems. The Stephenson reversing system can be used to reverse the direction of rotation of the machine by turning the handwheel. The model already runs from 0.5bar. At low speeds, the impressive movements of the steam engine can be observed very well. The movement sequences of the Stephenson control system are particularly impressive. This model is not suitable for entry into steam model construction. Because of the very complex structure, you should first learn the basic principles of the steam engine with a slightly simpler model. As with all material assemblies, all milling parts are finished milled with this kit. The rotating parts are included as a material section and still have to be machined by you. The largest rotating part in the model steam engine Tobias is the flywheel with 50mm raw diameter. Dimensions of the 2 cylinder steam engine Tobias Length as above. : 152mm Width above. : 80mm Height above. : 160mm Flywheel diameter: 48mm Stroke: 18mm Piston diameter: 15mm Cylinders: 2 Weight: 1700g For the construction of the 2 cylinder steam engine Tobias, a small turning machine, a small drilling machine, as well as a gas burner for the soldering of large parts are needed. Otherwise there is still a hand tool which should be located in every "steam engine workshop". Taps of size M2, M3, M5, M5x0.5 and fine thread drill M6x0,75 are required. In addition, cutters M2, M3, M5x0.5 and M6x0.75 and reamers 3H7, 4H7, 6H7, 8H7 and 10H7 are required. Files and a drill set in 0.1mm gradation should also be present. The scope of delivery includes: finished milled parts raw material for the turned parts cast round material for the flywheel flat-milled aluminum cast part for the machine base all required model building screws, model building nuts and ball bearings drawings 2 cylinder steam engine Tobias (11 sheets DIN A4) and assembly instructions (7 sheets DIN A4)
The Leni steam engine is a model of a standing steam engine with Stephenson reversal. With its 80 mm flywheel and a total height including the base plate of 185 mm, the model is a good size so that it can also be manufactured in smaller model workshops. This type of steam engine was built from around 1840 until the 20th century. This standing design often found its place in small craft businesses where it powered various tools or generators. The direction of rotation of the steam engine can be changed at any time using the Stephenson reversal. The construction plan and instructions for this standing steam engine are very extensive, detailed and easy to understand. This makes the kit not only suitable for model building professionals but also for newcomers to technical model building. The construction instructions go into the production of each component. In addition to the detailed printed instructions, you will also find a comprehensive construction report of the Leni steam engine in our Bengs model building magazine. For the model builder who has always wanted to build a steam engine with Stephenson reversing, the standing steam engine “Leni” is a good choice. But even advanced model makers will enjoy this visually beautiful standing steam engine model. The machine is suitable for both the display case and as the centerpiece of a model steam system. The Leni model steam engine is mainly made of brass, the piston is made of gunmetal. Piston rods and slides are made of stainless steel. The flywheel is a very precise cast steel where the outer diameter only needs to be turned slightly once. Included in the Leni steam engine material kit Milled oak base plate Finished milled parts Brass, bronze, stainless steel and silver steel raw material for the turned parts Cast steel flywheel 80mm All required screws, nuts and grub screws Construction plan model steam engine "Leni" drawings (14 sheets) and construction instructions (8 sheets) Dimensions of the steam engine Lenni Height with base plate: 185mm Length with base plate: 140mm Width with base plate: 100mm Piston diameter: 15mm Piston stroke: 18mm Flywheel D.: 80mm Weight: 900g. Some tools are required to build the “Leni” steam engine material kit. A small lathe and a small drill are particularly important. A gas burner is required for soft soldering, for example the small gas soldering tool CFH Diamant M50 is suitable. M2 and M3 taps and M2 and M3 cutting dies are also needed. You also need reamers 3H7, 4H7, 6H7, screw glue, files and a drill set. p> A detailed Construction report on the steam engine “Leni” can be found in our Bengs model building magazine. On the page you will find many pictures and texts with details and suggestions on how the components of the steam engine can be manufactured.
The 'Sophie' balancing machine represents a steam engine as it was initially used during the period of industrialization. This model is equipped with the Watsche parallelogram, which is used for a straight piston rod guide. The feed water pump connected to the balancing beam can be made functional. All required parts (material & Grafi:Sil valve balls) are included in the scope of delivery. The model machine can run smoothly and elegantly at 0.3 to 0.5 bar. The balancing machine is a special feast for the eyes, especially at low speeds. With this kit you can build a beautiful live steam system. The 'Sophie' is also ideal as a showcase or desk model. All materials required to build the balancing machine 'Sophie', model building screws and accessories are included in the kit included. All milled parts are prepared to such an extent that they only need to be deburred and possibly drilled. To build the balancing machine, you will need a lathe, a small drill and a gas burner for soldering larger parts. There are also hand tools that should be in every “steam engine workshop” (tap M2, M3, M4, die M2, M3, Reamer 3H7, 4H7, 6H7) Files and a drill set are necessary.Dimensions of balancing steam engine "Sophie" with base plateLength: 260mm Width: 120mm Height: 180mm Flywheel D.: 100mm Piston D.: 16mm Stroke: 22mm Included in the delivery are: finished milled parts Raw material for the turned parts Raw casting for the flywheels Raw casting part for balancer Material & Valve ball for producing a feed water pump Milled wooden base plate All required screws, nuts and ball bearings Drawings of balancing machine 'Sophie' (11 sheets) and construction instructions (6 sheets)
The half-balancing steam engine is a further development of the actual balancing steam engine. It was developed to reduce the space required by the steam engine while maintaining the same performance. The model has a 140 mm flywheel and a total height including the base plate of 190 mm. In this model, the balancing beam consists of two brass parts that have already been machined on the CNC milling machine. All assemblies are mounted on a base plate that has already been engraved. The flywheel is included in the material kit as a cleanly cast raw part. All materials, screws and accessories required to build the steam engine are included in the kit. All milled parts are prepared to such an extent that they only need to be deburred and possibly drilled. To build the steam engine, you need a lathe, a small drill and a gas burner for soldering larger parts. You also need hand tools, which should be in every “steam engine workshop”, taps M2, M3, M8x0.75, dies M2, M3, M8x0.75, reamer 3H7, 4H7, 6H7, 8H7, files and a drill set. p> Dimensions of half-balanced steam engine Grasshopper with base plate Length: 240mm Width: 110mm Height: 190mm Flywheel D.: 140mm Piston D.: 16mm Stroke: 27mm Included in delivery are: finished milled parts Raw material for the turned parts Raw casting for the flywheels Material & Valve ball for producing a feed water pump Engraved aluminum base plate All required screws, nuts and ball bearings Drawings 21 sheets) and construction instructions (5 sheets) A detailed Construction report of the half-balanced steam engine can be found in our Bengs model building magazine. On the page you will find many pictures and texts with details and suggestions on how the components of the steam engine can be manufactured.
The model of the “Danni” horizontal steam engine consists of a stable frame to which the double-acting steam cylinder is connected. The cylinder of the steam engine is controlled via an eccentric and a round slide. This compact yet powerful steam engine is ideal for operation with a steam boiler, but can of course also be powered with compressed air. If the kit is carefully manufactured and without load, the machine starts running at just 0.1 bar. The “Danni” is also equipped with a cord pulley with two diameters, so that it is also very suitable for driving drive models such as circular saws, drills or hammer mills. The construction plan and instructions for this steam engine are very comprehensive, detailed and easy to understand. This makes the kit not only suitable for model building professionals but also for newcomers to technical model building. The construction instructions go into the production of each component. For the model builder who has always been want to build steam engines yourself Machine "Danni" definitely a good choice. But even advanced model makers will enjoy this visually appealing single-cylinder model. It represents an interesting addition to any model machine park and definitely belongs in every collection. The cylinder of the model steam engine is made of brass, the piston is made of bronze. Piston rods and sliders are made of stainless steel and the flywheel is made of cast iron. All other parts are made of brass, as proven in steam model making. The flywheel was manufactured in steel casting using the lost wax process, it is extremely precise and cleanly cast. Included in the scope of delivery of the Danni steam engine material kit Milled oak base plate Finished milled parts Brass, bronze, stainless steel and silver steel raw material for the turned parts Flywheel cast steel All required screws, nuts and grub screws Construction plan model steam engine "Danni" drawings (9 sheets) and construction instructions (6 sheets) Dimensions of Danni steam engine Height with base plate: 100mm Length with base plate: 160mm Width with base plate: 100mm Piston diameter: 15mm Piston stroke: 18mm Flywheel D.: 80mm Only a few tools are needed to build the “Danni” steam engine material kit. A small lathe and a small drill are completely sufficient. If you choose the cast flywheel, your lathe should be large enough to turn an 80mm flywheel on the outside. If this is not the case, select the milled flywheel that is already finished on the outside diameter. There should also be a gas burner for soldering larger parts. M2 and M3 taps and M2 and M3 cutting dies are also needed. You also need reamers 4H7, 6H7, files and a drill set. A detailed Construction report on the steam engine “Danni” can be found in our Bengs model building magazine. On the page you will find many pictures and texts with details and suggestions on how the components of the steam engine can be manufactured.
Vertical Column steam engines were relatively widespread in the period from about 1830-1865. The cylinder is located on a flat machine on level ground. The flywheel and the crankshaft are supported in brackets which are supported by columns. The piston rod is straightened over a wide cross head. The speed was often controlled by means of a centrifugal governor. In addition, a feed water pump supplied the boiler with fresh water. With the material kit for the "Donatus" Vertical Column steam engine, you can build a steam plant yourself. It has all the parts that need a steam system. It has an angle valve with which one can regulate the steam supply. Likewise, the steam engine has a centrifugal regulator, which is driven by bevel gears and controls a control valve via a linkage. The desired speed of the steam engine can be adjusted via a spring and an adjusting ring. A feed water pump is also located on the base plate of the machine. And, of course, not forgetting the heart of the steam system, the beautiful "Donatus" bucking machine. The only thing that is still missing to get this steam system into operation is a suitable boiler or a compressed air connection. The cylinder of the Vertical Column steam engine is made of brass, the piston and the slide piston are made from bronze. The 140mm flywheel is made of a very clean cast cast steel. For the columns of the steam engine are used aluminum pipes which can be polished perfectly. All other parts are made of brass, as has been proven in steam model construction. The base plate can either be ordered as an unfinished panel blank or with a CNC milled tile pattern. All materials, screws and accessories required to build the "Donatus" steam engine are included in the kit. All milling parts are prepared so far that they only have to be deburred and possibly drilled. A lathe, a small drill and a gas burner for soldering are required for the construction of the Vertical Column steam engine. In addition, there is still hand tools, which should be in every "steam engine workshop" (taps M2, M3, cutter M2, M3, reamer 3H7, 6H7, 8H7) files and a drill set. You can find more information on the construction of this steam engine in our model magazine. You will find in our magazine a building report of the "Donatus" Vertical Column steam engine with many pictures and explanatory texts. Thus, you can inform yourself about the construction in advance as well as during the construction phase to find suggestions and support.Included in the delivery are:Finished CNC milled milling parts Raw material for the turned parts Raw casting for the flywheels Milled and pre-rolled belt pulley Machined wooden base plate All required screws, model trees, sprockets and ball bearings Drawings Column steam engine 'Donatus' (19 sheets) and construction manual (6 sheets)Dimensions of the "Donatus" model steam engine:Height with base plate: 280mm Length with base plate: 150mm Width with base plate: 160mm Diameter of pistons: 16mm Flywheel D .: 140mm