Who would of thunk ? - A Steam Engine for Model Airplanes

[PatRobinson]

Hi Guys,
I ran across this unusual design steam engine that can be built in different sizes including an engine that swings a 22/10 model plane prop. What they don't show is the boiler to be used for this model airplane version.
To see an animated display that shows how this engine works go to:

                      www.greensteamengine.com   

These guys sell plans for these engines but I have no idea if a controline size version could actually be adapted but I thought some of you guys might find it interesting anyway.

                                                   Hope you find it interesting,
                                                       Pat Robinson

[Wayne Collier]

Even though I wouldn't venture a guess as to actual practicality, I sorta like the thing.  Recirculating the condensed steam(water) back into the boiler is something that electric power generating plants have done for years.  I wonder what that type of recovery and reuse of water would have done for steam locomotives?

[rustler]

We have had a couple of steam powered f/f models over here, several years ago. Reported in Aeromodeller. Parker is a name that comes to mind. Something which comes to mind - if you'r thinking of making a boiler for this, stainless steel sounds a great idea, but is a no-no. Apparently it eventually develops cracks when subjected to high pressure steam.

[Charlie Pate]

Even though I wouldn't venture a guess as to actual practicality, I sorta like the thing.  Recirculating the condensed steam(water) back into the boiler is something that electric power generating plants have done for years.  I wonder what that type of recovery and reuse of water would have done for steam locomotives?

Wayne
According to a recent steam engine book a friend of mine had , (sorry, I forget the name); The Baldwin
locomotive works invested all their available money on this very concept right after WW II in an effort to bring
steam power back to the railroads.
 More than one person has said the reason for the lack of success in this endeavor was the same as with the
Lear steam car and the Tucker automobile.
The Tucker was of course gas powered ,but a threat to large industry.   

[Shultzie]

Really cool or what...but here is a cheaper and more plentiful power source??? 

[Dalton Hammett]

Being a retired railroader and getting into it at just the end of the steam era I found this interesting.  The steam
engines were effecient so a lot of things contributed to their demise.  Cost beyond labor, like parts manufacturing
as well as the pounding the big steamers gave the railways were a big item.   Also,  the general dirtyness, sparks
and cinders were a public concern.  The diesels required less crew to operate also- no shoveling.   Anyway,  thanks for the post.....

Dalton H.