Making Simple Model Steam Engines Book

A highly illustrated, step-by-step guide to constructing a range of simple model steam engines, aimed at both beginners and the more experienced.

This book details the construction of a range of simple miniature steam engines and boilers. The projects, each of which can be completed with only a basic workshop, range from a single-acting oscillator to more sophisticated twin-cylinder double-acting engines and a variety of boilers. A final project brings together engine and boiler for a simple steam railway locomotive. These projects are a perfect introduction to model engineering and an enjoyable exercise for the more experienced engineer or those who wish to pass on their hobby to a younger generation.

About the Author: Stan Bray is an experienced craftsman in engineering and metalworking; among his previous books is Metalworking: Tools and Techniques.

Library Journal

Bray obviously knows what he's doing in this highly technical book, having written a previous edition and other books on model making and millwork. But if you are a beginner, this book is too ambitious for you, as it is quite intimidating, with no notations about tools or needed materials and long-winded and overly complex instructions. Complicated processing is required, such as milling your own parts. The black-and-white photos are fuzzy, and shop drawings have been reduced to ant size. Model steam engine enthusiasts unfortunately have few resources available to them; still, this book is not recommended. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.