Tiny triple expansion steam engine

[gbritnell]

I'm going to call this engine complete. It does run on air but not real well but I guess that's to be expected. When it loosens up a bit more I'll post a video of it. I made the els for the pipework. I turn the piece, drill it then use a ball mill to do the inside at the corner. This gives me stock so that the outside radius won't break through.
Many years ago when I needed small fittings I made this small double V-block fixture. One half of the el is turned then put in the mill and cut off at 45 degrees with a small slitting saw. The piece is them put on the end of a rod and mounted in a V-block. The other piece is mounted then the two pieces brought together leaving a minute gap for the silver solder. I took a picture prior to soldering but it was out of focus so the good picture shows the part after soldering. The radius is then filed and the fitting polished.

[gbritnell]

Some photos of the finished engine.

[crueby]

Another real beauty!   

I like that method for the elbows, have to give that way a try!

[ChuckKey]

Very impressive, especially as it has only taken a couple of months, I think. I would be interested to know if applying a vacuum at the exhaust made a difference to the way it runs on air.

[Kim]

Beautiful work, George, as always!
Kim

[john mills]

Magnificent  looking engine and in such short build time .i wonder if it will run better with a load that gets the pressure up in the high pressure  cylinder  so that there is some left by the time in expands to the low pressure
cylinder .
     John

[Admiral_dk]

Amazing result George   

Beside more running time, I can't think off anything else beside the above suggested Vacuum on the exhaust, that could improve running of an tripple expansion engine on air .... 

[Johnmcc69]

Absolutely beautiful work George! Really nice (tiny) details.

 

 John

[Vixen]

Very, very nice Gorge. 

If ever I were to build a steam engine, it would be one like this

Mike

[Craig DeShong]

Interesting way to make elbows.  I guess I’m lazy but I just buy the castings. 

The Tripple is just gorgeous, your attention to fine detail just makes the model ‘pop’.