@@lmmI got the beam engine model and was impressed by the working governor. But thought this one a little pricey . Wouldn't turn one down if offered one tho , looks good for a mostly prebuilt yoke tho.😊
Me to. Dad had one he got back in the 1950s and I always loved playing with it [they used meths in those days] and my brother had a traction engine he got for Xmas one year. I've always wanted one of my own and this might just be the answer to my dreams.
when I was 6 (1965) my Dad bought me a Meccano steam engine for my Meccano set. A simple, single acting oscillating engine. No regulator but it did have reverse. The chassis had holes matching Meccano centres for bolting things to it. Powered lots of projects for many years. The flywheel usually had to be flicked to get it started. Lubricated with vaseline before starting.
When I was a child I had a Jensen steam engine. It plugged into the mains to heat the boiler and had a little generator that lit a small bulb. It was really the world's most inefficient light! Tons of fun though.
@@lmmit’s great just fiddly enough to keep it interesting and I’ve ordered this one now. Many thanks I’m glad you can be trusted not to just recommend rubbish.
@lmm it's a great little model. It's no Stewart or Coles model, but it's great fun, and a quick assembly. I love the action of a beam engine. I really enjoy all your content. You really are a great ambassador of steam.
What a super engine, so well made, so you can tell that it's going to be worth the money. I have had a brief nostalgic moment seeing your little Mamod Minor 1 engine. I bought one with some money I got for Christmas when I was 11 years old (that would be 1965!). It cost me the princely sum of £1. 10s (£1.50) and I really wanted one of the better spec'd versions, but knew at my level of pocket money that I would never have the money. I still have it and I am pretty sure it works, though I haven't had it out for a bit. I need a new washer for the safety valve. As you have said, it roars rather than chuffs, but at one stage, I built a sort of chassis for it so it could move under its own steam. Such fun...!
Spoiler! Build it, add fuel/water, touch the flywheel 3x, and it runs. 14:33 Also highlight reel. Lawrie, was 'to start, open drains and later close' in the instructions, because if not it probably would not have started as easily. That in itself is a huge feature! Excellent review, I hope they come back with more.
It lifted my mood to see you have such a positive experience with a very pretty piece of working technology. For a kid new to steam power, marrying it together with some simple diagrams and narrative description it would be a wonderful lead into their learning about the industrial revolution by tracing the technology back through history.
Even without running it , it is a great looking engine. I agree about how good simply watching the engine working is. Those excentrics and the expansion link are terrific.
My old Mamod is buried in the shed somewhere. The last I saw, the filler/safety valve was missing. I have gotten a couple of hot air engines from Temu and they are beautiful bits of kit. One came assebled and the other a kit. Both run flawlessly. I enjoyed your video. Thanks for having us along! Cheers Terry
I think this is the first of these that I genuinely want... it reminds me of the one I used to see at Wigan Peir as a kid for a start, and just looks amazing to run
Is a great adventure watching the little steam builds!!! Thank you for the great content and awesome care!! Plus we all know if the power ever goes out your house will be buzzing away with little steamers making light😁😁 keep up the great work
@@GWAYGWAY1 It doesn't. A Steam Engine and a Stirling Engine are different machines. Whilst they're both external combustion engines, one relies on making Steam Pressure to push a piston, the other uses air within a sealed system.
Retrol & Stirlingkit build some extremely high quality miniature live steam & gasoline engines… and the instruction manuals are getting much, much better! I have always been so impressed with Stirlingkit / Retrol’s CNC processing & finishing. It’s unreal that these miniature precision engines can be bought at such affordable prices.
I have to agree with your review. I just reviewed this one and the 01 on my channel then gave them away to my subscribers. They are really nice and it was tough too see them go.
Lovely gentle video, Lawrie, many thanks. Mind you, I'm surprised it worked so well from the off, given that you don't seem to have used any oil during assembly. With a birthday coming up soon, it's definitely on the list!
Absolutely loved watching this the last few days! Definitely rewarding of owning one of these after all the other "tat"! Would love to see you review the beam & flyball governor version maybe in the future! 😊
Thanks for this. Ive always wanted one of these mini steam engines. But they all see to run at the speed if my tiny brushless motors on my drone (25k rpm). Ill probably never set aside time and money for such a me time project. So for now ill only keep enjoying your lovely videos
That's normally my issue with one of these little engines, they roar away and you can't control it. This is brilliant. It's so nice having it just tick over
Distilled water can be OK but can also de-zincify the brass, I use rain water in my model steam. If you use tap water and you get scale, it's easy enough to de-scale with citric acid. A goodall valve for topping up would be a good idea. This engine would also benefit from a gas burner as available from the likes of BIX.
Fred Dibnah had a huge one of these out his back garden, lol, I got nothing but respect for Fred though, The guy had Balls of steel, All while being extremely intelligent with engineering.... My Dad was a Fire Man many years ago for Trains, My Dad went onto be a Train Guard to then be a Train Driver, I have got a few memories from when I was a Child going to Bristol Sheds to see the trains being fixed, Massive engines, I admire people who spends their life engineering, Working on engines the size they is in Trains can't be an easy task, Lot of knowledge takes years to learn I guess.... This makes me think if an Engineering simulation can be done in VR, I got a Quest 3 and it would be class if there was a VR simulation game based around Steam engineering, VR could keep this type of engineering alive, The young don't have to get their hands dirty, lol, All while learning how Engineering is done in VR, I hope schools start using VR, VR can make any room a Science class room, lol.... I just hope and pray that the younger generation sticks with Engineering.......
This actually looks a lot better than any Wilesco I've seen! Functionally those are ok, but this just looks chunkier with all of those nice machined parts and heavy gauge sheet metal parts. Wilesco seems sort of tinny and cheap by comparison. But I'd still have either gladly! I hope this company does some live engines soon though; I'd love a tractor with that quality!
fill up means to fill something completely, which implies filling it to the top or as full as possible. some old amarcan made cars has warnings on the gas cap not to fill up. And that is a multi wrench not a spanner witch has pins or tabs .
This is a proper model steam engine. The boiler doesn't appear as to go ballistic on you and the extra features like drain cocks, reversing lever and lubrication make it working as it should. Put some light machine oil on the pin links of the motion and some grease in the ball bearings if these are not of the sealed type. Makes it run even smoother and last longer.
I certainly will moving forward. I was trying to follow the instructions as close as possible for the review and they don't actually mention lubrication elsewhere
Excellent for school's physics experiments with a Joule Meter on a modified gas burner, and a Joule Meter on the Street Lamp (Load). What will the efficiency be? 10% 20% 30% 40%? Teacher's - try this experiment..................
Very nice boiler and engine. No mention of lubricating the engine in the instructions. I can see the expansion link and die block getting premature wear. I wonder if you could use fuel tablets in the burner. I am not in the UK so obtaining them is not an issue. I agree, the burner should run out of fuel before the boiler runs out of water. One improvement would be to use a length of hose on the drain into a suitable container. Likely to be on my wish list.
I will be giving the motion a light oil up in the future. As it wasn't mentioned in the instructions I tend to try to follow them as close as possible to see if it would work for someone who hasn't come across an engine before
Looks like a nice kit, would prefer flat head screws as the Allen bolts look a bit out of place on a steam engine, but that could be because I’m used to the old fittings on my engines 😊
@ This is true, I do also like how it’s able to run slowly, a model with a regulator is handy. Check out D.R.Mercer traction engine kits (if there still going) as they have allot of features that are nice 👍
It doesn't mention oiling the motion in the instructions, and I was trying to follow them as closely as possible. In my subsequent running I've oiled the motion
Ive got the Retrol beam engine. It's a great kit with a real centrifugal govenor. This one looks like a belter too. Just a shame they cheap out with the silicone hose, needs a nice copper pipe and maybe a pressure gauge to top it off!
It would be pretty neat if there was a small t-valve under the safety that you could use to add water while it's running. That way you can keep it running for longer.
It would be super fun to use the whistle more! The issue with refilling water is that the water system is pressurized when running, and the 'incoming' water has to be at higher pressure to 'get in.' Look up 'model steam feedwater pump.' With that you get a little hand driven pump. If you leave off 'model' you get industrial size electric motor driven systems.
@@jimbarchuk Yeah, I know that you need injectors and all that. So maybe have a shut-off on the feed like, and a large syringe for the water. Hook up the syringe, open the valve, apply pressure to the syringe to inject the water, shut off the feed line. I would think that should work.
@@THEJake829 If you use a check valve (one-way valve) for the feed line, you don't need to open and close it manually. Of course, the next step is to also run a line from the same place to a water tank, with a check valve going the other way so that it opens to let the syringe pull in water but closes to prevent it from getting pushed back out, so that you don't need to ever disconnect the syringe. At which point you've reinvented the feedwater pump!
Look up "Goodall valve" 16mm model steam locos user them. You just get a spray bottle with a hose and the pressure of pumping opens the valve and the water goes into the boiler. @@THEJake829
Superb engine; only problem with the name 'Retrol', when you try to search for it on any website it takes a while to convince each one that, no, you DON'T mean 'retro'😊
It is essential that any critique of any product be based on a thorough understanding and proper engagement with it. When feedback is offered without careful consideration, adequate effort, or a clear grasp of the product’s intended use, it risks becoming unproductive and ultimately loses its value. Constructive criticism, rooted in knowledge and thoughtful evaluation, is what truly drives improvement and meaningful dialogue. All I see from the presenter is a lot of dabbling and clumsiness in the handeling. A Jack of all trades, master of none is not what we need today. Here is a product that awaits your " scrutiny" If you dare. ( Deepseek )
I do have a Wilesco... mainly because it was 20 bucks at a flea market. If I ever have another, it'll be my own. With two double action cylinders because it's supposed to self-start. At least in Germany I can get a cute Emco Unimat lathe for less than what this engine costs. And building stuff is fun.
@@lmm I went to that flea market in May and it cost 25. Was kinda annoyed that I didn't take it. And in September, 2nd market, it was still waiting, this time for 20. MINE! I'll spend about 25 bucks for original parts, oil, gaskets and shipping though. It's missing its piston.
Injectors require about 50psi and over to operate. This is engines boiler is likely to have less than 12psi before the safety valve operates. This means an injector is not possible on these types of engines.
Just wanted to say the same thing. Extend the safety valve up so a three-way pipe junction can be installed, and hook up a hose to/from a water pump. Maybe power it with the energy of the steam engine.
@@TheMofRider2 engines of this size usually locomotives have a simple valve for adding water that uses a plastic pipe and a spray bottle as the boiler pressure is low. In addition the burner has an extension pipe for adding more fuel or can be converted to gas burning that has much larger tanks.
It looks really good. Setting the stroke to be equal in the bore may require some knowledge in view of it being adjustable ? The wire gauze burner is not new, I've seen steel cable used. A pressure gauge would be nice and match Wilesco s offering.
I find myself guilty of the sin of coveting. I like my Wilescos, and I like my Jensens and the rest, but this one kind of ticks all the boxes. Lots of brass, a decent looking dynamo, Stephenson's gear, and the cylinder draincocks. I may need to pull the trigger on this outstanding engine.
Here's a thought..... could the stationary steam engine's dynamo generate enough current to power a model railways locomotive on a circle of track. Possibly an old 1960's Playcraft (Jouef) 708 0-4-0T loco, as these will run (slowly) on even a pair of AAA batteries. Maybe even a DS48 model.
Or for example something like the Busch H0f industrial railways ("Feldbahn") they produce for about 10 years now. These were originally powered by two AA batteries, later a convenient power converter for household socket current was added to the offer.
I only have a Wilesco D11 oil rig from that company, got a couple of Signalling Equipments, several Mamod's and a scratch built engine from the 80's in my humble collection the queen of is my 1939 Mamod SC3 which does have a lubricator and a line gear gantry, the D11 has reverser and whistle but stupid plastic levers which seem cheap and nasty to me and I do keep reminding myself to make some out of brass just to make it work better.
Nice video, thank you. I think I would have checked the balance of the flywheel, and vastly more important I would certainly have hydraulicly tested the boiler..
Chinese factories _can_ make quality products, like this mini stem engine, but their customers (the wholesalers and retailers) just want low costs most of the time.
So, I'd be tempted to get one of these. But I know I'd make a mess with it so instead im thinking of investing in either an N guage mini railway or a T guage. Not sure which yet.
@@lmm 100% would get it, If not for the fear of getting steam / oil / mess everywhere! But thanks for the heads up of N! I'll have to find a Ruston to put on it!
@@lmm Not a bad shout! A lil off topic, But I was wondering, have you ever been to the Black country living museum in the west midlands? They have a Newcomen steam engine there and the place might be right up your alley!
Nice little model. The fuel tank is an easy fix. Could you not just add half a dozen or so ball bearings into the tank? That would reduce the amount of fuel. 😊
I just want one of these for the whistle, it's the biggest I've seen on a little stationary engine in terms of size in proportion to the boiler and I wanna see if the boiler can supply enough steam to sound it consistently while running the engine
The manufacturer must have found a copy of the mythical regulations, that no one else can find, that states model steam boilers must have a level gauge. Now you won't be arrested and thrown in jail for running the model. You are right saying that you should run out of fuel before you run out of water
@@lmm Aye. My guess on the fuel/water ratio is you were bleeding steam off out the whistle faster than the engine would consume it. If you just ran the engine it may be fine
@@JSmith19858 I ran it a few times, and the burner was always still alight at the time of pulling out the fire. I think it's just fill the burner to just 3/4 full. Apart from that, actually a really nice little model.
So I have been watching your channel for a while now. And I just want to say as an American Railroader or railfan. I enjoy watching your content however I wish and some of your videos you would show more whistle clips. That being said when you're doing steam trains and you're showing Steam Train characters and explaining how they run and operate and you're showing us how to operate one I wish to do a little more steam whistles. However I do want to say nothing brings a smile on my face when I watch LMM Productions.
@@lmm I know I don't comment a lot on your videos but I do want to say you do a great job at teaching others like me a lot about steam engines and I'm into the American diesels not much into steam so having somebody that knows a lot about what they do really helps me out a lot
A related thing that I would find interesting is a short video about when British railroads whistle (or blow the horn, on diesels) and what whistle signals they use. I hear a lot of British railfans expressing surprise at how often American railroads blow the horns/whistles, because on this side of the Atlantic the expectation is to blow four blasts at every grade crossing, and I understand that that's not the case on your side of the Atlantic at all.
I've watched the video with the other Retrol engine, and I thought that was a very interesting, this also was very amazing, just powering up the light was also a unique sight, but I'm still more curious, despite their size, can these engines be used for anything else, anything big?
Lawrie didn't dwell on how the engine performed under load, which is a bit surprising -- you can just hear the engine slow down when the light is turned on (and then Lawrie adjusts the regulator). You certainly could use it for driving something else, but whether it could perform useful work is questionable. For example, if you somehow connected the engine to an external sanding disk or polishing mop, how much pressure could you apply on the workpiece before the engine stalled? Would be fun to try! How about it Lawrie? ( @lmm ) A video of you trying to make your engine do real work would be rather good!
Not really, they are just models after all. There are verious tools too can run off them, but they're mostly for demonstration. It would be good to do an experiment and see what it could run!
Idk why I just love when little model engines power a little model street lamp
It's really twee. I like it
It's just satisfying seeing it run and generate usable power
You may enjoy it because it is impressive, wonderful, and fun.
It's the same for petrol stationry engines.
@@lmmI got the beam engine model and was impressed by the working governor. But thought this one a little pricey . Wouldn't turn one down if offered one tho , looks good for a mostly prebuilt yoke tho.😊
I’ve not watched to the end yet… but I think I want one of these engines…
It's actually really good
@@lmmI watched the rest…, yeah, I really do want one!
Me to. Dad had one he got back in the 1950s and I always loved playing with it [they used meths in those days] and my brother had a traction engine he got for Xmas one year. I've always wanted one of my own and this might just be the answer to my dreams.
It's genuinely very good
when I was 6 (1965) my Dad bought me a Meccano steam engine for my Meccano set. A simple, single acting oscillating engine. No regulator but it did have reverse. The chassis had holes matching Meccano centres for bolting things to it. Powered lots of projects for many years. The flywheel usually had to be flicked to get it started. Lubricated with vaseline before starting.
I always loved that mamod brought out an engine specifically for running mechcano
Lovely video and took me back about 60 years when one Christmas I received a Mamod Traction Engine! Thanks for the great memories!
When I was a child I had a Jensen steam engine. It plugged into the mains to heat the boiler and had a little generator that lit a small bulb. It was really the world's most inefficient light! Tons of fun though.
Oh that's cool. I've not had any experience with a Jensen
I got the flamelicker on your recommendation and now my wife is giving me funny looks while you round up this videos. Oh heck! Thanks.
How are you finding the flame licker?
I run mine from time to time and rather enjoy it.
This thing is super fun.
@@lmmit’s great just fiddly enough to keep it interesting and I’ve ordered this one now. Many thanks I’m glad you can be trusted not to just recommend rubbish.
I received a Retrol Beam Engine for Christmas. I really am chuffed about it. Such a nice kit. Their engineers did a wonderful job.
I have that one to build!
@lmm it's a great little model. It's no Stewart or Coles model, but it's great fun, and a quick assembly. I love the action of a beam engine. I really enjoy all your content. You really are a great ambassador of steam.
What a super engine, so well made, so you can tell that it's going to be worth the money. I have had a brief nostalgic moment seeing your little Mamod Minor 1 engine. I bought one with some money I got for Christmas when I was 11 years old (that would be 1965!). It cost me the princely sum of £1. 10s (£1.50) and I really wanted one of the better spec'd versions, but knew at my level of pocket money that I would never have the money. I still have it and I am pretty sure it works, though I haven't had it out for a bit. I need a new washer for the safety valve. As you have said, it roars rather than chuffs, but at one stage, I built a sort of chassis for it so it could move under its own steam. Such fun...!
Mamod were super, having a base you could bolt mechcano to was genius.
I love the little minor, it's a twee little thing
Spoiler! Build it, add fuel/water, touch the flywheel 3x, and it runs. 14:33 Also highlight reel.
Lawrie, was 'to start, open drains and later close' in the instructions, because if not it probably would not have started as easily. That in itself is a huge feature!
Excellent review, I hope they come back with more.
I really like the drains first engine I've had this size that doesn't just launch water from the chimney!
It lifted my mood to see you have such a positive experience with a very pretty piece of working technology. For a kid new to steam power, marrying it together with some simple diagrams and narrative description it would be a wonderful lead into their learning about the industrial revolution by tracing the technology back through history.
There is a video on the channel talking about the principles of a very simple steam engine
Wow! 😃
This is definitely one of the best steam engine kits you've covered, Lawrie.
It looks and sounds amazing 👍.
It's really good! I really enjoyed building it and have run it several times since
Absolutely stunning, i want one now.
Use the link in the video description, and have fun!
Even without running it , it is a great looking engine.
I agree about how good simply watching the engine working is.
Those excentrics and the expansion link are terrific.
The motion is wonderful to watch
@lmm mesmerizing
My old Mamod is buried in the shed somewhere. The last I saw, the filler/safety valve was missing. I have gotten a couple of hot air engines from Temu and they are beautiful bits of kit. One came assebled and the other a kit.
Both run flawlessly.
I enjoyed your video. Thanks for having us along!
Cheers
Terry
Mamods are pretty hardy and parts are easy to get, yours may well run again!
@lmm I always said I was going to find parts for it while I was stationed there. Good intentions......
It has a safety valve! And a jinjustor handle! This may be the best kit yet!!!
And a steam whistie and a steam vale!
It's certainly the best they've sent!
Wow, that was an amazing kit.
I love ecentric valve gear and that just looked epic. 😍
It's so good.
You should get one! So nice to watch it tick over
This is the first video I've seen of yours and as someone who likes engineering, miniature steam engines look like good fun
I hope you enjoy the rest of the channel!
I think this is the first of these that I genuinely want... it reminds me of the one I used to see at Wigan Peir as a kid for a start, and just looks amazing to run
It's actually very good. I'd recommend it
It just shows companies can produce a nice object and you doing the review is just brilliant.
It's genuinely very good!
Great video as always Lawrie
Glad you enjoyed it
Is a great adventure watching the little steam builds!!! Thank you for the great content and awesome care!! Plus we all know if the power ever goes out your house will be buzzing away with little steamers making light😁😁 keep up the great work
The light is actually quite nice in a dark room too!
How does a steam engine get called a Stirling engine????😊
@@GWAYGWAY1 It doesn't.
A Steam Engine and a Stirling Engine are different machines.
Whilst they're both external combustion engines, one relies on making Steam Pressure to push a piston, the other uses air within a sealed system.
@@lmm The box has it stuck across it. Or is it the company name.?
@@GWAYGWAY1 That's StirlingKit. The Company who sent it, who I introduced at the start of the video, thank at the end, and link to in the description.
Retrol & Stirlingkit build some extremely high quality miniature live steam & gasoline engines… and the instruction manuals are getting much, much better!
I have always been so impressed with Stirlingkit / Retrol’s CNC processing & finishing. It’s unreal that these miniature precision engines can be bought at such affordable prices.
Retrol have some really good product's.
I have an internal combustion engine to build!
I have to agree with your review. I just reviewed this one and the 01 on my channel then gave them away to my subscribers. They are really nice and it was tough too see them go.
I've got the 01 to build. Quite looking forward to it based on this one. Frankly enjoying it too much to let it go!
Wow! I really enjoyed watching this build. It goes so slow and smooth 👍
I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm actually really impressed with the engine
A fun engine and a fun video. Thank you.
You're most welcome!
Convinced and ordered 👌
Lovely gentle video, Lawrie, many thanks. Mind you, I'm surprised it worked so well from the off, given that you don't seem to have used any oil during assembly. With a birthday coming up soon, it's definitely on the list!
The only lubrication it mentions is in the cylinder block.
I have oiled it when I've fired it up since!
Absolutely loved watching this the last few days! Definitely rewarding of owning one of these after all the other "tat"!
Would love to see you review the beam & flyball governor version maybe in the future! 😊
Thanks for this. Ive always wanted one of these mini steam engines. But they all see to run at the speed if my tiny brushless motors on my drone (25k rpm). Ill probably never set aside time and money for such a me time project. So for now ill only keep enjoying your lovely videos
That's normally my issue with one of these little engines, they roar away and you can't control it.
This is brilliant. It's so nice having it just tick over
Its just the physics of small things. The resonance tends to make them run very fast. One of the reasons this little engine is quite impressive.
how cool is this i am going to get one and build it with my grandson hopefully something he will have years after i have gone ...brilliant
Distilled water can be OK but can also de-zincify the brass, I use rain water in my model steam. If you use tap water and you get scale, it's easy enough to de-scale with citric acid. A goodall valve for topping up would be a good idea.
This engine would also benefit from a gas burner as available from the likes of BIX.
Rain water is a very good idea
great video Lawrie, actually tempted to get one of these to begin a functional steam discovery
I'd recommend it!
Lot of fun you can have with it, and all works well!
Once you start you will find collecting them addictive. Especially when vintage engines are great value for money at the moment.
One thought do you need to fine tune the piston position a fraction of a turn it may help with the forward/reverse inbalance
Oh that could be it! I'll investigate
Fred Dibnah had a huge one of these out his back garden, lol, I got nothing but respect for Fred though, The guy had Balls of steel, All while being extremely intelligent with engineering....
My Dad was a Fire Man many years ago for Trains, My Dad went onto be a Train Guard to then be a Train Driver, I have got a few memories from when I was a Child going to Bristol Sheds to see the trains being fixed, Massive engines, I admire people who spends their life engineering, Working on engines the size they is in Trains can't be an easy task, Lot of knowledge takes years to learn I guess....
This makes me think if an Engineering simulation can be done in VR, I got a Quest 3 and it would be class if there was a VR simulation game based around Steam engineering, VR could keep this type of engineering alive, The young don't have to get their hands dirty, lol, All while learning how Engineering is done in VR, I hope schools start using VR, VR can make any room a Science class room, lol....
I just hope and pray that the younger generation sticks with Engineering.......
This actually looks a lot better than any Wilesco I've seen! Functionally those are ok, but this just looks chunkier with all of those nice machined parts and heavy gauge sheet metal parts. Wilesco seems sort of tinny and cheap by comparison. But I'd still have either gladly! I hope this company does some live engines soon though; I'd love a tractor with that quality!
Really like your enthousiasm! Very good engine indeed.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Yes great video an engine to get youngsters involved in the hobby worth watching
Thank you very much!
We want to encourage people to get involved!
Whether it's better or not does not matter, it looks great and it's very Interactive.
It works, that's the main thing
fill up means to fill something completely, which implies filling it to the top or as full as possible. some old amarcan made cars has warnings on the gas cap not to fill up. And that is a multi wrench not a spanner witch has pins or tabs .
Well done.
that is an impressive kit not gunna lie
It is! Genuinely fun and satisfying to build
My 1972 Wilesco Traction Engine can run incredibly slow, but this was pretty good straight out of the box Lawrie.
I've got one too! They're great models. Very nice watching it tick over slowly
Thank You Lawrie Kool steam engine
You're welcome
That looks really nice
It actually is!
Make this is brilliant I'm going to have to get one
I'd really recommend it!
This is a proper model steam engine. The boiler doesn't appear as to go ballistic on you and the extra features like drain cocks, reversing lever and lubrication make it working as it should.
Put some light machine oil on the pin links of the motion and some grease in the ball bearings if these are not of the sealed type. Makes it run even smoother and last longer.
I certainly will moving forward. I was trying to follow the instructions as close as possible for the review and they don't actually mention lubrication elsewhere
Excellent for school's physics experiments with a Joule Meter on a modified gas burner, and a Joule Meter on the Street Lamp (Load). What will the efficiency be? 10% 20% 30% 40%? Teacher's - try this experiment..................
Very nice boiler and engine.
No mention of lubricating the engine in the instructions. I can see the expansion link and die block getting premature wear.
I wonder if you could use fuel tablets in the burner. I am not in the UK so obtaining them is not an issue.
I agree, the burner should run out of fuel before the boiler runs out of water.
One improvement would be to use a length of hose on the drain into a suitable container.
Likely to be on my wish list.
I will be giving the motion a light oil up in the future.
As it wasn't mentioned in the instructions I tend to try to follow them as close as possible to see if it would work for someone who hasn't come across an engine before
Lawrie what really nice little steam engine !
It really is!
Comparitable? lol ! Good video!
A nice little kit
It really is. I enjoyed building it!
Looks like a nice kit, would prefer flat head screws as the Allen bolts look a bit out of place on a steam engine, but that could be because I’m used to the old fittings on my engines 😊
It is easier to bolt together though!
@ This is true, I do also like how it’s able to run slowly, a model with a regulator is handy. Check out D.R.Mercer traction engine kits (if there still going) as they have allot of features that are nice 👍
Did I miss the oiling the engine? Love it notching up what is not to love?
Me too. Keith Appleton would have a few words to say !
It doesn't mention oiling the motion in the instructions, and I was trying to follow them as closely as possible.
In my subsequent running I've oiled the motion
Ive got the Retrol beam engine. It's a great kit with a real centrifugal govenor. This one looks like a belter too. Just a shame they cheap out with the silicone hose, needs a nice copper pipe and maybe a pressure gauge to top it off!
A pressure gauge would be nice. I've got the beam engine to build! So that's exciting to hear it's also good
It would be pretty neat if there was a small t-valve under the safety that you could use to add water while it's running. That way you can keep it running for longer.
It would be super fun to use the whistle more! The issue with refilling water is that the water system is pressurized when running, and the 'incoming' water has to be at higher pressure to 'get in.' Look up 'model steam feedwater pump.' With that you get a little hand driven pump. If you leave off 'model' you get industrial size electric motor driven systems.
@@jimbarchuk
Yeah, I know that you need injectors and all that. So maybe have a shut-off on the feed like, and a large syringe for the water.
Hook up the syringe, open the valve, apply pressure to the syringe to inject the water, shut off the feed line. I would think that should work.
Adding a hand pump would be a good way to lengthen the running time!
@@THEJake829 If you use a check valve (one-way valve) for the feed line, you don't need to open and close it manually.
Of course, the next step is to also run a line from the same place to a water tank, with a check valve going the other way so that it opens to let the syringe pull in water but closes to prevent it from getting pushed back out, so that you don't need to ever disconnect the syringe. At which point you've reinvented the feedwater pump!
Look up "Goodall valve" 16mm model steam locos user them. You just get a spray bottle with a hose and the pressure of pumping opens the valve and the water goes into the boiler. @@THEJake829
Superb engine; only problem with the name 'Retrol', when you try to search for it on any website it takes a while to convince each one that, no, you DON'T mean 'retro'😊
That can make it tricky
OK I want one now. I would make it run my hallway lights. When guests visit, they have to run it to see where they're going.
That's a great idea
Man i wish I wasn't broke - what a beautiful machine
I suspect they will keep them in stock for when you can afford one!
It is essential that any critique of any product be based on a thorough understanding and proper engagement with it. When feedback is offered without careful consideration, adequate effort, or a clear grasp of the product’s intended use, it risks becoming unproductive and ultimately loses its value. Constructive criticism, rooted in knowledge and thoughtful evaluation, is what truly drives improvement and meaningful dialogue. All I see from the presenter is a lot of dabbling and clumsiness in the handeling. A Jack of all trades, master of none is not what we need today. Here is a product that awaits your " scrutiny" If you dare. ( Deepseek )
Glad you enjoyed the review, and thank you for your kind comments.
I do have a Wilesco... mainly because it was 20 bucks at a flea market. If I ever have another, it'll be my own. With two double action cylinders because it's supposed to self-start.
At least in Germany I can get a cute Emco Unimat lathe for less than what this engine costs. And building stuff is fun.
That's a real good find!
I suspect many people lack the skills to make these things
@@lmm I went to that flea market in May and it cost 25. Was kinda annoyed that I didn't take it. And in September, 2nd market, it was still waiting, this time for 20. MINE!
I'll spend about 25 bucks for original parts, oil, gaskets and shipping though. It's missing its piston.
@AlexDiesTrying best of luck getting it sorted!
Wow…! I’d like to have this one - and possibly add a water pump, or get totally silly and make an injector…? 😊
A water pump would be really useful!
Injectors require about 50psi and over to operate. This is engines boiler is likely to have less than 12psi before the safety valve operates. This means an injector is not possible on these types of engines.
Just wanted to say the same thing. Extend the safety valve up so a three-way pipe junction can be installed, and hook up a hose to/from a water pump. Maybe power it with the energy of the steam engine.
@@TheMofRider2 engines of this size usually locomotives have a simple valve for adding water that uses a plastic pipe and a spray bottle as the boiler pressure is low. In addition the burner has an extension pipe for adding more fuel or can be converted to gas burning that has much larger tanks.
I had a Wilesco as a kid
Looks really good proper model steam engine lot nicer than a Wilesco in my opinion
It's a very nice little engine.
It looks really good. Setting the stroke to be equal in the bore may require some knowledge in view of it being adjustable ? The wire gauze burner is not new, I've seen steel cable used. A pressure gauge would be nice and match Wilesco s offering.
I didn't think the comparative one with a generator had a pressure guage to be honest
I find myself guilty of the sin of coveting. I like my Wilescos, and I like my Jensens and the rest, but this one kind of ticks all the boxes. Lots of brass, a decent looking dynamo, Stephenson's gear, and the cylinder draincocks. I may need to pull the trigger on this outstanding engine.
It was fun to build too!
Here's a thought..... could the stationary steam engine's dynamo generate enough current to power a model railways locomotive on a circle of track. Possibly an old 1960's Playcraft (Jouef) 708 0-4-0T loco, as these will run (slowly) on even a pair of AAA batteries. Maybe even a DS48 model.
I'll investigate!
Checking the output voltage would be the first step. Be interesting to the power output (steam punk phone charger?)…
Or for example something like the Busch H0f industrial railways ("Feldbahn") they produce for about 10 years now. These were originally powered by two AA batteries, later a convenient power converter for household socket current was added to the offer.
7805 linear regulator will do the job if you want to use it as a phone charger...
@ A switching regulator is more efficient (if the voltage is over six volts you can used a standard car charger).
I only have a Wilesco D11 oil rig from that company, got a couple of Signalling Equipments, several Mamod's and a scratch built engine from the 80's in my humble collection the queen of is my 1939 Mamod SC3 which does have a lubricator and a line gear gantry, the D11 has reverser and whistle but stupid plastic levers which seem cheap and nasty to me and I do keep reminding myself to make some out of brass just to make it work better.
That's a nice little collection!
I bet you were 'stoked' as they say across the pond
I was indeed!
Nice video, thank you. I think I would have checked the balance of the flywheel, and vastly more important I would certainly have hydraulicly tested the boiler..
I think the spring in the safety valve is so weak the boiler isn't going to be able to make enough steam to do any damage
Chinese factories _can_ make quality products, like this mini stem engine, but their customers (the wholesalers and retailers) just want low costs most of the time.
It shows for the quality you have to pay - as this is similar to a Wilesco
@@lmm yep, get what you pay for generally...
China do make quality products, the problem is when other manufacturers copy it and cut corners
Absolutely.
The plastic wiring clips called a wago wire connector
Oh really? Thanks!
Superb! And very annoyingly too late, took delivery of a new Wilsco D405 2 weeks ago 🙁
Now, how to justify buying a second engine?! 🤪
To compare! For science!
The Traction engine is a lovely thing.
That is a great model. Although would you recommend oiling or grease all of the bearings and motion prior to running.
Oh defo wants some light oil. But it doesn't mention it in the instructions
Just imagine modifying it to run Gauge 1 Narrow Gauge Locos
Could be great
Man i want one now.
I'd recommend it
@@lmm i would but i can't afford it lol. 😅
So, I'd be tempted to get one of these. But I know I'd make a mess with it so instead im thinking of investing in either an N guage mini railway or a T guage. Not sure which yet.
Lot that can be done with N, lots of variety too.
I'd recommend this though, it's really good fun and runs really well.
@@lmm 100% would get it, If not for the fear of getting steam / oil / mess everywhere! But thanks for the heads up of N! I'll have to find a Ruston to put on it!
@@twowheelfrenzy I often put them on a plastic tray
@@lmm Not a bad shout! A lil off topic, But I was wondering, have you ever been to the Black country living museum in the west midlands? They have a Newcomen steam engine there and the place might be right up your alley!
Nice little model. The fuel tank is an easy fix. Could you not just add half a dozen or so ball bearings into the tank? That would reduce the amount of fuel. 😊
Yeah, that's a super idea
I just want one of these for the whistle, it's the biggest I've seen on a little stationary engine in terms of size in proportion to the boiler and I wanna see if the boiler can supply enough steam to sound it consistently while running the engine
It can, but you'll run out of steam very fast.
I am greatly amused by the size of the whistle. As you saw in the video, blowing it for too long vents pressure so fast that the engine stops running!
🤔 You know China being the last country to actually used steam power, they might actually have an advantage with experience in this area...
There's still steam engines working in Bosnia and technically Poland
Oil the linkages and grease the bearing.
The manufacturer must have found a copy of the mythical regulations, that no one else can find, that states model steam boilers must have a level gauge. Now you won't be arrested and thrown in jail for running the model. You are right saying that you should run out of fuel before you run out of water
Thankfully not. Else I wouldn't be able to bring you more models
@@lmm Aye. My guess on the fuel/water ratio is you were bleeding steam off out the whistle faster than the engine would consume it. If you just ran the engine it may be fine
@@JSmith19858 I ran it a few times, and the burner was always still alight at the time of pulling out the fire.
I think it's just fill the burner to just 3/4 full.
Apart from that, actually a really nice little model.
@ fair enough. Maybe a drilled hole in the side at the correct level might help
@@JSmith19858 that's actually not a bad idea. I was wondering if putting some material in the bottom of the burner
So I have been watching your channel for a while now. And I just want to say as an American Railroader or railfan. I enjoy watching your content however I wish and some of your videos you would show more whistle clips. That being said when you're doing steam trains and you're showing Steam Train characters and explaining how they run and operate and you're showing us how to operate one I wish to do a little more steam whistles. However I do want to say nothing brings a smile on my face when I watch LMM Productions.
I'll do my best!
@@lmm I know I don't comment a lot on your videos but I do want to say you do a great job at teaching others like me a lot about steam engines and I'm into the American diesels not much into steam so having somebody that knows a lot about what they do really helps me out a lot
I'm just glad you're enjoying the content!
@lmm yes sir I do can't wait for more steam engines videos
A related thing that I would find interesting is a short video about when British railroads whistle (or blow the horn, on diesels) and what whistle signals they use. I hear a lot of British railfans expressing surprise at how often American railroads blow the horns/whistles, because on this side of the Atlantic the expectation is to blow four blasts at every grade crossing, and I understand that that's not the case on your side of the Atlantic at all.
It actually said "Steam whistie" ;-). which also kinda works
Oh I missed that!
Looks like these guys should produce an 0 guage locomotive next... I wonder if they are planning one?
I've got an HO live steam engine to test!
@lmm looking forward to that Lawrie !!
I would want to pressure test the boiler first!
It's not really going to make enough pressure to do anything. The spring is so weak on the safety valve it's barely getting above ten psi.
Slightly disappointed that the lantern does not turn red when you apply the reverser.
Oh that would have been great 😂
It would be 10/10if it did that
Hah! And that wouldn't be too hard to do, if that's a DC generator.
The only other toy steam engine I can think of with a proper Stephenson link motion is the Jensen 75.
I don't really have any experience of Jensens.
They look good though
Roundhouse engineering of Doncaster, produce excellent loco kits if you get a chance
Yeah, they're super things!
I've watched the video with the other Retrol engine, and I thought that was a very interesting, this also was very amazing, just powering up the light was also a unique sight, but I'm still more curious, despite their size, can these engines be used for anything else, anything big?
Lawrie didn't dwell on how the engine performed under load, which is a bit surprising -- you can just hear the engine slow down when the light is turned on (and then Lawrie adjusts the regulator).
You certainly could use it for driving something else, but whether it could perform useful work is questionable. For example, if you somehow connected the engine to an external sanding disk or polishing mop, how much pressure could you apply on the workpiece before the engine stalled? Would be fun to try!
How about it Lawrie? ( @lmm ) A video of you trying to make your engine do real work would be rather good!
Not really, they are just models after all.
There are verious tools too can run off them, but they're mostly for demonstration.
It would be good to do an experiment and see what it could run!
Would love to know what voltage / current it can create. Would be fun if it could charge something.
It's only an LED, but has a bit or torque to it, so could probably take more load
Hmm intresting
🤔
It's actually really good
@@lmm Yes it certily looks it from what ive watched, im waiting for a moment to watch the rest
It is a hell of a lot better than a Wilesco
I am very impressed!
This does look great, I have never seen an internal combustion equivalent though, I wonder if they actually exist.
One of the reviews I've got to do is of a model internal combustion engine!
@lmm oh excellent, I can't wait to see that
There are people on You Tube who build miniature V8's. That work..
Time for my obligitory over the top comment for a LMM model engine review. WOW, IT'S VERY ENGINEY!!!!!
Clearly an expert in the field - it is very enginey!
@lmm I got my degree at the hardware store.
Got 1 from Amazon
Oh nice
Hi Lawrie. Got a great one there. caroline.
I'm glad you enjoyed it
13:23 Am I the only one who saw a spark from the left burner when it touches the metal 😅
I missed that!
Dam was just gonna post about that
Did the instructions mention lubrication points?
They did not, hence why it's not covered in the video.
Wonder how much power could get out of it. Could it be used to run a OO or G train
With the right gearing definitely
I suspect not. It'll chuck out a couple of volts tops
Is the lamp bright enough to work by in a power cut.
I've run it in the dark and it's enough to see a little by.