Which engine for beginners?

[joe 3]

I have just acquired a small lathe which I want to use for making model engines. After doing my homework I decided to go with a Proxxon SD 300, with is a remarkably precise German made 12" lathe, yet it is affordable since it has been out of production for about 10 years.

I am aware that I first need to familiarize myself with the basic operations and I am in the process of building a small Stirling engine to do just that. Still I am very excited about getting started on a "real" engine. Because I would like to build something that actually runs, I have been looking for the most simple and beginner-friendly plans on the net.

One candidate is certainly the Webster here http://home.comcast.net/~webster_engines/ but being a four stroke I fear that it might require more expertise than a simple two-stroke.
The only two-stroke I could find reasonably accurate plans for is the "little dragon" here http://modelenginenews.org/lildragon/index.html
Its a design from the 1950s, but I guess that a first engine does not have to be cutting edge.

Would this be a good design to go with, or is there something else I should have a look at?

[InspirationTool]

I'm curious about this as well. I've looked for a simple engine to build but haven't found anything that is obviously meant for beginners.

-Jeff

[pastera]

A good engine to start with if you have little or no experience is a "wobbler" steam engine. You can run it on air and they are much more forgiving than an IC engine or sterling.

You can find several free plans on the internet by searching for "oscillating steam engine plans"
PMResearch has a very low cost (~26USD) casting kit that is easy to build.

Aaron

[joe 3]

Yup, I am aware of that, but for purely aesthetic reasons I shy away from steam engines. As I mentioned I am in the process of making a low temperature Sterling engine, which is also a good learning experience and is also something I wouldn't mind having on my shelf.

In this thread however I am looking for "strictly I.C.", that is glow engines only.

[NC Cams]

The added complexity of a valve train is something I'd encourage a beginner to avoid when starting to build IC engine's from scratch - I"d encourage sticking with a 2 cycle.

[stevehuckss396]

Try this one. Uses cox cylinders and minimal parts. Only bad part is the tap is a bit pricy. But you could always get around that by cutting the threads on the lathe. I have the plans for the first and bought the kit for the second. Plan on building both after i finish the little Bugatti.


http://www.jamesengine.com/index_files/Page486.htm

or if you have a few more bucks.

http://www.jamesengine.com/index_files/Page662.htm

Steve
http://forum.bugattibuilder.com/phot...s.php?album=27

[mikel]

The HEX-2 engine is featured in the most recent copy of Model Engine Builder magazine. Issue #9, I think ??

http://www.modelenginebuilder.com/issueeight.htm

Didn't see it on their website, but do remember the article - engine uses small Cox airplane glow plug engines.

http://www.jamesengine.com/index_files/Page486.htm

[jamesjsmj]

Joe,

The HEX-2 is in issue #9 of MEB. I haven't updated the web site yet.

The engine is easy to build but the COX cylinders can be picky - the engine will only run when the fuel level and needle valve are set just right but when they're set it runs great.

Steve is right about the price of the tap. I bought my first one directly from COX for about $50 and was able to get the size off the tap - 17/32x40 TPI. I have to special order them and the current price to order one is now up to $110 - ouch!!! I just ordered 12 so I should have some available at about $50 - economy of quantity.

You definitely can cut the threads on a lathe. Mount the crankcase in a 4 jaw chuck centered over the piston and cut the threads. I did this for the first few prototypes then realized the $50 to COX was worth it :-) If you’re only doing 1 then I would try using the lathe to cut the threads and save the $50.

Steve - I still owe you a V-4 :-) What about the plans for the inline 8 - I got some CNC guys ready to go :-)

Jerry J

[stevehuckss396]

I gave everything to Mr Mike Remus at the names show. Did'nt get a chance to talk much with him and have'nt heard from him. I gave him everything i had in Alibre and Autocad form. The drawings are 90% in cad and 70% in Alibre.

I have to get back to work and finish it up. Need to finish the distributor caps, Flywheel, and Cam gear covers. I have been at that thing for close to a year so i'm "on a break".

I have been distracting myself with my own versions of David Kerzel'sV1 Co2 powered engine. They look like this.

Originally Posted by jamesjsmj Steve - I still owe you a V-4 :-) What about the plans for the inline 8 - I got some CNC guys ready to go :-) Jerry J

[mog5858]

has anyone heard of someone making a in line 6 diesel. cus i would like to build one to power a scale pay-loder that i making. it would be so much better to have a diesel in there insted of a d.c motor. it would have a mechanical injetshion pump.

[stevehuckss396]

Originally Posted by mog5858 has anyone heard of someone making a in line 6 diesel. cus i would like to build one to power a scale pay-loder that i making. it would be so much better to have a diesel in there insted of a d.c motor. it would have a mechanical injetshion pump.

Just saw one at the NAMES show. Beautiful casting! The shortblock was finished. Did'nt see any other parts.

They are out there.

[mog5858]

thanks steve i will have to try and tack it down now that was the 07 one that u where at where was it heald at? u did not get any pic of it by any chance?