Bazmak Diary of Brian Rupnows Beam Engine

[Brian Rupnow]

Bazmac--I just seen your question, and it confuses me. That engine was always intended to be an engine that ran on compressed air or steam, never as a driven pump. Yes, it would act as a pump if you drive the flywheel from an outside power source. All steam engines would, but that was never my intention.---Brian

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExI6zvPfbQc[/ame]

 

[bazmak]

Hi Brian,the reason i asked is that the beam engine was originally designed
as a pump for mines/oil etc and is not as efficient at changing liniar motion
to reciprocating motion.I am more familiar with steam locos where the beam i
is redundant and the piston can drive direct to flywheel etc.As a model i have no intention of using under pressure unless i connect it to a bicycle pump.I rather like the simple slow movement but as a working engine i dont think it would be the most efficient.Any suggestions for my next project ??

 

[bazmak]

Just watched your video.What pressure/consumption do you run at
Would a small 12v compressor from the auto shop drive it ??
I feel the urge to take the next step

 

[bazmak]

Also just read your post about the main steam inlet conn and to plug the 2 small holes.If i decide to run under power i will tweak the timing but at the moment
it is somewhere near for cosmetics

 

[Brian Rupnow]

Hi Baz--You only need a small compressor to run the engine. The small automobile tire inflator compressor that plugs into a cigarette lighter in your car will put out sufficient air to run this beam engine if you have built it correctly and there is little friction. You are correct, the first beam engines were used as mine pumps, and instead of turning a wheel the pump rod went deep into the mine to a piston in a well casing to keep water pumped out of the mines. It is not the most efficient way to change linear motion to rotating motion, but it was the first and was used for many years before someone figured out a way to get rid of the beam. You ask what you should build next, and I have a very good answer for you. There is a natural progression from that beam engine to the first of the "horizontal" engines which, exactly as you say, get rid of the beam. I have a complete set of plans I developed for a twin cylinder, horizontal factory engine based on the same bore and stroke as that beam engine. I have built the engine and posted videos of it running on this website somewhere. If you want, I will post a link to the complete set of plans.---Brian
http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/f31/horizontal-double-acting-twin-self-starter-2790/

 

[bazmak]

Hi Brian,just had a quick look your post and i am very impressed
I would like to make it next,and would much appreciate it if you can
make available the plans as you did for the beam engine.Bear in mind i am not very good with computers but did successfully print off your plans for the beam engine.I will also use your reasoning and try to make the crank first.
Once i start i can also use your thread as a reference.Many thanks
best regards Barry