Elmer's #44 Open Column Twin-Questions

[Metal Butcher]

I'm seriously thinking of building Elmers #44.

Has anyone built, is currently building, or considered building this motor.

I find the valve set up interesting (one slide valve for two cylinders) and similar to the valve on the Stuart Sun and Sirus. Two areas under consideration for modification are the open crank case and absence of an out side flywheel.

Anyone have any ideas, thoughts, photos, or any other pertinent info on building this model?

-MB

 

[cfellows]

I haven't built it, but that and the radial that you built are two of my favorite Elmer's engines.

Chuck

 

[mklotz]

I built it some time ago and use it to drive my PMR model dynamo. It's a fun build without any overly taxing details. A good runner and relatively powerful for its size.

Here are some pictures...

If you want more detailed pictures of the engine alone, let me know and I'll snap some.

 

[Metal Butcher]

I haven't built it, but that and the radial that you built are two of my favorite Elmer's engines.

Chuck

Hi chuck. I'm a big fan of Elmer's work and also a big fan of the contributing members on this forum such as yourself, and countless others including a new member that may have just finished his very first runner. Elmer's engine plans cover most if not all of the basic steam engine designs. They are strait forward builds suitable for hobby machinists like us at all levels of experience. Easy to build as drawn, and easy to modify based a on a builders preference. The designs offer a good base for understanding how these different types of engines accomplish the goal of turning air (or steam) pressure into mechanical motion. The legacy that Elmer left behind, and the membership of this forum have inspired me to do what I thought was impossible. That is, to build running engines I can be proud off.

One day, one part, one engine at a time. Never give up in a moment of temporary inability!

-MB

 

[Metal Butcher]

WOW!!! Thanks Marv, that's what I needed to see.

Absolutely beautiful! generator adds a nice touch.

I remember when your picture post of Elmer's radial inspired me.

The pics are great and show it all. Could you divulge the source of the generator, light bulb and socket?

Thanks again. :bow:

EDIT; Sorry, I was so mesmerized by the pics I forgot to read you text (PMR). I took a look and found the dynamo on the P.M. Research Inc. web site under machine shop accessories. I can't find the socket and bulb tho.

-MB

 

[mklotz]

Thanks for the kind words.

The generator is a kit from PM Research...

http://www.pmresearchinc.com/

The socket, bulb and wires are from my electronic junque box.

Note the transparent plexiglas steam chest cover. Used only when running on air, it allows the valve action to be observed. (I seem to get a lot of questions at shows about what's going on in there.) A metal cover is used when the engine is run on steam.

 

[Metal Butcher]

Marv, I noticed the clear cover used to show the valve action. I remember seeing a similar clear cover used on the back (valve area) of the radial that you built.

The bulb looks like it's lit up , but I don't see a blur in the valve. Fast camera shutter?

Idea! I imagine a bulb socket from a cheapo flash light installed in a holder machined from a suitable plastic would fit the bill.

-MB

 

[zeeprogrammer]

I'm a little late to the party here. Most of what I wanted to say when I saw Marv's post...has been said.

Still...very nice setup. I like how the bulb and socket match the system. I remember the see-through cover from the horizontal mill engine post. Very nice.

 

[mklotz]

Marv, I noticed the clear cover used to show the valve action. I remember seeing a similar clear cover used on the back (valve area) of the radial that you built.

The bulb looks like it's lit up , but I don't see a blur in the valve. Fast camera shutter?

Idea! I imagine a bulb socket from a cheapo flash light installed in a holder machined from a suitable plastic would fit the bill.

-MB

Yes, the engine was running when the picture was taken, hence the illuminated bulb. The workbench is well lit so the shutter speed was fast.

Fabricating a bulb holder should be easy or buy one from one of the usual suspects such as Digikey. Also, some folks prefer to fabricate a small street light standard from brass tubing. You might also want to investigate model light standards from something like the larger gauge model railroad suppliers.