Miniature beam engine

[mklotz]

In this miniature beam engine the crankshaft serves as a rotary valve to feed air to the piston. With the crankshaft parallel to the beam a slightly complicated connection between beam and crank plate is required. This connector must be able to swivel in two planes so it is articulated at each end.

The engine is surprisingly powerful for its size and can run fairly fast although, as with all beam engines, it looks best running at a slow, stately pace. In the video the air feed valve is barely cracked open to keep it running slowly.