I build the RETROL 84 piece model steam engine kit from EngineDIY

[@Xynudu]

NOTE: I find it runs best if you 2/3 fill the boiler, heat the water, refill the burner (which is relatively small), then run it with the burner door flap open about 5 -10 mm so it can get enough air. It will run quite fast if you do this and adjust the governor. Cheers Rob

[@ziplocBagofRobloxia]

i ordered one recently myself, glad i found your video for this helpful tip, thanks

[@nobbysworkshop]

That's a cracking engine Rob. Looks very well made. Runs well with a nice sound to it. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Nobby

[@eyuptony]

Looks and runs chuffing great, Rob. Nicely machined components as well. Cheers Tony

[@Xynudu]

Makes all the right noises Tony. Quite complex mechanics. Cheers Rob

[@thehobbymachinistnz]

That is a very cool steam engine Rob. Thanks for showing us.

[@Xynudu]

It's very nice Jon. I managed to get it to run faster after a bit of fiddling. Goes quite nicely. Cheers Rob

[@malcolmtill]

Looks awesome but my only criticism is that coming from China I would expect it to cost under $150 not $299

[@jamesnicholson3313]

What a beautiful piece of engineering, I love it, many thanks for the wonderful video. Jim from Cootamundra.

[@Xynudu]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RetroSteamTech]

Hi Rob. Lovely looking engine. From what I've seen the CNC machining of the small parts on these models is very good. Might be worth playing around with the governor to see if you can alter the running speed. Cheers, Alan.

[@Xynudu]

Hi Alan. I have varied that, but it's restricted by the amount of steam pressure available. Run faster and it uses more. I ran it on compressed air and it takes very little pressure to run, less than 5 psi, so the boiler could do with one more wick on the burner to get up more steam. I had some lube in the water as well (I usually run some soluble air tool oil ). The wicks are interesting in that they are longish metal coils of stainless steel. Very effective. I'd not seen that before. It sounds good chuffing away with the governor cutting in and out. Cheers Rob

[@HelpMeToWork]

@@Xynudu I have had mine a few days and didn't seem to get it running at all. Played with the governor but it looked like some pressure was leaking from the governor and even very slightly around the base of the whistle. Anyway lubricating it well, ensuring everything is free to move carefully including lubrication at all pivot joints and piston and now running smoothly, for about 5 minutes until meths runs out and at a really decent speed! Very happy.

[@Xynudu]

I found that the best way to run it is (after oiling everything) to heat the boiler to steaming point, then remove and refill the burner and replace it. This greatly increases run time as otherwise the metho runs out too quickly way before the water. I also drilled a very small hole into the metho burner top at the handle end in a position so I can insert a hypodermic syringe needle into it. This allows me to refill the burner while it's lit with the engine running. Works well provided you don't overfill it. I also add a small amount of water soluble air tool oil to the water to reduce drag in the piston assembly. Cheers Rob

[@HelpMeToWork]

@@Xynudu I noticed a small hole in the top of the burner tray which would take a needle to refill, but not in the top “lid” sheet so is that where you drilled the additional hole Rob? Mine is now running so sweetly I’m very pleased.

[@HelpMeToWork]

@@Xynudu where do you get water soluble air tool oil? I’m in the UK.

[@enginediy_team]

so great!!!

[@Xynudu]

Thanks. Cheers Rob

[@MothershipVideos]

Bice bit of kit you've got there.

[@wolfe1970]

Ive just got this kit, having a few problems, one being the cylinder keeps popping off, doesnt seem to be a very tight fit onto the valve base, and the whistle leaks alot of steam in the off position, Its a nice kit, but seems the tolerances arnt that great

[@johnc1848]

What lubricant are you using? Great job, ordered one myself after watching.

[@Xynudu]

I use water soluble air tool oil. It's very thin/low viscosity. You can also put a few drops in the water/boiler to lube the drive cylinder. It's available at most auto accessory shops. Make sure you get the correct type as some is synthetic and not soluble. Cheers Rob

[@johnc1848]

Thanks, I have plenty of that

[@X1DELTA1X]

what brand of fuel did you use.

[@Xynudu]

Plain Methylated spirits. All brands are the same.

[@enginediyshop6269]

Thanks for your video🥰

[@Xynudu]

My pleasure 😊

[@dscott1524]

What kind of oil does it use? Steam oil? Does the kit include the appropriate lubrication? Cheers.

[@Xynudu]

I use water soluble air tool oil (readily available and inexpensive) for moving parts and in the boiler water. Oil is not supplied.

[@Steven_Rowe]

Hello Rob These look fantastic and seem very well made, did you end up paying gst etc as they come from Hong Kong

[@Xynudu]

I was gifted the engine kit in exchange for doing the video. It's a nice detailed model. Looks fantastic. Not very powerful and the boiler is only just big enough. Cheers Rob

[@Steven_Rowe]

@Xynudu that is really lovely to be given it. Probably power is not important, it's not as if you are going to power anything, I think just having a working beam engine is nice plus what a good model to put on a coffee table simply to admire it. It would be nice if was reciprocating but it is still bery nice. You mentioned power due to a small boiler, so what happens when you run it off compressed air. I know you would have the safety value out so you could use a higher pressure . It would be interesting to know what the psi is to lift the safety valve.

[@Xynudu]

Hi Steven, it would run better/faster with more power off of compressed air as you don't have the pressure variations you get creating live steam, plus the supply is endless. I expect the boiler psi would be very low. Of all the models I have made, none require more than 5 psi compressed air and I expect this kit will be similar as it spins over very easily. The silicon tube from the boiler to the governor is only a push on fit at both ends and the steam pressure isn't high enough to blow it off. Cheers Rob

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@Xynudu]

Thanks for watching

[@X1DELTA1X]

what fuel does the burner use

[@Xynudu]

Methylated spirits (denatured alcohol).

[@X1DELTA1X]

Thanks so much@@Xynudu