I made a steam bike! // Paul Brodie's Shop

[@thomassinclair4675]

Thank you for another tour of "Inside Paul Brodie's Head" or "Wednesday with Paul Brodie" !!! Always inspiring! Thanks!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Thomas!

[@Crooked...]

Hey Mitch! Is it possible to add a small pop-up picture of a peacock every time the peacocks from Paul's garden scream? 😁

[@mitchellnurseproductions]

I suppose that is possible 🤔

[@Crooked...]

@@mitchellnurseproductions Haha oke great! A possibility has the potential to become reality... 🤞

[@jeffkeen6943]

...and add a counter as well! Then we can rank the episodes...that was a 6 Peacock...which is obviously better than a 3 Peacock... 🙂

[@mitchellnurseproductions]

@@jeffkeen6943 😂

[@836dmar]

I second this motion. My wife laughed when she heard that call.

[@icarium6031]

What a friggin legend!

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Man!

[@johnutting9615]

We have an engineeer here in nz who has built the same bike from the ground up. It goes along beautifully.

[@paulbrodie]

Excellent! New Zealand has some very talented engineers and fabricators! 😉

[@budyharianto8229]

Nice...very enjoyed with your creativity sir...😀👍

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Budy.

[@robertcates4066]

This is such a cool video, PAUL!!!!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Robert 😉

[@billdyke9745]

Good heavens... An incredible project.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Bill 🙂

[@willhouse]

"So if it's raining and you're going downhill, good luck." ❤️‍🔥

[@paulbrodie]

So true.

[@gerry343]

2:50 Based on locomotive nomenclature, I'd call that the smokebox. Your grin while riding the bike says it all. Great build, well done!

[@davidatkinson3887]

As an ex B.R. fireman of the early 60's I second that "smokebox"

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Gerry. Yes, Smokebox sounds good to me!

[@dhutch2000]

Vote three for smoke box. Now with a damper, to control the rate of burn of the fire.

[@mbi379]

Such a great project. You were just fabricating it. Then lessons learned... How cool is that!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank for watching!

[@wayneevans8269]

Hi Paul, that is one crazy project, I love watching your problem solving, your a clever engineer, thanks for the inspiration. Kind regards Wayne

[@paulbrodie]

Wayne, thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@JulianMakes]

Just incredible! I’m amazed that roller/swage joint in the firebox didn’t need soldering - very cool!

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Julian.

[@darnmartian9766]

Be careful to fully consider the weight of that water tank. That will be so heavy and so high you may occasionally struggle to keep from dropping that bike, you might consider a pair of a very low-slung horizontal large-diameter pipes maybe 4-5 inches up from the street

[@paulbrodie]

I built that bike for a customer probably 15 years ago. He died, and his wife sold it....

[@1963corvette327]

just luv watching your adventures, very captivating and informal,,,

[@paulbrodie]

Glad you like them!

[@zmotorsports62]

Very, very impressive. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks for watching!

[@walkerholder9765]

I did not know your channel before your break, but I am so very glad your back!! My Mother in law was diagnosed with Multiple Myleoma in 2008. She has had 2 stem cell transplants, and is doing very well these days at 82. Those transplants where, well, let me say she is a tough lady. Best of luck sir! I love your team's work!!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you. Yes, I am scheduled for a stem cell transplant, so let's hope I do as well as your Mother in law.

[@rgetso]

$8000 breaks down to about $3/hr after parts ... but the education was valuable. The bare motor/assembly had way more eye appeal than the outhouse-looking enclosure. What an intriguing video, Paul.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Richard. Yes, my hourly rate was a bit low.

[@TheOldaz1]

Awesome project and well executed - the smile on your face says it all. Thanks for the history.

[@WireWeHere]

Steam engines, bricklaying, and adrenaline? The late Fred Dibnah climbing up to work, as he says, to fund his loco motion hobby was captured in a series of interesting videos on KZbin. Another fascinating gentleman.

[@NathanNostaw]

I knew about old fearless fred and his way over loaded land rover that carried all his ladders, but I never knew it was to fund a steam hobby. What a legend.

[@TarmanTheChampion]

I was gona mention this!

[@Alanbataar]

Thank you Paul & Mitch! Paul, you are just plain gifted.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Alan 🙂

[@kenmilne2379]

If ure not an expert! U made a hellva nice job that anybody would be proud of !! Love the idea of steam and didnt realise how complicated it all was ! But beautifully fininshed ! I think the expence was under a bit !! Haha ❤️

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Ken. Appreciate your comments!

[@AbernathyPJ]

Hey Mitch, you need to get Paul and this bike or some of his bikes into Jay Leno’s KZbin channel and into his shop.

[@krbuck]

This is total madness. I love it.

[@greybeard3759]

Absolutely brilliant! You're just full of surprises, aren't you. Kudos!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you very much 🙂

[@urdnal]

That dang peacock! Always startles me, I love it. You should show him.

[@paulbrodie]

We did show Peter. Did you not watch that video?

[@SubTroppo]

I used to ride at night home through Syon Park in the UK. The first time the peacock let out a cry from a high wall at close quarters I nearly fell off my bike. Thereafter I took people through there to see if they would get to fall off their bikes.

[@urdnal]

@@paulbrodie I guess not... uh, show him more!

[@paulbrodie]

@@SubTroppo You sound like a great friend.

[@hermanhandlebars2687]

Fantastic you keep a record of your projects and to share them with us all. Thank you 👍 A true artisan

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks. Yes, I have been a photographer for 47 years.

[@cinemafx1]

Unbelievable workmanship. Well done

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you.

[@allanrichards3752]

This is a brilliant project and a brave one to take on. Having messed with steam engines a bit I think a critical bit is the blast pipe which is where the exhaust from the engine goes through into the chimney. If you get the blast pipe right you draw a lot of air through the fire and hence hot air up the boiler tubes to create steam. I say this because if the fire door is getting really hot then the heat is not going up through the boiler. You might also benefit from a small superheater and valve gear that allows what is called notching back so when you are cruising it uses less steam. Nevertheless you have made a very good start and just need some fine tuning.

[@paulbrodie]

Allan, thanks for watching and commenting. I haven't seen the bike for 14 years. It went to Indiana where Dick lived. Dick died, and his wife sold it. I have no idea where it is now...

[@tomthompson7400]

Perfect ,,, what more could anyone desire ,,, maybe a portrait of Mighty Mitch ,,, but other than that ???

[@leonardarola]

This is poetry. Take us for a ride.

[@stevefaltis8989]

Paul, you da man!

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Steve!

[@towhee7472]

Great work on your side for this amazing project!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Tow 😉

[@VE7QRZ]

I am speechless, custom build redefined…🎉

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Peter :)

[@redsquare2]

Phenomenal! You are a genius.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks. Too kind.

[@goodwaterhikes]

Pretty cool 😎👍✌️

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks...

[@xpndblhero5170]

This is just insane, I couldn't imagine how difficult this would be to ride, let alone to also enjoy a nice scenery... LoL

[@xpndblhero5170]

@@gpw203 - For Sure, he works really fast and sometimes he makes multiple parts after the camera stops..... LoL

[@thedr309]

i loved the picture of you "Steam Rollin" at the end!! awesome job

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Mitch!

[@tiffinthyme5822]

Hello Paul, I really enjoyed your honest explanation of the way you worked through this project, steam bike, why not? The only thing troubling me was where to put the tea! ( living in the U.K. we take these things very seriously!). Note to self, add small tap in boiler to allow teapot to be filled! Thank you, to both Mitch and yourself. Best wishes Kevin. 🫖

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Kevin. Yes, I do sometimes like a good cup of tea!

[@daedaluscan]

Awesome again. The smile at the end says it all.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Charlie.

[@adamkurth6839]

Hi! Love the videos, I watch them all and I learn so much! I would love to see a video on how Paul cleans parts and engines and such, everything seems so clean. In my shop my parts are always greasy and dirty despite my best efforts with a brush and degreaser. It may seem simple but it's the little thing I glean from these videos that stick with me. Also, I felt educated enough to repair a bent up bicycle for my friend last week. So thank you Mitch and Paul!

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Adam. One way I keep my shop clean is to keep all the grinding and belt sanding outside the shop. It really does make a difference.

[@tmonelo490]

Beautifully made mechanical art!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you T monelo.

[@davidmizak4642]

I want to thank you for the amazing information you provide to your viewers. This is fascinating material. I appreciate all of your efforts. Many thanks!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you David 🙂

[@johnthemainguy9059]

Neat project, and I can see how it blew the budget. Paul, I think the cladding wood is teak rather than oak.

[@MegaTubescreamer]

"this is my shop!!Jules Verne is behind the camera " I`m captain Nemo on the Cyclo-gizmo never been happier by the look of it ! fantastic! a tandem model will provide additional services of a stoker, and a trailer full of firewood to keep it rolling along, it has potential ,,

[@jeffkeen6943]

...don't give him ideas... 🙂

[@MegaTubescreamer]

@@jeffkeen6943 lolz,,, your right Jeff, these two are just an inspiration

[@paulbrodie]

Yes, if you look hard enough there is always an upside.

[@Shinysideup]

What an amazing project. Beautifully made

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Ian.

[@joereedmusic9853]

You're always up for a challenge. Well done, lots of valuable information learned.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Joe.

[@joeboonen7421]

What a beautiful bit of kit. Love the vid.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Joe.

[@bscoffeeandwelding7236]

Bikes however you will know about, great story Paul, just part of the well rounded experience love it

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you.

[@ArjanGroe]

Paul & Mitch; what a story!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Arjan.

[@rainbowmat8204]

Intelligent work sir

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate it.

[@dhutch2000]

Fantastic work, what an achievement. Did you ever solve the steam consumption issues? Increasingly the cutoff on the valve timings? Sleeve the bore down?

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Daniel. The bike got shipped to the owner, Dick, 14 years ago. A few years later he died, and then his wife sold it. I don't believe the consumption issues were ever solved.

[@dhutch2000]

@@paulbrodie fair enough. Thanks for the reply. Hopefully someone is enjoying it, I am sure they are.

[@gregm1457]

I'd call that upper chamber a "steam dome"- lets the steam liberated from the water collect for use. Cool bike!

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Greg. The proper term, I found out, is a Steam Box.

[@slideman.]

What a great project! Thanks for sharing that!

[@paulbrodie]

Hi Vlad! Thanks.

[@kevingambrell]

One of the big problems you have is the exhaust from the engine exiting into the chimney the way it does. If you had angled the exhaust to follow the draught of the chimney the used steam would increase your fires draft. brilliant video and again cracking nice work, thank you.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Kevin. Yes, there are always ways to make improvements.

[@dhutch2000]

Yes, it it quite common to design the exhaust as a nozzle to produce 'forced draft' by Venturi effect, on a locomotive this is called a 'blast ring' and something s lot of design goes into.

[@fredjones7307]

That is a mechanical work of art...

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Fred!

[@leedale5393]

Your skill never fails to amaze me 👍

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Lee.

[@criticalmass181]

Great work with the water pressure test, Paul. Extremely safe. I had a hyperbaric chamber let go once, at 87,000 PSI, and nothing happened. It simply lost pressure. A genuine life saver to those who take your example.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Marty.

[@criticalmass181]

@@paulbrodie I have to clarify, as some will question, it was a HPP machine. A 'High pressure processing' machine. These things work at three times the pressure of the Marianas trench. Unlike the standard hyperbaric chamber, this is to destroy all life for cold pasteurization purposes. Worth noting, before the questions come in.

[@paulbrodie]

@@criticalmass181 That's a lot of pressure just to destroy life. Crazy world!

[@bake162]

So cool, so much gizmoness

[@hordboy]

Whacky and beautiful. That’s not always a good combination, but it is in this case. 😁

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks hordboy.

[@tednruth453]

I've seen the future! and it's powered by steam!

[@Andrew_Fernie]

A work of art.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Andrew.

[@Rudy97]

I am in my bike phase right now so every video you release is super interesting.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Martin.

[@uhitskyle]

Hi, I'm Paul Brodeeeee! Love this channel Sir! Your intro/introduction is unique the way you introduce yourself and the LEGENDARY Mitch!!!

[@paulbrodie]

It's true. Mitch has been working very hard to establish his Legendary status. Thanks for watching!

[@bigestudios3890]

Love this, thanks for sharing!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you.

[@planeben]

You may not be a steam expert, but you sir, are an artist! I'm a retired sterilizer tech that worked in various hospitals and for Sterris, so I know a little about steam.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you.

[@michaelfarrell5774]

Distilled water likely to prevent scale buildup in the boiler from minerals in tap water, Espresso machines also like distilled water to prevent scale.

[@neilpalandri-jones689]

Absolutely awesome!!!

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Neil. Glad you think so!

[@1crazypj]

Steam is scary stuff. You are crazier than I imagined. 🤣

[@paulbrodie]

I was younger then.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

That is sooooo Cool! As big a pain in the butt to build it seems you did an outstanding job on it

[@paulbrodie]

Tom, thank you very much.

[@NathanNostaw]

What a great project. I would love to make a steam machine of some type one day. I bet it took over double the hours originally thought. It sure looks like a fiddly job.

[@paulbrodie]

Yes, a few extra hours for sure!

[@butziporsche8646]

My steam bike has a Strelinger engine and I have two different boilers for it. One is a Doble Detroit vertical grid water tube unit and the other is a Babcock style D-Return. Both fired by kerosene using a roaring burner. I drive through an Albion 3-speed hand shift unit (mostly for neutral so I can warm it up as I don’t have any snifters on the cylinder). I don’t use gauge glass valves but rather reflex gauges.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks for commenting.

[@butziporsche8646]

@@paulbrodie I’m lazy so I use a Detroit Diesel fuel oil priming pump driven by an eccentric. “Top Box” you mean the Smoke Box? I use a steam blower on my canoe (17’ Grumman aluminum). This looks sort of Roperesque.

[@paulbrodie]

@@butziporsche8646 Yes, smoke box. I just couldn't remember until I got reminded 🙂

[@seldomseen7835]

Arr the mock-up masking tape as opposed to the production masking tape. The steam chest collector is a steam dome in train speak. Wobbels the mad Ducatist.

[@paulbrodie]

Yes, I made that Steam Bike many years ago, so the memory is getting distant.. I make no claim to be a "Steam Expert", but it was a fun project. Thanks for watching...

[@WireWeHere]

Steam Chest is the name I heard as a kid. Wonder about a fitting name for your two wheel counterpart.

[@gordonhenagar6652]

whether it worked well or not you did a nice job, I think if steam motorcycles ever worked well we would still be riding them.

[@paulbrodie]

Back in the early 1900's there was a Lot of discussion about whether it was going to be steam, internal combustion, or electric power for vehicles. A lot of the smart money bet on Steam.

[@gordonhenagar6652]

@@paulbrodie yes, I’ve read a lot and watched documentaries about that time period, I think I would have fit in there better.

[@Marty59143]

I keep hearing a peacock in the background. Great build, I would bet most people have never seen this type of build or the solid rubber tires being made either.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Marty. I keep hearing a peacock too!

[@johnb5519]

Very cool.

[@tomfortson5147]

Hi Paul & Mitch, What a great project! I love steam engines myself - and would love to have a steam bike. The risks are definitely present with a steam boiler and engine. And I'd be sure to do the design and fabrication work with the supervision of a true "Steam Engineer" who understands all of the parameters of designing a steam system. Thanks so much for showing us!!!

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Tom. Sounds like you are Keen for Steam!

[@rossbrumby1957]

An interesting exersize in historical steam. Have you since considered a more modern, lightweight steam engine to retrofit on an existing bike? Using a flash boiler and lpg as a realistic faster fuel, build a 3 cylinder radial engine of no more than 50cc displacement. I don't have a lathe or milling machine so can't really go further than brainstorming stage. Also use a condenser to reuse the water, aiming for a sealed unit steam engine.

[@paulbrodie]

I built this steam bike bike many years ago, and have done nothing with steam in the years following.

[@plzimmer]

Wonderful!

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Pete!

[@lydwood]

Another great project! You might be interested to see an amazing steam bicycle made not so long ago in the UK, its on KZbin entitled The ruscombe gentleman's steam bicycle, it's design addresses pretty much all of the downsides of such a project.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Lydwood. I will check it out.

[@projectcarz4798]

The valve to drain pressure from the boiler, is actually called a blow down valve. The correct term is blowing down the boiler

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you.

[@davidmotoman4956]

whooa you have done some very interesting stuff over the years Paul. love coming along on the Journey. Cheers Dave from Australia

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Dave, all the way from Australia!

[@441rider]

Double acting steam valve exhaust is centre hole :) looks about Stuart #1 or 5A

[@paulbrodie]

Could be. I simply cannot remember...

[@ccbproductsmulti-bendaustr3200]

Superb work and insight into another of your projects👌 Cheers Chris

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Chris!

[@thomasheer825]

Would love to build one, but being retired I just don't have the cash to have all of that stuff outsourced. Now if someone had a rough plan to produce the motor out of steel stock I think I could machine it. Outsourced castings are just to expensive now days.

[@paulbrodie]

Thomas, thanks for watching 🙂

[@thomasheer825]

@@paulbrodiewish I could do some of those projects but have Kids and Grandkids that actually require constant help. Have several if you put them in a padded cell with 2 steel balls and left them alone for 30 minutes they would break one and loose the other. Love watching your channel learned a bunch.

[@karlalton3170]

Wow very interesting project Paul made my day 😁😁🤘🤘

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Karl.

[@hotoilhands]

Great video Paul. Early in my career there were several reciprocating steam pumps in use in the refinery I worked in. I had lots of fun learning how they worked, and after servicing them was always pleased to see I'd done it right when they fired back up. This bike is wonderful engineering by you and your collaborators. It looked great. Would be cool to hear and see it chuffing along.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you, appreciate your comments.

[@h-j.k.8971]

Masterpiece, would have loved to follow the build.

[@cncsphere]

Grease gun pressure tester - amazing!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you much.

[@freiheitfur2takte354]

Wirklich sehr interessant! Bitte mehr Storys von früheren Projekten 😀 Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland ♥️♥️♥️

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks for watching!

[@spurgear4]

I had the pleasure to see one of these running a few years ago at a bike show in Coombs here on Vancouver Island. It seemed to have very good torque for the size of it, and it was amazing how quiet it was. I got to go for a ride of a Stanley steamer soon after and it was kind of frightening how fast it was for a hay wagon, no not really it was really nicely made.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kentuckyfriedjoe7370]

Piece of Artwork from another time. Love it. 🦃

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@peteyoung1999]

I recall another one built around that time (2005ish?), based on a 1970’s bicycle frame. I thought that Gagan bought it, then aged it with some chassis modifications to look more authentic. Or did I see Pete riding this bike?

[@paulbrodie]

Yes, Gagan rode this bike, never gave any credit to Dick, and everyone assumed it was his bike.

[@MyFairbanks]

Superb job.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@guilhermeschneider9408]

Man iam from Brazil, and found the channel this week ( Iam a farmer and its raining a lot here haha). Iam impressed with the habilit Mitch for passing the vision of the Paul. So nice guys, keeps the job great!

[@paulbrodie]

Hello Brazil.. Welcome aboard!

[@MrPhotodoc]

I was surprised to see a "spoon brake" used and thought where have I seen that recently. It was on an electric Razor brand scooter similar to lots of ordinary push type scooter boards.

[@paulbrodie]

Yes, the spoon brake has been around for a very long time!

[@mikemraz8569]

Fantastic project and story, and the heartbreak of building something that doesn’t work like you thought, I’ve been there and it’s not a nice place 😩

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Mike. I was the fabricator, not the designer, so I didn't feel too bad. I did my best.

[@WaxMeister]

Paul - "I think is't looking like a pretty sharp machine!", Peter - "Al right, Yah, yah, yah, yah, yah!"

[@leighharron]

How very interesting Paul, you never cease to amaze. From pedal to steam to petrol to electric!! Have you even considered a sail or wings??? 😉😂

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks. Mostly I like two wheels, on the ground.

[@elideaver]

I'm sure someone has said this already, but I think you would call the box at the end of the boiler a smoke box

[@paulbrodie]

100% correct!