Let's Build a Model Steam Engine : First Test Run!

This episode on Blondihacks, I'm getting my PM Research steam engine running for the first time! Exclusive videos, drawings, models & plans available on Patreon!
/ quinndunki
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[@BEZmer2001]

that's awesome!!!! congratulations. I have always wondered how it gets done . you see the drawings that great but.. you never know how to accomplish the task . I have been watching all the videos in the series because I work at pm research and I work at the model division.. was super kool to tell my kids that I made that part. i packed and pour the bronze and aluminum molds. thanks agin for choosing us for your build and I hope to see you build more thanks again

[@Blondihacks]

Very cool! Thanks for your attention to detail! These are great castings.

[@luckygen1001]

Do you pour the iron castings as well? They look fiddly to make.

[@BEZmer2001]

No we only pour bronze and aluminum We use several foundries for the cast iron pieces. Hopefully I’ll be pour bronze Monday for the 1BI and Tuesday Wednesday have to use core inserts for cylinders molds for 3 and 7 BI

[@soranuareane]

"Moment of truth, will this engine run?" Stock explosion effect.

[@tdscwhelan]

*_"Its alive!"_*

[@OriginalHuchang]

Damn you’re fast! Commenter from the Wild West.

[@stanervin6108]

🏆

[@louiestark]

I love watching your videos, I'm 66 years old and I have learned so much from you. I love your videos because you have just the right amount of detail and minimum amount of wasted time. Your explanations are clear and to the point. Keep up the great work. I have been a subscriber for awhile now.

[@taunter22nil58]

Beautiful save on that bore Quinn

[@VorpalGun]

That is not a boring head. I think it is in fact quite interesting!

[@robertpearson8798]

Even if the cutter is a bit dull it’s still rather eccentric.

[@TomokosEnterprize]

New sub. I am a retired machinist that has followed Joe Pie's build. I have the same kit as he did but will do it VERY OLD SCHOOL. Files, a table top drill press and a 60 year old belt drive, 3 speed armature lathe. It won't be near as pretty as yours or Joe's but I don't see any reason it will not function as it should. Stop by if you like poured 999 silver. I have a good time with it. I do love my files, LOL.

[@scottrowlings5345]

Thanks for showing the “oh crap” moments, and how you rectify the problem. Awesome content as always, thank you!

[@mikewasowski1411]

Good job fixing that hole. Love how you show it warts and all and step through the process. Very genuine teaching. Luv ya work.

[@martinpanev6651]

Oh wow! I have been here for a long time... I came here a few years ago to learn to use a friend's mill he gave me. I ended up with a lathe, shop, scroll saw, second mill, drill press, sanders, whatnot. I stood here and happily watched every video as it came out and this steam engine series has been my absolute favorite! I love these videos... Keep going!! :-D

[@cyberbadger]

"Just cause it runs on air don't mean it's a steam engine." Well said, And it will behave somewhat different under steam. Whether on air or steam - because this engine has no governor, the operator must assume the role of governor. This engine should not be run at thousands of rpm, it should be run at hundreds of rpm.

[@Blondihacks]

Probably “tens of rpm” would be even better. 😁

[@cyberbadger]

​@@Blondihacks "How slow can you go?" is also one judge of how well a steam engine is put together.

[@pauldevey8628]

These engines are surprisingly complicated and yet imprecise requiring engineering knowledge to resolve. Great Videos

[@peter.stimpel]

We have seen a model pressured air engine. Will we see a steam engine one day? However, well done!

[@Blondihacks]

Yup, steam is coming

[@alanmuddypaws3865]

Nice! Gotta love that chuffing sound, a very satisfying moment!

[@DavidPlass]

I suspect Quinn is chuffed as well.

[@addisongardner1989]

Unbelievably cool, Quinn! Thank you, so much, for taking us on this steam engine ride! :)

[@fredrosse]

Sinking the connecting rod casting into the aluminum block is the same process used to carve out a gun stock to fit the receiver/barrel of the gun when custom building a rifle. Of course, the smith uses wood chisels to bed the metal parts, constantly coating the receiver with carbon black, test fitting, then continue carving until the receiver is fitted.

[@bobuk5722]

Hi, you've probably thought of this. An in-line oiler in the air line would be a useful addition. A bit like using steam oil in a locomotive. Well done, especially with the rod recovery. We all make mistakes and it is so very helpful to get ideas about how to recover from them. BobUK.

[@arnou.1120]

Hey Quinn, you should have and use a marking gauge - they’re cheap and sooo much more precise than calipers for marking... E.g. WABECO 11325, or Asimeto 621-12-0, or a hundred more. I inherited a Mitutoyo marking gauge from my father many years ago, and it’s a pleasure to use it, each time.

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Quinn, Good to see you shared the hole story… Nice to see the engine running on air… Take care Paul,,

[@ThatAustralianDude]

The inner revhead in me is screaming "FEED IT 20PSI NO RAGRETS"

[@KarlRosner]

Ahhh that hiss-pump sound is so satisfying. Good work!

[@Blackys-Boy]

Very cool! I've been following this build series since the beginning. I really enjoy seeing it stay to come together. And my Dad used to say, "You can tell the level of skill of a craftsman (craftsperson?) by how well they deal with problems". You handled that out of round bore superbly.

[@Cougracer67]

That "sprue" is actually a balancing pad; at least it is on full size engines. It gives you some metal to play with to compensate for casting variations.

[@Blondihacks]

On this engine it’s just a sprue. The drawing is clear on that

[@mostlymotorcycles.]

Running very well on low pressure. That is a sign of excellence engineering.

[@godfreypoon5148]

Rumour has it the cross head was no longer cross after realising the good job Quinn did.

[@craigtate5930]

Maybe no crying in machining. But definitely lots of cussing and throwing stuff..lol. It's been really rewarding seeing you and Joe piezinsky do the same projects in your own ways. Much to learn from both

[@pellyrat1]

Really great content, Voice/Details over seeing the work being done really works for my comprehension. It looks great!

[@mikewindsor5957]

Nice save

[@pgs8597]

Nice recovery. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Peter

[@johnmcclain3887]

I really enjoyed as it began, it was a bit jerky, and a minute later, was nice and smooth, very nice even exhaust note. That is a very nice little engine, thanks for sharing!

[@anomoly40]

Can't wait to show my step-daughter this series. She's my engineer/maker so I'd love to expose her to the manufacturing processes I go through as a toolmaker in a positive environment that she could relate to.

[@rvsteve583]

so nice, for a "positive environment" for your "maker"..................................................................................................................................................................

[@anomoly40]

@@rvsteve583 not sure what you mean by this comment but if it means keeping my 10 year old away from some of the stuff and people I've seen working as a toolmaker for the last 10 years then yes, I will.

[@BLKMGK4]

@@anomoly40 Ignore the dumbasses, this is a terrific channel for kids and Quinn (sp?) is a terrific example of breaking stereotypes for any woman. Lots of learning to be found here for anyone interested in things mechanical.

[@johnkinnane547]

G'day Quinn it's turning out a very nice engine loved the way you corrected the bore in the connecting rod good fix I learnt some things on this one. When you put the engine together it looks like the "duck's guts" nice neat job, What would make it even better is a slight flute mark on each side of the connecting rod. Stay safe and well regards John

[@Vickwick58]

"Look at that fountain of crud that came out of the old passage" made me feel all warm and fuzzy.

[@plm2ajm]

I love the fact that you took the time to go back and fix that crankshaft journal, rather than take the alternative!

[@alexlutz2221]

The con rods in modern production engines are machined and ground to finish dimensions prior to splitting the top and bottom half's of the crank journal. The con rods are then sheared off making an uneven surface that effectively aligns both ends properly because it will only go back together in the way that it was before it was broken. This cuts down on machine time and therefore cost as well as making sure everything is aligned properly.

[@Blondihacks]

Interesting!

[@oldschooliron4873]

Thank you for posting this series Quinn! As a hobby/novice machinist, I've found your channel very informative and inspiring for my beginner-self. I like the way you show the inevitable mistakes that we all can make without editing them out, very courageous IMO. I am almost ready to attempt to take on this model kit, just need a few more supplies. This is something that I wouldn't have dreamed of prior to viewing your series on steam engine building. Thank You!

[@kirstysinclair9021]

When you’re securing small parts like that hot glue can be really useful because it’s so fast and peels off after .

[@quintrankid8045]

Isn't there some kind of Loctite that is good for temporary use?

[@smellsofbikes]

When I was watching the process of making a sacrificial fixture for the conrod (which is what I've done in the past) I was thinking about fixturing by attaching the workpiece to a press, and pressing it into some molten fusible alloy and letting it cool to solidity. That'd be interesting to play with.

[@disgruntledscientist]

@@smellsofbikes I used low temp alloy (CerroTru) to make fixtures for the PM Research engine lathe and drilling press kits. The drill press in particular has some awkwardly shaped parts to deal with.

[@yambo59]

Love it-! Very nice little model, if ya polish up the brass and paint the cast iron it will be like a little museum peice-!! Make sure Mr Pete sees it, he will be most appreciative.

[@scorpion2nz]

Bravo. Well done . Interesting to hear your comment about air engine versus steam engine . For years i have been offending people by saying “ any fool can make air engine but not everybody can make a steam engine “ It aint a steam engine until it runs on steam and i have no doubt yours will very soon . We know you have a boiler so time to marry the two together . Thank you allowing us along with you on your journey warts and all.

[@jaysen2200]

Nice save . Problem solving is one of the best skills to have

[@evanbarnes9984]

Oh! That's an absolutely gorgeous piece of engineering! It's so cool that we can turn heat into work.

[@bobgsmith101011]

I'm glad to see that you were able to use the calibrated hose claps again.

[@haramanggapuja]

That is so nice. I liked the way you overcame the off center hole. Wait'll you get the timing to high efficiency & runnin' on steam. That'll be a fun video for sure!

[@PeterWMeek]

There is an old method for moving holes when they are still at the shallow-conical-depression stage. You use a cape chisel to cut tiny grooves down the side you want to move it towards. Then a light touch with the drill bit and the hole center will have moved in the right direction. Repeat as needed (which you can do until the entire lip of the bit is engaged). Now, doing this at the scale where Quinn is working would take a steady hand, a finely wrought chisel (I grind them from 1/16" drill blanks), a light hammer, and really good magnification.

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

Its all about perfect circles and straight lines. Like your attention to detail and knowledge on machining and looking forward to seeing it run on steam. Cheers.

[@tannerbass7146]

OMG YOU SHOULD POWER VERONICA WITH THIS THING!!! Veronica's case is steampunk already, so why not add some actual steam?!🤘 I couldn't find current draw on you blog but I'm sure the equivalent of a 9v wall wart would be no sweat for this lil engine. Maybe the only issue would be making the generator overdrive quiet enough that you can hear yourself think while it's running 🤔 Great work overall! I wish I had the space to do a project like this 😅

[@jimbos3421]

Your the only one who I’ve seen using the calipers as a marking out gauge, besides myself. About as accurate as you can get!

[@ShevillMathers]

Really nice build, however, having a V10 in the 1960’s in the Uk, the casting kit came with small hex head bolts and not those cross head screws, which to my mind detracts from the engineering quality. These were the days of English BA fine thread 0 to 10 BA. All the tap and bolts sizes were the odd number BA sizes and as an engineering project, all the measurements were the in between even numbers to. I built this Stuart Turner kit as a first project using mainly a lathe (Myford Supper 7 with all its attachments, including a lathe milling attachment. I did not have luxury of a milling machine back the. Took me best part of a year -I was pleased when finished. I made the ST boiler and meth spirit burner and installed in a steam driven boat. lots fun. Enjoyed your series and learnt a lot, as I do from Joe, P, Mr Crispin and that whiz German fellow who’s name escape at the moment..... Best wishes from down under, Tasmania Australia-These are many of my building projects-large Astro telescopes and observatories-Southern Cross Observatory-Tasmania 42 South, As retired medic, I am not a machinist but self taught and work in millionths of an inch, or round about 1/10 of a Angstrom. My machine shop is a means to an end. Stay safe, Shevill Mathers esq, 👍😁🛠🇬🇧🇦🇺🦘🔭

[@kevgermany]

Brilliant. Love the way you fixed the problems.

[@pauln1557]

Hi, At 16:00, when the big end doesn't quite fit on the crank journal because of the lip, rather than face down the whole face of the big end another option is a 'generous' chamfer in the big end hole. I think in your case, you did the right thing - but a chamfer is quick and easy!! I've just made a little Stuart 10V steam engine and I had a similar problem, but it was due to a small radius in the corner not a lip. I didn't want a really sharp radius (stress raiser) so I used a chamfer instead. Love your video series, Regards Paul in NZ

[@Blondihacks]

The lip was halfway up the crank web. We were way out of chamfer territory.

[@RickBoat]

Watching you makes it clear why i have never even tried machining, the level of precision is mind boggling. In the woodwork i do generally, a 16th is better than i need.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Great job there Quinn. Runs like it should.

[@janionmakes11]

Love that sound to round off the video

[@robertoswalt319]

I think it is impressive that it runs so well on 4psi with air leaks. Great build Quinn and congratulations on a great build in spite of the gremlins causing you fits along the way.

[@DavoShed]

I love my boring head. It’s every drill size I don’t have :)

[@ramo7963]

un super mouvement d'une grande douceur .....!

[@gwheyduke]

Good job, runs smooth and quiet 👌

[@EngineersWorkshop]

It actually sounds very well-timed for the first pass. Excellent job!

[@vicmiller7191]

Now that is some fantastic progress...Woo Hoo.

[@randywl8925]

We have different opinions of what constitutes scrap aluminum. 😁 There's going to be a lot of satisfaction watching all that work come to life.

[@steveroberts]

I found your channel about a week ago. I'm really pleased to have found you. Fantastic work

[@rogerd5556]

Great work Quinn! I've watched your progress with this project and learned a great deal. It's great watching and learning how engineering types find solutions to challenges. Can't wait to see it run on steam!

[@fellipec]

Hey Quinn, I love your videos, is so good to see you machining things and you explain things in a very good way. I never machined anything and probably will never have the chance to get myself a machine shop, but I find this fascinating. On the other hand I know you do some electronics projects. This kind of stuff I can (and sometimes) do. Would you not consider every now and them make a video about fixing a device, soldering a board, such electronic DIY shenanigans? I bet you can negotiate the rights with Sprocket!

[@kimjeppesen2172]

Congratulations on the running engine Quinn! Looks absolutely beautiful!

[@allbeit582]

Runs beautifully.

[@tinker5349]

Happy new year to you. Nice video and a very well made engine.

[@ignasioestebangonzalez5046]

This project is so amazing in so many levels... just a joy to watch! congrats on the test!

[@devster52]

Looks like you have really learned a ton of stuff doing this project. Really have enjoyed watching you work through all the challenges on this thing. Good job!

[@MattysWorkshop]

Absolutely awesome Quinn, runs like a dream

[@danbreyfogle8486]

FANTASTIC, absolutely love seeing this project come together. Can't wait to see fine tuning, it begs for an old school wood base. Being a woodworker of course helps with that suggestion, a machinist probably has other ideas.

[@OscarSommerbo]

As always, on screen graphics are GREAT!

[@michaelmechex]

Now you have so many custom fixtures that you can make another one of these in like 5 minutes.

[@eifionjones559]

congratulations , well machined. an impressive job so far , thanks for showing

[@LtBRS]

It's never a mistake until you can't save it. It's nice to see that you've reduced the recovery process down from 12 steps.

[@azyfloof]

4:43 Aaaand slitting saw yatzee!

[@jasonhanson6563]

I hope my little gear-head grows up to love the smell of cutting oil like we do.

[@jantimbramble7941]

Congratulations Quinn, very well done. I knew this day was coming, and it's a great way to start the new year!

[@ironhorse1888]

Absolutely beautiful machine !! Very good work !! Very good !

[@DB-zp9un]

Impressive! Running pretty darn smooth on 4 psi... very nice job..

[@watchjaredwork1487]

Ok. I really want one of these now. I LOVE that sound!

[@mcsmith82]

So elegant. A joy to watch. Can’t wait for the steam.

[@StyxHackshop]

Love it Quinn. What an awesome bit of machinery, and twice as much awesome work you've put into it. Super keen to see it on steam now!

[@MattDonafrio]

This was the very best part of my Saturday.

[@bigdawgsbusa2]

Nice recovery

[@ponkkaa]

Excellent!! I actually cheered when it started to turn. 😊

[@WilliamMulligan]

The whole series was very entertaining. Brilliant!

[@blake8210]

Just found this channel. I love it. Great work.

[@wayneacaron8744]

its alive! Its Alive!! ITS ALIVE !!! poppy's workshop says HI

[@tbxtaicho]

Soo beautiful glad to see it running now

[@MyLonewolf25]

The inner gear head in me is just screaming “Mooore boooost! MOOAAAR BOOOOOST! Just one more PSI it can take it I promise!” lol

[@ocAToccd]

Nice job Quinn ! Especially assembling the connecting rod upside down ... I saw it and wondered "why is she... ?" and then I read your note 😂 Anyway ... At 15:00 to split the clamping side you could have put the cross pin in it and register the saw on the pin...

[@assessor1276]

Excellent work Quinn - congratulations!

[@HanstheTraffer]

Beautiful Model. I wonder if anyone in the history of model steam engines did this well with their first attempt.

[@paulp96275]

Fantastic work a pleasure to see the sound of the engine reminded me of my childhood,we had a program on kids tv called Ivor the Engine which was an animated loco thanks for a great vid 👨🏻‍🏭🇬🇧

[@gerritvankalken7236]

While you're at it: don't forget the mounting holes in the base, sticking it magnetically to wood won't work.... Not even with metric wood....

[@Blondihacks]

What about really strong magnets?

[@gerritvankalken7236]

@@Blondihacks Only braided of metric whiskers...

[@quintrankid8045]

@@Blondihacks Maybe it work if you're using ironwood?

[@stevewhite315]

Pretty good! I have been following your project progress while setting up my workshop.

[@samcoote9653]

awesome setups quinn, and ugh that souuuund when it starts running, that beautiful *puff click puff click* sound so good, ahhh its finally running :D

[@nefariousyawn]

The diagram starting at 11:00 was perfect.

[@malcellison8831]

Brilliant. I loved watching that.

[@danielsullivan87]

Waiting for todays Mustie1 video and I see the "Will it run" thumbnail - video starts and a realise I'm getting two great videos today!

[@ErMech]

Congratulations, really enjoyed the series. Keep it up.👍