Miniature steam boat engines by Leslie Proper

Information on and a demonstration of six miniature steam boat engines. The engines are inexpensive and easy to build. Email [e-mail] for a free pdf plan of the one cylinder single acting engine and general building instructions.

[@SteamerEdge]

Your steam engines are amazing, great design and construction. Thanks for showing this

[@gongbillies]

Great video and brilliant craftsmanship!!! Thankyou for sharing!

[@everett86]

Great little engines!

[@welshpete12]

They are like jewellery beautiful !

[@tmatheson]

Les I am so glad I found your channel. I have the sherline lathe and mill and you’re basically showing me how to do everything I’ve been thinking about. We must shop at the same place lol. Thanks for making these pal.

[@AspenFrostt]

These are incredible!! I just wish the focus would focus on the actual thing you're showing is instead of the background. These are beautiful works of art

[@rogerlab7266]

What a beautiful construction.

[@mannymassage]

Very good. I always have enjoyed to see how stuff works and in my opinion you have shared your hobby in a very fun and interesting way. Thank you for taking the time to do so.

[@davidthepilotdude5804]

10/10 most underrated video on KZbin

[@davidjames1007]

Thank you for sharing your skill is amazing and it is a lovely hobby.

[@RoiratNews]

Les! Your video was so much fun to watch. I just requested the PDF. Thanks. dalefr

[@AlpineWarren]

Leslie those are amazing! I wish I had machining capability to try and build one!

[@LOLODECEUTA]

Maestro Leslie tiene usted unas manos divina creando estos micro-motores, gracias por compartir información . Saludos Manolo

[@LeslieProper]

I need your email to send it. Send your email to: [e-mail]

[@longclaw3844]

Nice engines will be sending you an email thanks

[@keithwoodthorpe9834]

Love the engines. No castings and straightforward build. Hopefully I can replicate some of them.

[@rhavrane]

Bonjour Leslie, Just... a GREAT JOB ! Bravo ! Its seems so easy to create a steam machine with you. I also like a lot you little bats. Thank you for sharing, Amicaement, Raphaël

[@ArtRafaelminiatures]

Very nice. Clean construction. Super performance.

[@MakerFabio]

Beautiful job, thanks for sharing

[@HrhPrinceAndrewOCrowley]

Amazing dear Leslie!

[@SiliconSet]

Brilliant work!

[@williamburgess4732]

Great job..

[@walgato1956]

Excelente. Son de un nivel superior. Cuanta creatividad.

[@LeslieProper]

Thank you.

[@dieselguzzi]

great design and construction. Thanks for showing this great design and construction. Thanks for showing this 8

[@tmatheson]

Super nice work man. All your stuff is legit. Always perfect. Amazing.

[@pinakoza]

Very very impressive engines. I would like to have its plan. Thanks for showing this to us.

[@kbio2250]

Basic & so smart ! I love it !

[@ionaguirre]

Really really nice work 😊

[@RustyInventions-wz6ir]

Beautiful engines

[@kahmed7328]

Beautiful!! 👍👍

[@Z-man-outdoors]

Awesome job

[@JF_Projects]

WOW great work...

[@FrankypankyV8]

awesome stuff 👍

[@welshpete12]

Beautiful workmanship , I wish I could make one, but it is far beyond my poor skills !

[@harrysingh4480]

Very very nice..... Amazing👍👍👍👍

[@terryraymond7984]

really cute. Ade Swash in the UK builds similar steam engines

[@ronee505]

Excellent, high level, creativity ---- I hope you will present two long episodes that teach us how to make the first engine and the second engine

[@LeslieProper]

check out the videos made by SteamerEdge. He made a series showing the building of my engine, the little single cylinder.

[@naumankhaild6626]

nice.very creative.

[@anacronisticcurmudgeonry525]

As I said in my email, I fear I've been been bitten by the steam bug. These are too cool, thank you for sending the plans! I hope when my Microcosm M28 (horiz-opposed twin) arrives, that I can wrap my head around their rotary valve setup... if not, any template engines I build will be based on your design. In short... you, sir, are a genius.

[@LeslieProper]

Thanks and good luck with the Microcosm

[@vitthalnikam4917]

Very good and nice.

[@andregauvreau]

More than nice !

[@studio-logic]

good video.. thanks for..

[@unokarpa4405]

молодец, хорошая работа

[@supahfly_uk]

ok so now my hermit level is going right up this totally looks like something i could do.

[@brunotozzi7992]

Very nice ;)

[@FrankRuffolo65]

very nice. looking forward to starting on the engine plans you made available. must clear up a few projects first.

[@LeslieProper]

+Frank Ruffolo Let me know if you have any questions about the construction. I will try to help if I can. This engine is used in the Lil' Toot tug. It will turn 6000 rpms with no load. I am currently retro fitting Lil' Toot with radio control from a tiny toy car.

[@FrankRuffolo65]

very thoughtful, thank you. funnily enough, i'm just about to build a 36" steam launch (lol). i think the borkum or the alexandra (krick kits). i have a couple of steam plants i'm eager to make use of. i may built a dingo of sorts and use your engine :D take care

[@royanhiryan2803]

i d like to have the plan please, or could i have one / buy pls thanks

[@LeslieProper]

I will need your email in order to send it.

[@royanhiryan2803]

+Lesly proper, hi..this is my email; [e-mail] thanks

[@snoik1376]

I really want to make a inline 6 for my rc truck!

[@simonw2631]

I’d love to build a big model tiranic with steam engines and boilers like the real one had. Would be awesome

[@LeslieProper]

That would be quite a project!

[@PALM311]

Incredible Little Engines. Just absolutely beautiful job! What I'd like to know is how do you solder all those joints without Previously soldered joints coming apart again? Or is it something you just do it all at once?

[@LeslieProper]

Yes, I do it all at once. The trick is to machine the parts so they fit snug and stay together during the soldering operation. I also use fine copper wire to hold some of the parts in place. The soldering is done by placing tiny bits of solder at all of the joints and heating evenly so the bit melt and flow into the joints.

[@csm101000]

Great stuff do you have plans for the double acting engine?

[@elijahwilliams7975]

Leslie I have seen doble silinder steam engines such as a twin Victoria and others self start.

[@kurtjakins6396]

thank you for this video It's very informative and helpful I have subscribed to your channel and liked your video. :)

[@jasonmartin9393]

Great little engines witch do u thinks the strongest one out of all of them

[@LeslieProper]

The power of a steam engine is determined by the boiler. All of these engines would produce the same amount of power on the same boiler. The single cylinder engine would run four times as fast as the V-4 cylinder, but the V-4 cylinder would have four times as much torque as the single cylinder. Since speed multiplied by torque is power the engine all have the same power on a properly sized boiler. However, the multi cylinder engines could handle a larger boiler and with a larger boiler would be more powerful.

[@wilburcost8959]

I would love the plans

[@myworkshop2]

Great video, sent you an e-mail for the plan.

[@ryandaley1402]

I love them. I want to make some myself, I don't know if I could pull off that level of precision... I guess I should get the book haha

[@ryandaley1402]

I have recently been getting into miniature steam engines as well as small nitro engines for model planes (as well as building the planes but the engines are what got me interested) the only problem is I don't have the means to machine parts for steam engines and all the good designs I see are diy.

[@LeslieProper]

If you want to try building the one cylinder single acting engine, the simplest one to build, I will send you the plan and general building notes in a pdf. Send your email address to me at [e-mail]

[@JonatanGronoset]

Very nice collection of engines. I'd thnk it would be possible to take one of the double acting single cylinder engines along with a very very small boiler and put them in an Airfix Lucky XI plastic kit, provided you insulate and fireproof the boiler.

[@welshpete12]

Not easy , it's been tried before without any success . The best plan is to use a wooden hull or better still a steel one . The larger the engine the bigger the boiler has to be .

[@bruhmania7359]

does the exhaust exit the top of the 1/8" valve tubes?

[@wanderbolt9498]

I wonder how well these would scale up?

[@LeslieProper]

I think they would, but I have not tried it myself.

[@ericpop342]

start commercializing them ! I WANT TO BUY ONE

[@LeslieProper]

I think I am too old for such an undertaking. If you have a small metal lathe and know how to use it you could make your own.

[@ericpop342]

we're never too old! keep up the good work!

[@itsmee0073]

Would an engine that small push around a 1/24 model car if you made some electronic speed controls?

[@oatmeal636]

I bought a miniature engine similar to the ones shown in your video but I don't have a way to power it. What are you using in this video that allows for variable pressure and seemingly silent operation?

[@LeslieProper]

I am using a small compressor. I switched the compressor off to eliminate noise during the video. The engine speed is varied by adjusting the pressure regulator on the compressor tank from about 4 to 9 psi.

[@oatmeal636]

@@LeslieProper Thank you!

[@deviindrasari2614]

I like the smallest one❤

[@ericpop342]

Congratulations, sir! Can you also make a triple expansion tiny engine and a turbine?

[@LeslieProper]

I don't think I could make a true triple expansion engine that would work satisfactory. There are just too many moving parts in all the valving. I could make the 3 cylinder to look like a triple. That would be the best option I think.

[@HesJustSteven]

I've been thinking to build a model steamship, are these available for purchase?

[@LeslieProper]

Sorry, I don't sell them. I do sell a book with the plans to build them. A small metal lathe is needed to build the engines and boilers.

[@ibrahimtunahandag6081]

Dude, sell em to me!!! Tell me how u made them? I want ay least 3 of these engines. They are majestic.

[@alfcopter]

Hi Leslie, are the plans still available? ive sent you an email. hope to hear from you soon and keep up the great work!

[@alexwhite50]

would it be possible to just upsize the parts if you knew what you were doing? and would it work for a model steam train? im presuming it would

[@LeslieProper]

Yes, I am sure it could be made to work.

[@hi1172]

how hard would it be to make the little 3 cylinder double acting?

[@LeslieProper]

+matt whitehouse I'm sure the three cylinder, and the V-four cylinder for that matter, could be made double acting. I don't think it would be all that difficult. The problem I see is that the steam consumption would double and these two engines are already at the limits of my miniature steam boilers.

[@rodhardman5237]

Great engines, do you have plans for them , if so how can I get them please

[@LeslieProper]

I have complete plans and building instructions for all six engines in my Steam Boat Book. I will send you the information on my book and a free sample plan if you send your email to me at [e-mail]

[@G777GUN]

Unfortunately I have difficulty building my own stuff. I could probably make a boiler from a can to power one of these. Would I be able to buy one? How much would one of these cost. For example the 3 cylinder.

[@LeslieProper]

I am sorry I do not have any engines for sale. They are fun and quite easy to build, but time consuming as well. I don't think they would sell for the cost I would have to charge.

[@G777GUN]

Thankyou . Looks like its back to Hobbyking Steam Engines. -_- Cheapest being around £12 for me but thats a mini single cylinder. Your engines would be better for the job, they are not heavy, they can start themselves (some of them) and they are quite powerful. I will look into your designs for these but with my limited machinery I dont think I will be able to make these.

[@LeslieProper]

A small metal lathe is needed to build the engines, such as a Sherline or Unimat. Thanks for watching my videos.

[@G777GUN]

Thankyou. I subbed.

[@davidaustin2172]

Don’t know what’s up with the video, I can hear verbal but no picture. Only if I move time bar manually can I see tiny image. Love to be able to see it!

[@anelpasic5232]

I just have to ask, did you ever design a pneumatic power hammer by any chance? I could have sworn that it was your videos I watched years ago, here on KZbin, detailing the working principles and how it was made. I'm probably wrong, but I know it was a person named Leslie. And seeing how you've made steam engines of this scale, I'm pretty sure it's you.

[@LeslieProper]

No, that was not me. I don't know who it was, never ran across a pneumatic hammer video.

[@IOUaUsername]

Is there a reason this couldn't be made even smaller? I've got a watchmaker's lathe/mill and a 1:32 scale Jeep (with all the moving drivetrain parts) that would be fun with a piston engine...

[@josephbrandtner9885]

Amazing! But what is your email address?

[@LeslieProper]

[e-mail]

[@tylergerrard7769]

Where can I purchase your engines thanks Eddie

[@LeslieProper]

Sorry, I don't sell any engines. I do provide plans for persons who want to build their own, however a small metal lathe and some basic knowledge of lathe operations is necessary.

[@terryraymond7984]

The information about youre youtube channel in *about* does not show any email address where can I find it?

[@JohnSmith-pu6fy]

Can you make a video showing you build them?

[@LeslieProper]

Check out a series of four videos made by SteamerEdge showing the construction of my one cylinder engine.

[@andreyvostronosov6122]

Is it possible to do it reversible chep and easy?

[@LeslieProper]

I have thought about how to make the self starting engines reversible. I have not attempted to do it yet, but this is what I think would work best: Are you familiar with a Maudslay reversing gear? It uses spur gear to change the rotation between the crank gear and valve gear. I think it would be easily adapted to the little 3- cylinder as it already has crank and valve gears. I think the best way to reverse the V-4 and the 2-cylinder double acting engines would be to reverse the direction of steam flow with a four way valve. For example if I connect the steam pipe to the two exhaust valves on the top of the engine, it will run beautifully in reverse. I have made several tiny four way valves that work good and are easy to make. I do not think a Stevenson valve gear with double eccentrics would work very good as there would be too many tiny moving parts to hold in place. Thanks for the good question.

[@robertduncan6288]

Would like to have the plan for the steam engine/s, but can't fine your email address

[@1muttie]

Hi Leslie, I saw your video and would like a copy of the single cylinder drawings. How can we get a copy of your book?

[@LeslieProper]

Send an email to me at [e-mail] and I will email back the single cylinder drawings in pdf format and information on my steam boat book.

[@hoaranglee1502]

i wanna buy it

[@HistoricSteamTV]

Can you make a 2x or 3x size triple? great engines.

[@LeslieProper]

I have not tried to build these engines in larger sizes, but I don't see why it couldn't be done.

[@HistoricSteamTV]

Well you have achieved great results! I may email to ask about a triple or plans.

[@artyomhambardzumyan2724]

Where are you buy this engines?

[@LeslieProper]

I build them from tubing and metal on a small metal lathe.

[@jarrodbright8420]

amazing i would ask for the instructions but i do not know your email adress

[@LeslieProper]

It is [e-mail]

[@brajeshkamp4741]

Sir ye sab engine kahan per milega kripa karke batayie

[@robertduncan6288]

Found it

[@sickkirby7959]

u have the pdf ?

[@marioellul8074]

how cane i got the plans

[@LeslieProper]

email me at [e-mail]

[@chrismicro1]

Hi Leslie, how do I email you?

[@LeslieProper]

My email is: [e-mail]

[@kun7766]

I want to buy one, how to make that possible?

[@LeslieProper]

Sorry, I don't sell them. I can send you plan to make your own, but a small metal lathe is required, and some knowledge of machining and soldering.

[@makenis607]

will you sell one already built ill take two of each

[@LeslieProper]

Sorry, I don't have any engines for sale. I can provide you with a pdf plan for building the little single cylinder engine if you are interested.

[@colegriffin1188]

Are any of the rest of them for sale???

[@LeslieProper]

Sorry, I don't sell them. I will send you the plan for the single cylinder if you send me your email. A small metal lathe is needed to build them.

[@colegriffin1188]

@@LeslieProper I gotcha. Well I am really interested in your work. What would it take to get the plans for the other ones as well? I really am trying to make this a hobby. I'd be willing to pay you for the other plans as well no problem. What do you think?

[@LeslieProper]

send your email address to [e-mail]

[@pamelajernigan7626]

Is your book still available?

[@LeslieProper]

Yes I do. email me at [e-mail] if you would like information and cost for the book.

[@michaelcarey125]

Are any of these for sale anywhere from you or anyone? Thank you

[@LeslieProper]

No, sorry. I can send you the plan for building the one cylinder engine, however a small metal lathe is needed to build it.

[@michaelcarey125]

@@LeslieProper hi thank you for the reply Leslie but I have no lathe so plans I couldn't use but thanks again, fabulous engines you have

[@divyasethia9500]

Is it possible that we could purchase your engines

[@LeslieProper]

Sorry, I don't sell any engines, only a book containing plans for building them yourself. A miniature lathe is needed to build them.

[@divyasethia9500]

@@LeslieProper thx sir . Ur work is fentabulous and inspiring. And sir from where can we buy your book from. Thanks alot sir and if possible can I get ur email id so that we can discuss more abt this. Huge fan from india n whenever u come to India please message me

[@LeslieProper]

@@divyasethia9500 my email is: [e-mail]

[@specializedlego]

Could I buy one?

[@LeslieProper]

Sorry, I do not sell them.

[@armymishu7]

I want to buy this How can i get?? Can you help me

[@LeslieProper]

I don't sell the engines, only a book of plans for building them yourself. A small metal lathe is needed to build the engines.

[@armymishu7]

@@LeslieProper where do you live? I am from Bangladesh.

[@LeslieProper]

@@armymishu7 I live in Minnesota, USA

[@freitasaz2011]

I would like to have a plans fr the simple one, can you send me? I could not find you e-mail

[@LeslieProper]

It is [e-mail]

[@freitasaz2011]

Thank you for sending the plans

[@corbincraft5769]

i could offer you any price for the v4 if you are willing to sell

[@LeslieProper]

Sorry I don't sell finished engines, but I sell a book with plans on how to build them if you are interested.

[@corbincraft5769]

Leslie Proper no thank you i just wanted a little engine to put in my little home made steam boat

[@corbincraft5769]

Also i am 13 so i cant really build them

[@LeslieProper]

Hello Corbincraft, Have you considered using an electric motor. It would be much cheaper and easier to use electric motor for your boat. Anyway thanks for your interest and keep building those model boats.

[@corbincraft5769]

Leslie Proper i have used electric motors before but i saw your videos and was instantly fascinated by your engines

[@ytgamer5662]

Mujhe ek engine kharidna hai