Ok, Ok, I know it’s not “steam” powered, but this little baby can be modified to go with any steampunk decore.

I just ordered one online: Click Here to get one too
And I can’t wait to see how it goes.

These engines were invented and patented in 1816 by Dr. Robert Stirling.
Originally they were to be a safer alternative to the exploding boilers of steam engines but it never actually saw wide spread use as it required high temperatures and practical working models were generally very heavy.

The way it works is that an external heat source and heat sink create a temperature difference in a cylinder, expanding and contracting the air inside. This causes the movement of a piston and a crank shaft in a rotary motion.

This model supposedly uses any source of heat or cold, including solar
or even an open flame (although it looks plastic in the photo?? I’ll get back to you about that).

From what I’ve read so far, the Stirling engine can be more efficient and quieter in comparison to other engines.

As it is a kit, there is some assembly required, which I’m looking forward to. A bit of paint and some heat lighting, I think this is going to be a very nice show piece.

Grab one here: [Direct Link]

I’ll post about it when mine arrives.

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