steam vehicle

[cfellows]

I've begun building a steam powered vehicle that will be modelled somewhat after this one:





The overall width to the center of the tread will be around 10".  Length of the vehicle probably around 18", maybe more.

I figured a good start would be a complete RC Front Axle assembly so I found this on Ebay (darn, these parts are not cheap!). 



This will add a bit of realism and will simplify the drive mechanism which leaves plenty of other hard parts to design and make!  Hope I have enough years left to complete this thing!

Chuck

[dsquire]

Chuck

OK, I've got the popcorn popping and I'm all ready to start watching. Looks like it will be an exciting build. 

Cheers 

Don

[saw]

This will be very fun to folow 

[Rob.Wilson]

certainly different Chuck 


At the rate you build engines i am sure you will have this project licked in no time 



Rob 

[madjackghengis]

Well, Chuck, that looks like a very interesting project you've got started, in fact, it almost looks like the 'vehicle' you're modelling had a purpose at one time maybe.  A small hint, don't keep track of the costs, you'll only be aghast at the end, its easier to just pretend everything comes out of the scrap box, less stress.  It looks like you've got the basis for the power plant already as well, this should be an unusual project, and they are always the best.   Does anyone know how to do steam remote control?   Lots of tiny tubes maybe, long ones?   This should be fun, got a front row seat,    Cheers, mad jack

[Bernd]

Great idea Chuck. Looks like a "steam punk" project to me.

I've got a hankering to build something like that from scratch right along with my four truck shay and all. 

I see that it's got a 3 cylinder wobbeler engine, maybe? Remote control on that should be easy with all the small radio stuff they have today. Tower Hobby would be your best bet for that stuff.

Good luck on your project. Like Dsquire said "OK, I've got the popcorn popping and I'm all ready to start watching."

Bernd

[cfellows]

I bought some tires (with wheels) on Ebay that I like.  I'm sure no one will be surprised that the Wheels will not work with the Axial Axle & Differential that I bought.  RC vehicles seem to have several different standards.  Anyway, the wheels that came with the tires were cheap, thin plastic, not at all suitable for a manly steampowered trike, so I'm making new rims from aluminum.  The rims will be made from 2.5" diameter, 1/4" wall aluminum tubing.  Each rim will be 2" long and fitted with a 1/4" thick disk for the center.  I haven't decided whether to leave the center disk solid or make some holes... we'll see.

Here is a picture of the tires, the plastic wheels, and the soon to be new aluminum rims.  The soda can is there for size reference.  The tires are almost 5" diameter and 2.25" wide.



Chuck

[cfellows]

I've finally reached a point where I can start putting some things together to work out a prototype for this thing.  I've finished the front wheels, for now.  I have a couple of somewhat smaller tires and wheels that I'm going to try in tandem for the rear end.  If I don't like those, I'll have to find another tire like those on the front.

Here's some pictures:



And the assembly from the front.  My current preference is to mount the engine in front of the front axel.  I think it would look cool and leave more room behind the axle for other necessary stuff.





Chuck

[saw]

Wow I like those wheels. What kind of steam engine are you thinking of? Maybe a turbine. Less moving part and higher speed.

[cfellows]

Wow I like those wheels. What kind of steam engine are you thinking of? Maybe a turbine. Less moving part and higher speed.

I'll be using this steam engine. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E2MZfIQNBk

It has a bore of 7/16" and a stroke of 7/8".  It will be geared down quite a bit.  I'm more interested in power and than speed, so the vehicle will move very slowly.

Chuck

[saw]

That's a good options, runs very nicley 

[Stilldrillin]

Chuck.
This is going to be a real meaty beast!  

Love it! Watching quietly.....  

David D

[DaveH]

ChucK,

Nice engine very nice

 
DaveH

[madjackghengis]

Hi Chuck, with that engine, it looks like that's going to be a real power drive vehicle   I note that it seems to run a whole lot faster when it's running slow than when it's running all out, kind of amazing what video will do with an engine like that.  It seems to reverse very solidly with decisive action, so it should do very well as a vehicle powerplant.  Can't wait to see her run on steam, I can't help it, but they just don't sound right without the throatiness of the steam.  This should be a very interesting project vehicle I hope your electronics skill is up to the level of your steam engine, that one runs a treat.   Cheers, mad jack

[cfellows]

Thanks for the kind words, everyone.  I don't think the electronics will be much of a problem.  I will just buy a commercial transmitter and receiver and a couple of servos, one fo steering and one for forward, reverse and stop.  The wiring should be pretty straight forward.  Before I start on the boiler I want to have a pretty good idea of the layout of all the parts.

Chuck

[madjackghengis]

Hi Chuck,  I went and looked at this thread again, watched the engine run, and I have to say, it sounds like an old steam train pulling into the station, when you crank the rpms down so it's just more than ticking over, sounds very strong.  I hope to see some progress on this thing, that engine is kind of poking me in the kidney area with that tone.   Cheers, mad jack

[cfellows]

I believe I've acquired most of the raw materials needed for the horizontal boiler that will power my Moteur Oscillant steam engine.  It will be 3.125" diameter by (probably) 7" long.  I have 1 3/8" OD copper pipe for the flue, 3/8 OD x 1/4" ID copper pipe for the cross tubes, 1/8" copper rod for the stays, and 7/8" OD bronze rod for the fittings.  Not shown, I also have some ez flow silver solder.  Should be enough to get started.



Chuck

[BK]

I'll be watching this with interest, it's my kinda build, no plans.

[doubleboost]

Looking forward to your boiler build
Plenty of pictures please 
John

[-steves-]

I would be very interested on how you done those holes in the wheels? Are they 2 parts each and then joined, if so, how are they joined? If they are single part, how on earth did you get holes like that? 

I am wathcing this thread with great interest 

[cfellows]

I would be very interested on how you done those holes in the wheels? Are they 2 parts each and then joined, if so, how are they joined? If they are single part, how on earth did you get holes like that? 

I am wathcing this thread with great interest 

The wheels are done in two parts.  The center disk is just pressed in.  I cut the half-holes around the outside with an end mill.  I was going to use small screws from the rim into the center disk, but the fit is tight enough I don't think I'll need it.

[-steves-]

I would be very interested on how you done those holes in the wheels? Are they 2 parts each and then joined, if so, how are they joined? If they are single part, how on earth did you get holes like that? 

I am wathcing this thread with great interest 

The wheels are done in two parts.  The center disk is just pressed in.  I cut the half-holes around the outside with an end mill.  I was going to use small screws from the rim into the center disk, but the fit is tight enough I don't think I'll need it.

Excellent stuff, very impressive

[Stilldrillin]

Chuck.

NOW, I see where you are coming from........   

What a beast! 

David D

[Bernd]

Nice find David. I watched the second video he made, what a hoot. 

Ok Chuck, from what I've seen you've got your work cut out for ya'. 

Bernd

[cfellows]

Ya, I had asked this guy if he was planning on posting any more videos of his steam trike.  He came through with another video yesterday.  Love that machine!  I'm hoping my boiler and steam engine will be big enough for it.

Chuck