Newcomen Plans or kits – looking for.

[Chuck TaperParticipant @chucktaper]

[Chuck TaperParticipant @chucktaper]

Could anyone recommend a source for decent Newcomen Engine plans or better yet a good kit. There is some stuff out there but …. a bit wanting.

Ideally I'm looking for something that clearly illustrates the central principle & operation of the engine rather than a strictly historical recreation – not sure if I explain that clearly.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Frank C

[John OlsenParticipant @johnolsen79199]

How big do you want it? The Auckland (NZ) Steam engine society has what is probably the only full size working Newcomen engine in the world at present, a semi replica built by club members, it stands about twenty feet tall. I don't think there were ever any detailed drawings made.

There was also a model one being sold a few years back, stood maybe a foot tall. I think they were from the UK.

John

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Chuck Taper on 02/03/2021 23:14:47:

[…]

Ideally I'm looking for something that clearly illustrates the central principle & operation of the engine rather than a strictly historical recreation – not sure if I explain that clearly.

.

I can’t help, Frank … But may I just say that sounds a good project

It was probably a failing of my education, but I lost any real interest in Steam Engines when the pressurised ones were described … the atmospheric engine seems a much cleverer operating principle [even if it lost-out in the efficiency race]

MichaelG.

[JourneymanParticipant @journeyman]

Forest Classics seem to do something ** Newcomen Engine **

John

Edited By Journeyman on 03/03/2021 09:37:49

[steamdaveParticipant @steamdave]

The Newcomen kit from Sussex Steam and sold by Forest Classics has not been available for several years and is unlikely to become available again.

Sussex Steam wound down the business for personal reasons and no-one appears to have taken it over.

I saw one of these model engines working at the last Bristol show and it was quite interesting to watch the (admittedly jerky) motion.

Dave
The Emerald Isle

[JourneymanParticipant @journeyman]

Ah, didn't know that, thanks Dave. In that case perhaps the OP could contact the ** Newcomen Society ** who may be able to assist.

John

[John BaronParticipant @johnbaron31275]

Posted by Chuck Taper on 02/03/2021 23:14:47:

Could anyone recommend a source for decent Newcomen Engine plans or better yet a good kit. There is some stuff out there but …. a bit wanting.

Ideally I'm looking for something that clearly illustrates the central principle & operation of the engine rather than a strictly historical recreation – not sure if I explain that clearly.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Frank C

Do these pictures help ? They are of a Newcomen engine in the black country museum, that still runs occasionally.

I saw this engine running a few years ago when I first went to the Black Country museum. It was running last time that I went there.

[Chuck TaperParticipant @chucktaper]

Thanks to all who took the time to reply. I appreciate it – it all helps.

As I understand it this is the engine that started it all – however its inefficiency somewhat limits its scope.

Nonetheless one can't help but wonder if a multi cylinder version is possible or perhaps it could be harnessed to enable one of those horseless carriage contraptions that are all the rage.

I could/should tackle it from first principles but laziness whispered that a kit would be a quick fix. I think I will have a ferret through my junk box and see what might be possible. If anything promising emerges I might report back.

Regards.

Frank C.

[V8EngParticipant @v8eng]

The imeche have lots of interesting stuff in their library/archives. Imeche

This for instance. Newcomen

Not sure if this might help you.

Edited By V8Eng on 05/03/2021 13:38:35

[Author]

Posts