This is a short 3-minute video by “rbandes1″ that shows and explains the operation of the “Jingle Bell Steam Engine” he made. It was built from free plans provided by Professor Nial McCabe, who teaches Engineering Technology at the County College of Morris in Randolph, NJ. Professor McCabe has one on display with a main bearing that has become loose from heavy use. As a result the flywheel lightly touches the frame when it turns, creating a “Jingle Bell” sound. That’s how it got its name.
Paul Jorgenson also built one of these engines. His version is a little bit simpler and he has a very nice set of plans (PDF) for it. Paul also has lots of photos showing its construction over on the Home Model Engine Machinist forum.
This must be a popular engine because I also found a third set of drawings for it. Donald Neisler modeled it using Solidworks (you’ll need Solidworks or compatible software to view his CAD drawings).
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September 21, 2011 at 8:01 PM |
I teach a Vocational Machine shop program, we are very low funded. I’m looking for some projects other than the old traditional ball peen hammer ect.Could you help us out; steam engine plans ‘ any thing!! Regards,
Tony Verga
508-284-1177
September 22, 2011 at 1:06 PM |
Check out John-tom.com 3 pages of plans. Elmer’s engines are perfect for beginners.
September 26, 2011 at 12:06 PM |
Just a further note on this engine. I spent a couple of days in the shop (about 10 hours total) and have nearly completed this engine. All that is left is the flywheel and drilling a couple of holes. Unfortunately, my mill died, or I would have a new engine to show. Not bad for a single weekend. Any beginner with some time and patience should be able to make a runner in a single semester of shop time.
November 12, 2011 at 1:52 PM |
very interesting .
iam interesting on builting one .
it will serve in the jungle in africa adpting a generator for little lighting and radio.
cool
nice job
November 15, 2011 at 10:50 AM |
This would not be a very efficient engine for that purpose. It is more of a demonstration model. In order to have a steam engine for power, you should look into larger engines.