Live Steam 
Twin Cylinder Beam Model Steam Engine 
Fully Machined Kit in Brass, Bronze and Steel 

The twin cylinder beam engine though simplified, has all the basic elements of beam engines which were widely used by industry in the early part of the industrial revolution. These, often huge engines, were used for pumping water from mines, in water works and extensively operated in many heavy industries.

The engine consists of two Beam engines mounted on a base plate and connected via a top brace and flywheel. The Middleton Top Incline Winding Engine has the same basic layout.

See video of beam engine running under live steam.

NOTE: Pictures are of the assembled "out of the box" model, this listing is for the kit of parts. The inlet manifold and pulley wheel shown in the pictures are optional extras.

The beam engine's Watts Parallel motion, eccentric driven valve mechanism and large steel flywheel make this engine fascinating to watch, particularly at slow speeds.

Having twin cylinders means the engine will self-start in any position and run in reverse by applying steam/air pressure to the exhaust ports, for example by using the optional Reversing/Throttle Valve. The standard Manifold will not fit on the exhaust ports but separate pipework can be made up if needed.

The engine includes quadruple split bronze pedestal bearings for the crank shaft and double split bronze pedestal bearings for each beam shaft, split bronze connecting rod bearings, cast steel columns, steel mounting and top brace plates and two substantial cast steel bases.

The cylinder assemblies, chests, inlet/outlet pipes, eccentric rods, and pistons are manufactured from brass and the piston shafts, valves, valve mechanisms, connecting rods and parallel motion links from stainless steel so are not susceptible to corrosion. The piston shafts passes through adjustable glands.

All required hex head setscrews are included in the kit. NOTE: some setscrews/pins will need to be cut/filed to length to complete the model - contact us if this will cause a problem.

Each part in the kit is carefully precision made and checked to ensure reliability in service.

Detail Specification:

- Type: Watts
- Bore: 14mm
- Stroke: 18mm
- Flywheel Diameter: 120mm
- Valve type: Piston
- Height: 174mm
- Length: 250mm
- Width: 150mm
- Weight: 5.5Kg
- Connections: 1/4" x 40 tpi ME

The kit consists of a set of fully machined parts that can easily be assembled using simple tools such as a screw driver, spanner, allen keys, pliers and metal file. The parts are mainly unfinished metal and will also require painting, polishing, filing, etc.

When assembled the engine is fully working and can be run using steam or simply using compressed air e.g. from hand or foot pumps.

To power the engine with live steam, connect it to one of our Model Steam Boilers.

NOTE: The model steam engines and boilers are NOT children’s toys and should not be assembled or operated by children unless under close supervision of an adult.