/r/modelengineering

Photograph via snooOG

A subreddit devoted to model engineering: the art and science of building replica or original pieces of scaled down machinery. Everything from firearms to engines, many of them fully functional!

A subreddit for those who do machining as a hobby. We cover miniature steam engines, gas engines, rifles, airplanes, clocks - if it's model engineering, it belongs here.

Related subreddits:

/r/modelengineering

2,064 Subscribers

4

Completed projects

So I am looking at making the plunge into getting a hobby lathe and mill and make a start with some casting kits, but one of the things that is stopping me at the moment is what do you all do with the projects that you have completed? I don't really have the room to be hoarding lots of miniature steam engines lol. Do you all sell them to make back the money you spent on the castings at least?

20 Comments
2024/12/07
10:07 UTC

3

LBSC design to modify for this build on 3 1/2"?

0 Comments
2024/12/02
23:12 UTC

2

Stuart Model Planer 3D Scan Castings

I bought a Stuart Model Planer kit with castings couple years back. Finally starting to model all the parts up in CATIA. I would like to somehow 3D scan the castings so I know exactly how much material I have to work with before programming. Any suggestions on how I cam 3D scan them at home? I saw some apps for the iPhone, but I’m not sure how accurate they are.

1 Comment
2024/12/02
16:54 UTC

6

"Easy" Small Engine Designs?

In a few days I'll have a few days off work for the first time in almost a year, and I've been itching to make something since I haven't been able to do much since starting my new job.

Are there any relatively simple model engines that can be built in a weekend? I'm not interested in the coke can Stirling as I've already had my fun with those. I have a 10" lathe and full size milling machine, plus basic welding and soldering/Brazing equipment in my garage so I'm pretty well equipped. I have casting equipment too for aluminum and brass/bronze, but mold making is pretty time consuming so I'd rather not do that for more than a couple simpler parts if I don't have to.

I''d love to be able to use these next few days to crank out a simpler project that I can potentially complete before I have to go back to work. Mostly looking for Stirling engines and flame lickers with minimal parts. I have plenty of scrap and stock around the garage already so I shouldn't have to order too much.

4 Comments
2024/11/24
22:40 UTC

2

Which oil to use in the oiling cups of a gas powered model engine?

long time lurker, first time posting here.

following one of the posts here, I have ordered an engine kit (HM-01 Hit & Miss engine), I wonder, what will be the optimal oil to use ? it has two oil cups (crankshaft) and one above the cylinder head - what would you recommend?

second question: when assembling this kit, do I need to use the same oil for moving parts? or are there specific parts that needs greasing (as opposed to oiling) and if that is the case, which grease is best used for those model engine parts?

My questions follow after I have understood that the engine model kit which I have ordered, come with pretty clear instructions but that are all how-to photos with little to no text.

thank you for your help, I am new to this, hope to make this a new hobby :-)

11 Comments
2024/11/06
10:38 UTC

3

Mussa/RETROL HM-01 Hit n‘ muss engine kit?

I know this sub is focused on actual model building, but I was wondering what is your opinion on the kit ?

It’s a working model Hit n‘ miss engine kit.

It’s Chinese made but said to be good quality, comes as a KIT with parts already machined and painted, mostly assembly and some tinkering is required.

Would that be a good model ? Should be a gift to a person who dream about building a model engine for many years but don’t have the resources to do so (no mill, no lathe, no knowledge etc.)

Any input is as always highly appreciated

9 Comments
2024/11/05
06:34 UTC

3

Newbie Requesting help!

Hi,i am new to the hobby of model engines so i don't know yet alot.Though i know how a internal cobustion engine works but i want to know a safe fuel to use.Please help!

12 Comments
2024/09/26
17:18 UTC

3

Stuart Engine Kits, Lathe Only

I finally pulled the trigger on Stuart engines that I've had my eyes on. One of my coworkers ended up in the UK for business and went to their location to pick them up for me. My reasoning was to avoid shipping costs to the USA. I ended up having to pay VAT so I'm not certain whether I came out ahead or not.

The models I got were the 10V, 10H, and the Progress. I plan on doing the Progress first as I've had a lot of experience making oscillating engines. I also don't have a milling machine, so it's likely going to be slow and steady on these. I have been looking at the one build guide for the 10V/10H using only a lathe and drill press.

I'm still not sure what color I want to paint them when I'm finished.

7 Comments
2024/07/24
13:19 UTC

3

Basic questions assembling toyan engine

1 Comment
2024/07/18
13:00 UTC

2

Engineering supplies France

Does anyone know where to buy engineering supplies for a home workshop in France? I moved to France from the UK and I'm having trouble finding metals for machining. Thanks!

7 Comments
2024/07/15
17:21 UTC

2

Hobby engine project

i am trying to develop an engine based off the principles of the Tesla Turbine. i am just one man, so i am recruiting for help. depending on the success, we could end up with a patented new piece of technology suitable for mass production, or just a cool piece of technology. if you are interested, i have a subreddit dedicated to the project. if your interested, shoot me a request to join! i also have a post fully explaining the progress of the project so far.

r/ProjectWaterfall

0 Comments
2024/05/31
16:31 UTC

7

Seeking Feedback on My Dissertation Project: A Search Engine for Model Engineer Magazine Enthusiasts

Hey everyone,

I'm currently working on my dissertation project, which is a search engine specifically designed for "Model Engineer" magazine. The goal is to make it easier for hobbyists, enthusiasts, and researchers to find articles and resources within the magazine's extensive archive.

This project is close to my heart, and I've put a lot of effort into it. But now, I need your help! Whether you're into model trains, engineering, or just love helping out with academic projects, I'd greatly appreciate your input.

Here's how you can help:

  1. Check out the search engine here: https://agd698.poseidon.salford.ac.uk/MeSearchIndex - Note: You might encounter a security warning since it's hosted on my personal site. Please click on "Advanced" and proceed. It's perfectly safe, I assure you!
  2. After giving it a whirl, please fill out this quick survey: https://forms.gle/W55WqV2EHTERcJHE8. It won't take more than a few minutes, and your feedback will be incredibly valuable for the improvement of this project and for my dissertation.

Your insights and suggestions could really make a difference and help refine this tool to better serve the model engineering community.

Feel free to take your time, and let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or if you need more information. I'm all ears for any feedback or suggestions you have!

Thanks a ton for your support. It means the world to me!

Cheers, Josh R

0 Comments
2024/03/22
11:04 UTC

2

Large quantities of model engineer magazines, open for offers

I have acquired several large bags full of model engineer magazines circa 1950s to 1970s not sure as they’ve been in my attic for a while and haven’t finished sorting them but i want them gone as I am saving up for a new airsoft gun Open to offers as i’m not sure on how to value them but I’m guessing they are around £2 each

5 Comments
2024/01/25
20:13 UTC

3

Anyone have any books on cncing an aluminum/brass steam engine?

Was thinking one could also cast it from 3d printed parts. I majored in business in uni and graduated with a four year degree but right out of school I found mechanical engineering technology as a potential degree plan. I was always good with technical stuff but I needed a hands on approach, and this would have been perfect but it was too late. Anyone have any books on building a model steam engine that's maybe half a horse power in power? Thanks.

4 Comments
2024/01/17
01:59 UTC

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