Article 01
A Short History of the Model Steam Engine
How working models preserve the architecture of steam power, from early atmospheric engines to compact multi-cylinder mechanisms.
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Live steam, explained with mechanical clarity.
Configuration-led articles for builders and prospective owners. Each article separates general engineering principles from the Rocking Whale details documented for the relevant model.
10 technical articles
The series
Engine configurations, system by system.
Article 02
Single-Cylinder Engine & Boiler: The Complete Live-Steam System
How a single-cylinder marine engine, boiler, burner and safety circuit operate as one controlled live-steam system.
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Article 03
Twin-Cylinder Steam Engines: Torque Delivery, Phasing and Balance
Why two cylinders improve starting opportunities and torque continuity, and what that means for a small live-steam plant.
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Article 04
Inline Twin-Cylinder Steam Engines: A Classic Layout for Visible Mechanism
The engineering trade-offs of the inline twin layout, with the Rocking Whale L2 as its documented example.
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90° Twin-Cylinder Steam Engines: Compact Geometry and Phasing
How a 90-degree cylinder-bank layout packages a twin compactly, while separately selected crank and valve phase determine torque overlap.
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Article 06
V4 Steam Engines: Four-Cylinder Phasing in a Compact Model Envelope
How a compact V4 groups four cylinders, smooths torque delivery and integrates coordinated reversing gear.
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How to Assemble & Time Stephenson Valve Gear
A practical engineering guide to the layout, eccentric offset setting, link geometry, and lead timing of Stephenson reversing valve gear on live-steam models.
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Live Steam Engine Maintenance & Break-In Guide
Essential workshop procedures for running in miniature steam cylinders, selecting compounding steam oils, managing mechanical friction, and long-term storage.
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Model Boat Steam Engine Selection: Matching Engine to Hull
How to match miniature steam engines to model boat hulls by displacement, torque delivery, boiler steam capacity, and propeller pitch across 50 cm to 150 cm craft.
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Article 10
Brass Boiler Pressure Testing & Safety in Miniature Steam
Safety principles for miniature brass and copper steam boilers: hydrostatic pressure testing protocols, safety-valve calculation, and water-level discipline.
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