Technical note
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.
Read engineering note ↗RW-BL1K · Engine & boiler steam set
BL1K Single-Cylinder Model Steam Engine & Boiler Set
A complete tabletop steam experience, ready for close attention.
Discuss this model
The BL1K at a glance
An official Rocking Whale product.
The RW-BL1K is a complete single-cylinder model steam engine and boiler set for working miniature installations, including model boats in the recommended 50–80 cm size range.
The RW-BL1K brings a brass steam engine and copper-welded boiler together as a complete working set. The boiler is fitted with a pressure regulating valve, safety valve, pressure gauge, water level gauge and vaporized alcohol burner.
As a complete single-cylinder set, the BL1K offers commercial buyers an accessible all-in-one model for evaluating the Rocking Whale product experience.
- Copper-welded boiler body
- Pressure regulator, safety valve and pressure gauge
- Water-level gauge and vaporized alcohol burner
- Complete Stephenson valve gear for forward operation
Running demonstration
Rocking Whale BL1K Running Demonstration
Watch the Rocking Whale BL1K live steam engine and boiler set running under steam, driving a generator and miniature light.
Reference data
Technical specifications.
Figures are provided as a selection guide. Specifications are subject to alteration for improvement without notice.
- Set type
- Single-cylinder engine & boiler
- Engine displacement
- 3 cc (1.5 cc × 2)
- Bore
- 12.2 mm
- Stroke
- 12.7 mm
- Speed
- 3000 RPM
- Max. torque
- 600 gf·cm
- Power
- 0.015 HP
- Engine weight
- 445 g
- Recommended boat size
- 50–80 cm
- Engine working pressure
- 2 kg/cm²
- Boiler capacity
- 200 ml
- Boiler weight
- 650 g
- Boiler working pressure
- 2 kg/cm²
- Engine normal working pressure
- 0.5–2 bar
- Engine maximum working pressure
- 3 bar
- Safety-valve pressure
- 2.5–3 kg/cm²
- Pressure gauge range
- 0–7 bar
- Fuel capacity
- 30 ml alcohol (≥95% purity)
- Product size
- 250 × 100 × 163 mm
- Package size
- 277 × 170 × 105 mm
- Net set weight
- 1280 g
- Packed weight
- 1630 g
The BL1K in detail
A closer look at the mechanism.
Product, detail, installation and running photographs from the Rocking Whale workshop.
Engineering background
Read the technical notes.
In-depth engineering analysis, historical context, and mechanical principles for the RW-BL1K.
Technical note
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.
Read engineering note ↗Commercial resources
Evaluate the details.
Use the current manuals and specifications to review the model. Product materials and commercial information are available through a direct enquiry.
Trade & volume enquiries
Discuss the BL1K.
For distributor evaluation, sample requirements or volume quotations, tell us about your company, market and expected quantity. Contact Rocking Whale for current product price and shipping information for your project.
[email protected] ↗Selection guidance
Frequently asked questions.
Is the BL1K a complete model steam plant?
Yes. The BL1K combines a single-cylinder engine, boiler, pressure hardware and alcohol burner as a complete working set.
What model boat size is recommended for the BL1K?
The published selection guidance recommends the BL1K for model boats approximately 50–80 cm long.
What is the BL1K price?
Contact Rocking Whale for the current product price and shipping information. Include your project, quantity and destination so we can prepare an appropriate quotation.
What does RW-BL1K mean?
RW-BL1K is the Rocking Whale model designation for this single-cylinder model steam engine and boiler set.
Can the RW-BL1K model steam engine run on compressed air before steam testing?
Yes. The BL1K engine runs smoothly on 0.5–1.5 bar regulated compressed air, allowing users to verify piston lubrication, valve action and shaft alignment before firing the 200 ml copper boiler with alcohol fuel.
How to install the RW-BL1K steam plant in a 50–80 cm RC model boat hull?
The BL1K measures 250 × 100 × 163 mm, making it an ideal drop-in live-steam propulsion plant for 50–80 cm model boats when mounted on vibration-damping pads along the hull centerline with appropriate heat shielding and a 35–45 mm propeller.