Technical note
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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ROCKING WHALE RW-V2 · Compact 90° twin-cylinder steam engine
Double-cylinder character in an exceptionally compact footprint.
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The V2 at a glance
The RW-V2 is a compact 90° twin-cylinder model steam engine for working model boats and miniature engineering projects, with guidance for 70–130 cm boats.
The RW-V2 places two cylinders at 90 degrees to bring smooth, stable twin-cylinder running to a compact model steam engine. It is designed for builders who want substantial mechanical presence without giving up space.
The compact V2 gives retailers a twin-cylinder option for builders working with limited installation space while retaining a clearly visible mechanical layout.
On-water demonstration
Watch the Rocking Whale RW-V2 twin-cylinder steam engine powering a radio-controlled model steam launch on open water.
Reference data
Figures are provided as a selection guide. Specifications are subject to alteration for improvement without notice.
The V2 in detail
Product, detail, installation and running photographs from the Rocking Whale workshop.























Engineering background
In-depth engineering analysis, historical context, and mechanical principles for the RW-V2.
Technical note
Why two cylinders improve starting opportunities and torque continuity, and what that means for a small live-steam plant.
Read engineering note ↗Technical note
How a 90-degree cylinder-bank layout packages a twin compactly, while separately selected crank and valve phase determine torque overlap.
Read engineering note ↗Technical note
A practical engineering guide to the layout, eccentric offset setting, link geometry, and lead timing of Stephenson reversing valve gear on live-steam models.
Read engineering note ↗Commercial resources
Use the current manuals and specifications to review the model. Product materials and commercial information are available through a direct enquiry.
Trade & volume enquiries
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
The V2 is recommended as a selection guide for model boats approximately 70–130 cm long.
Yes. The V2 has complete Stephenson valve gear for forward and reverse running.
Contact Rocking Whale for the current product price and shipping information. Include your project, quantity and destination so we can prepare an appropriate quotation.
RW-V2 is the Rocking Whale model designation for this twin-cylinder model steam engine.
The RW-V2 utilizes dual eccentric sheaves per cylinder connected to a curved expansion link (Stephenson link motion). Shifting the reversing lever changes valve lead and steam admission order, reversing shaft rotation directly without requiring a mechanical gearbox.
Yes. The RW-V2 operates efficiently on 0.5–2 bar (7–30 psi) compressed air for bench demonstrations, air testing, and timing checks, providing smooth, quiet mechanical rotation up to 3000 RPM.