Miniaturization

dean from bozeman

dean from bozeman

Well-known member
A few weeks ago at our Optimist Club meeting a fella brought in a collection of miniaturized, working early combustion engines. Today I received an e-mail about miniaturized automobile engines. Many of the photos were taken from the Joe Martin Foundation Craftsmanship Museum web site http://www.craftsmanshipmuseum.com/.

My question is, has anyone ever built a miniaturized, working Model A engine?
 
Tom, any idea if they were running models? Is there any way to look up previous auctions on eBay?

Pete, I saw the video of the Ferrari. It was truly amazing. Haven't seen the Chevy.

My question is has anyone ever built a miniaturized, working Model A engine? A follow up question is, would it have the same distinctive sound as a Model A engine? Would it be at a higher pitch because of the size?
 
I've heard several of these miniature engines run at the Nowthen Threshing Show, and at the Le Sueur threshing show, in MN. They sound great. The small Holt engine sounds just like the real 4 cylinder Holt, only much quieter. The 5 and 7 cylinder radial engines sound just like being next to an old bi-plane at the airport.

I just tried an "advanced search" on ebay, but couldn't find the Model A miniature engine. Yes, it was a runner.
 
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Here are a couple pictures of some of the engines built by Neal James in Elk River, MN. The craftsmanship is simply unreal. Neal did everything except the pinstriping. Neal displays these at the Nowthen Thresthing Show every August. This table has hot air, steam, and gas engines. The yellow engine is the Holt.

There are some radial engines on display at the Le Sueur show each August. These miniature engines run so clean that you can run them in the house for a few minutes with no problem.
 
Thanks to all who replied. Guess that I should have taken more time this morning to look at all the mimiature engines on the web site.

I still would like to see/hear one run in person. This would be a great exhibit at an upcoming national meet.

Dean
 
Dean,

Here is one that is kinda close to a Model A engine.

It is a "working" G28T engine made by Gesche, Germany, probably sometime in the 50's, I would guess. These were sold as kits to assemble. Once assembled, a battery can be inserted in the control box to power the spark plugs that blink, while the pistons and valves move up and down, as the crank is turned (manually). It is cast in clear plastic so that you can see all of the action inside and get an understanding of how an engine works.

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Fordially,
Brad in Germany
 
Brad Any chance of getting one of these kits, as i have 3 of the full size ones ,
Derek from the still shakeing island.
 
quickchange,

The plastic kits are very scarce here in Germany and usually sell for 100+ Euro if you can find one for sale (and if it is mostly complete). Keep an eye on eBay. They pop up about once per year, if even that frequently.

Fordially,
Brad in Germany
 
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