Steam powered tonka truck

[collecture]

.....I also learned that I don't really care for the sound of a Dremel tool cutting through and grinding sheet metal....

My kids run from the shop covering their ears when I do that!! 

[scalebowler]

My kids run from the shop covering their ears when I do that!!  

Haha sounds like me when I was 4 or 5 years old when ever my dad used the table saw 

[scalebowler]

I got the OK to make some engine parts in class! Now I just need to see about finding some brass before class or maybe just figure out what parts can be made from steel and make those tomorrow and save the cylinder and piston for next time.

[scalebowler]

Also one question. Does anyone know if you can order things online from MSC and pick them up at the branch office like graingers Will Call option? I need to order some stuff from them for this project and was wondering.

[scalebowler]

Got to make a few parts today in class. My instructor thinks it is a really neat project and is really excited to see it done and running around. Today all I made was a flywheel (almost done just got to drill and tap the hole for the set screw) and the crankshaft (just got to press fit the parts onto each other and that will be done) I also drilled out and reamed the center of some of the pulleys and made them go from a 4mm diameter hole to something that will fit onto the actual crankshaft. I also picked up a piece of brass keystock from grainger today and will make the body and cylinder out of that. Now just need a piece of brass rod for the piston and maybe the threaded stud that holds the parts together. I think I can get these parts done next class or the class after that. Now just got to order some steam engine oil and a steam line.

[MoonDawg]

      I can see the instuctor's point of view. Very educational!

[scalebowler]

Here are some pictures of the parts I made yesterday. The crankshaft is pretty much done except that it is in pieces and the flywheel is done except I need to drill and tap a hole for the set screw that holds it on. (also got to enlarge the hole since I really don't want to press fit it on the crankshaft incase I ever need to take the engine appart) Only problem I have right now is that I made the flywheel about .005" too thin. Don't think that matters too much but it still bugs me.

[Creighton]

Looking good. Doubt the .005" matters on this application. Could be catastrophic on a jet engine.
Less flywheel weight may get you a bit more top speed.

Are you going to put on a RC steering chasis or attach to a wire?

Creighton
 

[scalebowler]

Looking good. Doubt the .005" matters on this application. Could be catastrophic on a jet engine.
Less flywheel weight may get you a bit more top speed.

Are you going to put on a RC steering chasis or attach to a wire?

Creighton
 

Thanks! I actually plan to attach the drive axle to the bottom of the engine and then mount the entire thing at about a 5 to 15 degree angle so that it will drive in circles untill the fuel runs out. I do like the RC idea but this thing is so small that I am running out of room inside. Maybe if this project works out I can one day make a larger one and make that RC. I am thinking about either finding or making a small trailer with a screw in the center that I can attach a digital camera to and maybe make a video of the camera riding on the trailer.

[Creighton]

I'll email you the link. There are some great tiny camera's that write to the attached flash drives. Used on RC planes/helicopters/rockets.
It would mount to the truck roof easy.
Creighton