I've never seen such a beautiful beam engine model with a fully working flyball governor, so I absolutely needed to buy this kit. Assembling was easy and great fun. And the little engine runs perfectly even for the first time! This is really a great high quality model that brings so much joy - I would buy it again without hesitation.
youtube video (assembling and running): https://youtu.be/WUc1dygBdMY?si=PIiukdShecSa_aTp
Loving putting it together, and the pdf instructions is a winner can't wait to finish and see it run 🙌
A very difficult & challenging build but a lot of fun building this set.
Good instructions. Definitely value for money.
Shows Microcosm's constant innovation. Well made, runs great, sounds great, good looking. A great gift
Overall impression:
I was very impressed with the overall quality and "fit and finish" of this model. There is very little I can find to complain about in this regard. Despite some of the minor negatives I'll discuss in a moment, my overall impression is very positive and I would not hesitate to recommend this model to anyone who has an interest in these things. The asking price is a bit on the high side, but given the niche market this appeals to, along with the high quality and solid construction of the unit makes me think that I got a fair deal for my money.
The hole for the cross beam shaft in the cross beam bearing block was not drilled perpendicular to the sides of the block. After the cross beam assembly was adjusted for piston freefall there was impingement with two of the shaft ends supporting the piston connecting rod. The two stainless steel arms fastened to the block had to be removed and bent slightly to remedy the impingement. After reassembly and readjustment for piston freefall the engine ran fine. Other than that, fit and finish was quite good. Great value.
Instructions are soso. No torque values given no instructions as to what input VDC to use for the ignition unit. Some of the holes not tapped all the way and were dirty inside. Would I buy it again NO. Customer service sucks.
This is a wonderful, fully working steam engine. It was not difficult to build, and it works just great. It looks terrific, and sounds all real too. And to be clear, if built properly, it will operate the generator in both forward and reverse gears. And I like that whistle!
The steam engine is of high quality. Instructions are easy to follow. Very impressive when completed. The only lacking item is there is no information or recommendations for using lube.
