The Green steam engine

[Rob Bruce]

Has any member built a steam engine designed by Robert Green?
See the link below of this very different steam engine.
http://www.greensteamengine.com/index.html
Robert Green describes the features of his engine thus:
"The properties of the patented crank mechanism (called a "flexible rod transmission") invented by Robert Green, provides this engine with the advantage of eliminating the typical crankshaft and cam that requires lubrication and precision machining. It also provides the unique configuration whereby the cylinders are aligned in the same direction as the main shaft. The result is a compact, lightweight and slim engine that is extremely simple to construct and assemble.  The pistons and valves operate off a short piece of flexible shaft. Because the flexible shaft is fixed and cannot rotate, the piston rods and valve push rod are held in position while being reciprocated. The cylinders float, attached to a swivel ball fitting at their base.  Much of the structure and weight of a typical steam engine has been eliminated. The unique feature of the "Flex Rod Transmission" is that it produces an intermittent movement whereby the valve movement is stopped in its open and closed position during the power and exhaust strokes. This gives prolonged, fully opened valve timing. In compliment, the pistons are held stationary while the valve moves between phases. The output shaft continues rotation while the pistons stand still. The result is that the efficiency is increased dramatically. The overall friction of the engine is reduced due to the small number of light weight moving parts, and the use of ball bearings throughout. The flex rod is nearly frictionless as the flexing is like a spring in which the energy required to flex it is returned in equal amounts."
This engine obviously has many applications for model makers.

I am interested in building a small steam engine of about 3hp max that would power a 20 foot plywood side paddle wheeler. The designer suggests a simple boiler made from a converted pressure spray pot. I would only need about 60psi max and the wet steam from such a unit is re-cycled by a pump built into the motor.
I have the plans.
I would appreciate comments from members.
I am a newy and have found your site inspirational.
Rob

[bogstandard]

We had a discussion about the quality of plans and really what it was about.

Have a look at this discussion

http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/index.php?topic=2525.0

Be sure to read to the end as a comment was made as to the viability and uniqueness of the engine was discussed.

John

[andy]

Oh my God!

looking through the main deck and seeing such a engine on the paddleshaft would make all passengers nervous!

Andy

[steamboatmodel]

Andy, I don't think the passengers would have to worry, I don't think the so called engine would work commercially. I have looked at Mr Greens site a couple of times an thought what a ripoff, not only does he apparently not understand steam, but I think his understanding of engineering and mechanic is very limited.
John thanks for the link http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/index.php?topic=2525.0
I may have to sign up on it.
Rob as stated above I don't think Mr. Greens engine would work satisfactory. I would look at some of the Steam Boat Forums or some of the commercial producers
http://www.steamlaunch.com/index.html
http://www.pioneer.net/~carlich/RSE/RSEhome.html
http://www.steamboating.org/
Regards,
Gerald.

[Red_Hamish]

Hello all, well what in interesting concept  Mr Greens' Steam engine looks a little quirky but innovative no doubt. The whole of his site shows a passion for the unusual. I doubt if there'd be sufficient power to weigth ratio to attain a sustained level of output, when you consider the claim erald thanks fo r posting for power (electric) generation I think I'd rather stick to petrol or diesel generation.
Rob, the guys on here are extremely knowledgable when it comes to machining and biuilding engines and boilers and they are all approachable for sensible advice too.
Gerald thanks for posting the link http://www.steamlaunch.com/index.html it is one which I've not come across before.

cheers

Jim

[Rob Bruce]

Thanks Guys for the imput. Like you I was disappointed with the lack of actual engineering type plans + plus no material list or dimensions. But plenty of photos.
I started the link because I wanted comments from experienced engine builders. Your feedback was great.
I will let you know which way I jump when I start putting my paddle wheeler together.
Rob

[Bill Hudson]

I'm not sure what he has a  patent on.  The flex shaft has been around for many years.  Most often used in sewing machines. Also used as a drive universal shaft in some old gas pumps and juke boxes.

Bill

[steamboatmodel]

I remmember working with a chap who thought he had a great Idea for a steam engine, which he wanted me to make a prototype for him. I told him to let me see some drawings and I would consider it. He himmed and hawed about me maybe stealling his idea. He eventually relented when I agreed that if he had some idea I had not seen before I would sign a nondisclosure paper. He then provided some sketches explaining how his system was completely rotary and eliminated the crank, when I started looking at his sketches I had a hard time not bursting out laughing, with a big grin on my face I told him to hang on for a minute. I then disconnected the air die grinder he had been using and asked him if he had ever taken one apart. He said he hadn't, I then took him over to my bench and showed him the one I was repairing, his sketched showed he had reinventted the Air Vane Motor. The Boss and I had a good chuckle over it, I then had the job of showing our crestfallen inventor how to repair the air motors. He became very good at it and was still doing them when I moved on.
Regards,
Gerald

[bogstandard]

Plans to build all sizes of engines from barstock and car cylinder liners.

http://hasbrouck.8m.com/index.htm

John