Building Simple Model Steam Engines: Book 2

I got this book as a gift for my father on his birthday. He really enjoyed it! He hasn't tried to build one yet but he is eager to do so.

I received the 2020 printing of the 2002 edition of this book. Shipped from England with no problems in a nice heavy paper envelope. I haven't made anything from the book yet, but it seems straight forward with pretty good instructions in addition to clear plans and drawings, and some photos of the finished projects. Boilers as well as engines are included. One confusing thing is that dimensions are given in inches, drill sizes for holes are metric, and threads and fasteners are British threads, so some extra figuring will need to bee done for us residing the USA. I figure on converting the thread sizes to more common American threads and getting some metric drill bits to make it simpler to build one of the engines.

This doesn't contain much in the way of extra construction details or workmanship tips that the first book didn't have. It does have four new projects. One of them is a turbine, something new and completely different.

This is, (as are all of the late Tubal Cain's books) an enormous addition to anyone's library, interested in small model steam engines. It is easy and entertaining to read. You must bear in mind however, this was written at a time when safety was very much a personal concern, and some of the materials used are no longer allowed in some countries, so some substitutions will be needed. Any one wanting to add to their knowledge and/or collection of these engines should have this book. As well as volume 1.

If you like building steam engines than this book is for you.

It has been two months since I received this book and I have already built two of the engines shown! (they run perfectly). The author guides you through the building process as if he were beside you all the time, even though, a little machining experience is needed.

It looked like a good book but I would know better if they would send it to me. It's been a couple of months.

This book is excellent reading because of its suttle and charming humoristic style. It also has some good projects with very thorough instructions. Being from mainland Europe I'm not used to the Imperical measurements used and this can be a bit confusing. If you like model steam engines this book should be on your shelf.