Stan Bray's "Simple Sam"

After getting Elizabeth chuffing happily on the bench, and the heroes engine spinning away, I wanted something simple to build confidence before tackling anything more complicated.

Enter Simple Sam from Stan Bray's Making Simple Model Steam Engines.

If Tubal Cain's Elizabeth is "simple but proper", Simple Sam is... well... gloriously basic. It's a single-acting oscillator that looks more like a clever desk toy than a "real" steam engine. No slide valve, no eccentric, minimal parts — yet it runs really well! Stan Bray designed it as an entry-level project using bar stock on a small lathe and mill (or even hand tools for some bits), perfect for anyone still getting comfortable with their workshop.

Building Simple Sam

Key parts:

Cylinder - 15/32" brass round, with a 3/8" bore, drilled then reamed to size.
Port Face - 1/2" x 5/32" brass rectangle
Cylinder Cover - 1/2" brass round, turned to 1/8". 1/16" at 3/8" to fit cylinder.
Pivot Pin - 3/32" stainless steel rod, threaded 7 BA at each end.
Frame - Brass rectangle, 5/32" x 2 11/32" x 3/16" for the upright, soldered to a base piece which is 5/8" long.
Crank - Crankpin & Crankshaft fabricated from mild steel
Flywheel - turned from 1" brass round, 1/2" wide with 6 BA tapped hole for grubscrew.
Piston, Connecting Rod & Big End - a piece of 3/8" brass rod, 1 3/8" long.

Photos from the Workbench

Completed Engine

Next Up

If Simple Sam behaves, it'll be a nice confidence booster before I tackle my next project.

Next engine: a brass wobbler!

Stuart ST Oscillator - Part 1

I thought i'd have a little break from Tich for a bit and have a go at another Oscillating engine. The Stuart ST (also known as the S.T. Oscillator) is a classic beginner’s model steam engine from Stuart Models. It’s a compact vertical single-cylinder double-acting oscillating engine with a 7/16 in bore and stroke, standing only about 2½–3 in tall, with a 1 in diameter flywheel.

Echoes of Steam on the Jurassic Coast

Tucked away on the dramatic shores of Dorset, just a mile or so south of the bustling market town of Bridport, lies West Bay - once known simply as Bridport Harbour. While the village itself draws visitors with its pebble beaches, towering golden cliffs, and starring role in Broadchurch, there's a quieter gem here that whispers of Victorian ambition and bygone journeys: West Bay Station.

A Ride on the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

Nestled on the rugged North Devon coast within Exmoor National Park, the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth have long captivated visitors with their dramatic landscapes. Perched high on the hill, Lynton offers sweeping views, while Lynmouth hugs the harbour below. For over a century, the most thrilling way to travel between them hasn’t been a winding road or a steep footpath — it’s been a true marvel of Victorian engineering: the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway.