Model Engines [ Miniature Steam, Jet, Stirling, V8 and More ]

Last modified: May 18, 2023

Model Engine Projects, also referred to as "Model Engineering: can be tremendous fun for all.  This page brings you the best model engine projects I've found together with my own projects that I've built.  I've got a great interest in these projects, so there's quite a lot of material here!

Model Steam Engines

Intricate engine illustration

John "The Engine Man" Bentley does some of the most amazing model steam engines you'll find on the web.  This is his Compound Marine Launch Engine, machined from a set of Stuart Little castings.

Cylinder assembly of a steam engine, showing metal components and mechanical parts.

Bob's No. 1 is (so far) just a design exercise I did in Rhino3D.  I built a complete CAD model of the venerable Stuart Turner No. 1.  I don't see it listed any longer in their catalog, but there are great photographs of John Bentley's replica on his site. I hope to make the model using CNC some day soon.

A robotic crab made of metal components with gears, wires, and tubes on a light-colored surface.

Welcome to the wacky world of Crabfu, where model steam engines mix freely with modern robotics and radio control technology to make these wonderful art creations.

Small metallic device with gold-colored tip.

Model Steam Turbines are fascinating if for no other reason than they're unusual and make a wonderful noise when running.  Most can't generate as much power as a piston model, so they're more about show. I've documented some history and the build of one such model on my Model Steam Turbine page.

Precision rotary axis component with metallic structure and rotating shaft.

This is a really cool little engine that was built as part of a team build.  From time to time, HMEM sponsors team builds.  Each person signing up for the team is responsible for making enough of just one part for every team member to have one.  What's fun is that instead of creating a one off, you get to make several, so you have a little opportunity to refine and learn how to "mass produce" the parts. The Comber Rotary is one of Elmer Verburg's little model steam engine projects. For this team build, I was responsible for the bearing blocks, and I used my first home CNC converted mill for the job Unfortunately, I never finished the little engine because not all team members came through with parts. I should go back, finish the missing parts, and get it running.

Silver metal device with brass components and central mechanism on mottled background.

This Reversible Wobbler is another of Elmer Verburg's model steam engines that I started but never finished. What's interesting about this engine, apart from it being visually a little less simple and closer to being a "Big Boy" engine, is that it has a reversing lever. In retrospect it was probably a touch ambitious for my machining skills at the time though the parts I made didn't turn out badly at all.

Miniature Engines

This category is all about Miniature Engines of the internal combustion (IC) variety.

Model Aircraft Engines

A photograph of an industrial engine, likely a Rolls-Royce Merlin, featuring intricate components.

Quarter Scale V-12 Rolls Royce Merlin:  It doesn't get much more ambitious than this project.  The Merlin was the engine that powered Spitfires and P-51 Mustangs to victory in World War 2.  What an iconic power plant, and what an amazing project. Full build details here.

V8 Model Engines & Car Model Engines

Quarter-scale V8 model engine's rear section with red circular components and black cylindrical component on dark background.

Quarter Scale V8 Engine that sounds just like a real high performance V8.  Double Overhead Cams, Fuel Injections, Headers, and all the goodies. YouTube Video of the engine running.

V8 flathead model engine with intricate details and mechanical components.

V8 Flathead Model Engine.  How about a 1/3 scale model of a classic flathead?  Even better, what if we put the working motor into a 1/3 scale model T-Bucket Roadster? Amazing project by Jim Moyer!

A small red based engine with a silver top and black cord, situated on a white work surface.

1/6th Scale Chevy Corvette Model Engine.  What a beauty!  Don't you just love the stamped rocker arms?  That's serious attention to detail. Another amazing project by Jim Moyer!

Intricately detailed engine on black stand against gray background.

The detail on this Bugatti Chiron Model Engine has to be seen to be believed.  The model was created by UK firm Amalgam in cooperation with Bugatti.  It's a static display model with no moving parts. If you're the sort of business mogul with enough money to own a Bugatti Chiron, I could certainly imagine your wanting to have one of these on display in your office. A cool $9365 if you'd like to purchase one!

Model Stirling Engines

Vintage Stirling engine model with brass components and detailed internal mechanisms.

Model Stirling Engines are fascinating, and they require a higher degree of precision to run well than a steam engine.  There are so many interesting designs I've created a whole page of nothing but Model Stirling Engines.

Live Steam Models

Coming Soon!

Model Jet Engines

Coming Soon!

Best Model Engine Forums

Home Model Engine Machinist:  My personal favorite.  There are dozens of model engine projects here with full build logs for many.

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