Donald's Innovations and Repairs

09/10/2026

The sight glass that shows water level is giving me no end of trouble. I keep breaking the glass and also getting the right seal to allow for no leaks is also a major issue. Once that's done I probably will end up with a very nice running steam engine.

09/10/2026

09/03/2026

A 1915 Josef Falk steam engine outfitted for fun.

One thing I forgot to include in the video is a fire extinguisher. I always have fire extinguishers on hand and especially when dealing with steam engines. It's like second nature to me. Magic Box Hobbies

09/02/2026

The angel is lit and it has a new motor and charger.

09/02/2026

The angel is lit and it has a new motor and charger.

09/02/2026

The lamp is so close to being ready. Testing a paper shade mock up for judging size.

09/02/2026

Today, I machined a tall collar to hide the joints of the threaded rod that joins the lamp socket and the long together. The commercial collar is much too short and out of proportion. I painted the base and electrical cord pipe green.

08/31/2026

The lamp is taking shape. The shade for the lamp will be 24" from the bottom of the base. The pipe for the power to the lamp is silver-soldered to the base ring. In the video at the last picture I am straighting after welding, a ring base for a japanese glass net float lamp.

08/31/2026

I am straightening after welding, a ring base for a japanese glass net float lamp.

08/28/2026

Warning a loud air noise at start!

The vertical steam donkey engine works!

Then a fast paced chuff as the engine is tested on air. One thing that is often overlooked in real steam engines and in models is the fact that the valve timing must not be on dead center. If it is, it's going to hunt back and forth, it will not rotate.