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Mamod Three Cylinder Stationary Engine

2002



Until recently, this engine was unique. I mean that in its literal sense, not just unusual. I know of one other example of a three cylinder Mamod in existence, which was built recently by David (aka Stilldrillin). If somebody knows of another example I would be interested in hearing about it.

(See here for how it came about.) It was derived from a pair of SE3's (see here for a similar model) and all parts (apart from a few trivial bits like screws etc) are Mamod. The boiler is a standard SE3 boiler of unknown vintage (probably 1960's) but with the throttle removed and the whistle replaced by a pressure gauge. The latter came from a modern Mamod engine. The boiler's dimensions are 2" diam. x 6" long. Steam feed from the top of the boiler is taken down under the boiler and over the burner, to give a modicum of superheat before the long run to the cylinders. Since the photos were taken, I have insulated the steam feed pipe to reduce the tendency for the steam to condense before it gets to the farthest cylinder. Two of the cylinders are from one vintage and the third from a different vintage, although all from SE3's. Their dimensions are 5/16" diam. x 3/8" stroke.

After having solved a few teething troubles, this engine steams and runs reasonably well. It exhibits all the attributes one would expect from such an engine, e.g. good torque and smooth running right down to quite low speeds (for its size). I'm glad I took the trouble to perform this experiment. Maybe the powers-that-be at Mamod, if they read this, might just take the hint.

In one of the photos on the left it can be compared with an example of the SE3 it was derived from.

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