Not steam, but still excellent - Radial engined racer

[aquafortis]

1935: Monaco-Trossi radial-engined race car. I'd love one of these. I especially like the exposed spark leads, the thought of roaring about at night with flames behind and a violet high voltage corona ahead, well, I had to go have a lie down...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Monaco-Trossi1935.jpg

I've always been a big fan of radial engines. Perhaps you've got a favourite engine? do share.

[Wells45]

That... is... so... cool.

[jringling]

Here is a link to my favorite engine: http://www.animatedengines.com/wankel.shtml

[dman762000]

It still has a shaft on the front, can i please put a propeller on it? Just a small one?

[Acheron]

I shouldn't think that this lovely machine here should be new to many on these forums, however I imagine that it is relevant to the discussion:



Notice how the engine, a Rotec 7-cylinder, is quite sensibly mounted sideways, rather than with the crankshaft running lengthwise with the bike's frame, unlike that of a previous model built by Jesse James. It significantly simplifies compartmentalization and gearbox orientation, and considering the torque and rotating mass of these engines I'm somewhat surprised that anyone could think of any other configuration.

[Arvis]

I shouldn't think that this lovely machine here should be new to many on these forums, however I imagine that it is relevant to the discussion:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Notice how the engine, a Rotec 7-cylinder, is quite sensibly mounted sideways, rather than with the crankshaft running lengthwise with the bike's frame, unlike that of a previous model built by Jesse James. Considering the torque and rotating mass of these engines I'm somewhat surprised that anyone could think of any other configuration.

 These machines are impressive at first glance. However I see this set up as being not much better than the bike with it's engine faced forward. The cooling fins on your front and rear cylinders are now running the wrong direction. your top and bottom cylinders are the only ones that now get adequate cooling. Your rear cylinder gets the least amount of cooling as all engine heat flows over it. Though I will concede the torque is much safer on this set up. Drive way jewelry.
 "Time to do a valve job, I'll see you guys in about.... a week!"


 Arvis

[SteamJam]

I wish I could just pop on down to my local airplane store and buy a Besler twin:



Its like a highly evolved Heisler, but instead of two high pressure pistons, its got on high and one low... A twin compound engine like that would be killer in a car...

[aquafortis]

Here is a link to my favorite engine: http://www.animatedengines.com/wankel.shtml

They're nice, aren't they? I saw one today in an ultralight aircraft, it was about the size of a biscuit tin, the whole powerplant weighed under 30kg and produced 40bhp

yes, yes yes to radial engined bikes, and this: Radial Engine Powered Goggomobil - 10 litre radial in a Goggomobil ..

[akumabito]

...that just HAS to be the most unlikely engine/vehicle combo EVER.

[von Klank]

I does love me some radial engine. Barrel engines are rather cool as well, and would be rather easily adapted for steam. In fact, the issues that make them impractical for internal combustion (heat dissipation, valve train) are advantageous or eliminated for steam propulsion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swashplate_engine

[patron_vectras]

though decidedly late for what I perceive as Steampunk,
radial engines are just plain cool.

I'm glad I read the Wiki page on this!

• radials have been used in boats
• radials were replaced by inline engines for streamlining purposes
• the US navy once it would only accept radial-powered designs for aircraft
• you can put radials end-on-end... they were nicknamed 'corncob' ;]