Ron Colonna's 1/4 scale 270 Offenhauser 4-cylinder engine takes model engineering to the highest level because Ron has not only built the engine, he has also documented it in a book with plans so that others can benefit from his experience and built it too. This is the type of model engineering you will see in this section.
Building a running internal combustion engine in a small scale is one of the tougher projects you can take on in model engineering. As engines get smaller, tolerances must be tighter, and some things like the size of air and fuel molecules and electricity just don't scale. A certain amount of cleverness is required to get all these elements to work together. Some parts can be scaled exactly and some must be adapted to work at a small size. The trick is knowing which ones and how much.
If you would like to get involved in a group project to build an internal combustion engine, see our SEAL ENGINE PROJECT page.
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Craftsman (Click name to visit page on this craftsman) |
Typical Project (Click for larger image) |
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Ron Colonna2008 Metalworking Craftsman of the Year Long-time engine builder's work includes an Offenhauser engine and a book on how to build it |
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Gary ConleyManufacturer of the famous Conley V8 and more |
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Jerry HowellThis dedicated model builder now offers kits you can build too. |
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Alan Ingersoll1998 Metalworking Craftsman of the Year |
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Jerry Kieffer1997 Metalworking Craftsman of the Year and master of scale detail down to the smallest fastener |
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George Luhrs2001 Metalworking Craftsman of the Year and builder of the world's smallest running internal combustion engines |
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Pierre Scerri2007 Metalworking Craftsman of the Year, Avignon, France A running 1/3 scale Ferrari that took 15 years to build. |
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Clen TomlinsonMiniature 18-cylinder masterpiece made with CNC |
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B.A.E.M.—The Bay Area Engine Modelers clubCLICK HERE to learn more about model engineering clubs or to list your club. |
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If you are interested in the small model gas engines manufactured to power model airplanes, boats and cars, see the special section on Model Engine Manufacturers. These men were a special breed of model engineer who designed and built engines out of the love for their hobby.
If you have additional information on a project or builder shown on this site that your would like to contribute, please e-mail craig@CraftsmanshipMuseum.com. We also welcome new contributions. Please see our page at www.CraftsmanshipMuseum.com/newsubmit.htm for a submission form and guidelines for submitting descriptive copy and photos for a new project.
This
section is sponsored by SHERLINE
PRODUCTS INC., Vista, CA,
manufacturers of
tabletop machine tools and accessories.
To learn how your company or organization can sponsor a section in the Craftsmanship Museum, please contact craig@CraftsmanshipMuseum.com.
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