This small motor is easy to build and runs great on compressed air. It requires no castings, uses inexpensive brass and aluminum bar stock, and makes an excellent first project for new machinists. Plans can be found in The Shop Wisdom of Rudy Kouhoupt. Rudy also published the plans originally in The Home Shop Machinist magazine.

One of the first large donations to the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum was the collection of famed model engine builder Rudy Kouhoupt. After retiring as a chemist, Rudy had a second career building engines and writing magazine articles documenting the process. Many people have built his models, but we have the honor of displaying all of his original prototypes. Rudy’s collection includes scale model engines, locomotives, tractors and more. Additionally, thirteen of Rudy’s model steam engines are hooked up to run on compressed air to demonstrate their function. 

Another view of the compressed air motor.

Exhibit added: November 27, 2023 - Last modified: January 29, 2024

Presented by The Joe Martin Foundation for Exceptional Craftsmanship