This miniature brass solar-powered Victorian steam engine is called “Susi.” It was built by Szymon Klimek, of Poland, and is enclosed in a wine goblet like many of his other pieces. The ornate engine is decorated with tiny grapes and vines in keeping with the wine theme. A small solar panel powers the Victorian steam engine when illuminated with a strong light source. To start the engine, the goblet must be inverted and then brought back to normal vertical position. This causes the flywheel to start moving and the engine then continues to run on a tiny current generated by the solar panel. Speed is regulated by how close or far the light source is from the panel.

Exhibit added: December 31, 2009 - Last modified: May 26, 2023

Presented by The Joe Martin Foundation for Exceptional Craftsmanship