Rudy Kouhoupt built this sleek scale model V-4 steam engine. The four single-acting cylinders on this unusual engine have a bore of 7/8”, and accommodate pistons with a stroke of 7/8”. The admission and exhaust events are regulated by pressure-balanced inside admission piston valves, which operate with very low friction. The crankcase holds one cubic inch of oil in running order.
One of the first large donations to the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum was the collection of famed model engine builder Rudy Kouhoupt. Rudy’s niece, Susan Alvaro, was kind enough to donate his entire lifetime engine collection for display at the grand opening of the museum in 2006. 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.
