The Last Valentine Nano Bee

I'm just trying to break even on this one.

ukanduit wrote:I'm just trying to break even on this one.

Got it, is it possible you can post a picture of it sitting on a quarter? Some people might not realize how small that engine really is.

Ron

It would be cool if he had made some these small ones with TD .010 glow plugs for those that don't want
to fuss with diesel fuel. Little RC carb and muffler would be shaweet.

I've never seen an engine that small, could power a peanut scale or Bostonian!      

It's a real jewel given its rarity and so small.
It could be mounted on a ring, bracelet or dangling from a gold chain.

WoW that is small , i would love to have it but just can't justify the cash for something to look at and show off

The steam engine I designed and built, it is even smaller than Ron's engine. It is a 1/16 inch bore and stroke so that makes it 0.00019 cubic inch swept volume.
It runs and runs well.

Very Imperssive !! Thank You for sharing , did you machine the parts or a Kit ?

My own design and from scratch.
I was inspired by Dr Senft's Thimble engine.
My design is less compact but in my opinion a (slightly) better layout.
His design has an ever so slight unwanted torque moment... but, still an excellent design nonetheless.

ukanduit wrote:My own design and from scratch.
I was inspired by Dr Senft's Thimble engine.
My design is less compact but in my opinion a (slightly) better layout.
His design has an ever so slight unwanted torque moment... but, still an excellent design nonetheless.

Wonderful. You have a talent.

I like your alias...........I often tell my self when faced with a difficult situation....... Nothing to it but to do it.

Thanks guys for all the kind words!
Wekanduit!!

That steam engine is really cool!

I too have always wondered why Valentine didn’t make Glow Nano engines. I realize they are just for show, but they do function. From what I hear they break quickly if run.

Diesel engines cause more stress on the working parts so at that size I could see it not lasting long, that’s why I was wondering if glow wouldn’t have been a better option.

Anyway, I hope it goes to a good home. Maybe Crankbndr will buy it, he is already in hot water anyway...

one CEF member across the pond has many of Valentine's micro engines.....some where here I think he discusses running one

IIRC the small propeller was a pain to source or make...not enough mass for easy starting

for life of me I do not remember if it was Ian or who(m)

I am about 100 % it was Ian , And i wish he would chime in (if he can ) now and then https://www.coxengineforum.com/t4272-ronald-valentine-nano-bee?highlight=nano Scroll down alittle

Thanks Eric...Yes it was indeed Ian..I miss him dearly and hope his health has improved...hopefully he is lurking

regarding Ron making the nano engines for glow fuel....Glow plugs would need to be exceedingly small

I seem to recall there is a chemical or some practical limitation on how much Platinum is required for the catalytic reaction with methanol ---also glow plug in nano miniature--- the element would probably need a special heater voltage

Diesel made more sense in a lot of ways

With the right tooling Ron could halve the size two more times and still have a running engine

No mater how small we think this nano work of functioning art is---- it really is thousands of times bigger than the smallest working machines we have created in the 21st century

I have run one of these wonderful creations.

It is hard to imagine that it was created manually (no CNC) on one of these:

A Triumph 2000 lathe

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Triumph+2000+lathe&hl=en&rlz=1W1MXGB_enGB524&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=AuwsUfO0I-mX0QXQu4CABw&ved=0CD0QsAQ&biw=1673&bih=843

The box proudly displays "Made in U.S.A." even though Ronald used a British lathe!

I would advise against running one as it is difficult to find a small propeller. The smallest I had was 2", Ron fires these up with his custom made all aluminium job.

A 2 inch propeller is difficult to flick over with big fingers and it will run on a larger propeller but great care is needed to avoid a hydraulic lock. This tiny beast would not survive. Mounting an engine this small is also difficult - i had to make a special mount.

The larger engines .098 cc could be fitted out for glow and were using, as mentioned, a turned down Cox TD 010 head but the Nano Bee only has a a 2mm bore.

The smallest glow engines I have are 0.98cc and I have often wondered "Why not smaller?".

However, a glow plug can only be made so small - whether .049 or a 60 they are more or less the same size. Making glow plugs is difficult  and I can only imagine that the cost of specialty plugs would be horrendous.

When you are down to 4mm bore things get difficult.

For the .098s with 5mm bore the glow plug is a modifed Cox 010.

Here is a range of Valentine engines from .098cc down to the .006cc Nano



Compared with a Cox TD010




Lower than 5mm and there would be not enough metal surrounding the element.

Also, the recess for the element will affect compression and there isn't much volume to play with in one of these tiny engines.

Imagine the palaver shimming and deshimming one of these. Better off with diesel.

One day you will try diesel for control line and experience the delight of the aroma, the sound, the mess and the easy starting! That should give you PAWs for thought!

I think that producing threads this size is amazing but there is another element to it.

Assuming you have the tap and the die - the "screw" is so slender the process of cutting the threads must be time consuming and require patience with a steady hand to avoid breaking the needle.

Likewise, when tapping the hole, accuracy is paramount to avoid breaking the tap. Just getting the hole straight and true, prior to tapping, in those dimensions is not easy. The smaller the drill the easier it is to wander off course.

On the small engines - busting the NVA is my big worry. That is the most delicate part!

I wouldn't even dare try to start a twin cylinder Nano




These sre some of the smallest glow engines I have (all .098cc)

Super Cool Jewelry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cuff links and Tie tack set!!!! Get Your Buzzz on!!!! Wow these are wonderful engines... I'll have to buy new pair of glasses just to see the astonishing detail!!! ,Mark

Good to see some more of your collection Ian , If i remember correctly you have meet Ronald Valentine ? That is one big lathe to build such small engine but precise measuring is needed for sure and can only bee obtained with them .