Piwakawaka
Published: 14 Jun 2025
8m Stirling engine powered replica 19th century gentleman’s Great Lakes fantail launchThis project started when I happened on an antiques garage sale in Alameda, San Francisco in 2005 and recognised a propellor from a small steamboat. It was identifiable by its patina and by its aspect ratio (biggish diameter with two narrow blades), made this way for efficiency- to get the most from a low power engine. This is exactly what’s needed for a Stirling powered launch. Having the...
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Stirling Engine Mobility Scooter
Published: 14 Jun 2025
This project started out when LSM 12.2 was looking for something to do after being replaced by LSM 14.1 in Piwakawaka (8m gentleman’s launch) in 2012. It found temporary employment (and fame) powering the “world’s fastest Stirling engine kite buggy” (the only one, not coincidentally). World’s fastest Stirling engine kite buggy, 2012 There was tradition in this, following after the “world’s fastest gas turbine kite buggy”- which also wasn’t a threat to anyo...
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