I think steam engines are awsome and best engines out there, I would like to get a trike running on one, but Would like info on them, how to make one and what not, thanks for the help.

Try googling "Live steam" or steam engines. I think you'll find very few bicyclists involved with steam power.

I share your fascination, but found out long ago that building steam engines involves either lots of money or lots of skill and time or both. For example, I was looking at live steam locomotives. The cheapest I found was a kit for an O-gauge locomotive (old Lionel size), and it was $500 or more for the rough castings- and you still had to do the machining yourself. That cured me.

I also love steam. I REALLY like Stirling engines too. As the previous poster mentioned it's pricey and takes a lot of specialized skills and tools (like a metal lathe, drill press and a milling machine) to make a steam engine. It would cost some serious change to build or buy an engine that was actually safe and had enough power to move your bike with you on it. It certainly would be cool though....I'd still prefer a Stirling though. A small one that will run out of the box and makes 1/10th (if that) of a hp will set ya back a couple of bills........If you do an ebay search you'll come up with tons of how to books and several kits too.

Can't provide information, but here's some inspiration: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=358572&highlight=steam

I need to see the motor inside and out because I might be able to conver a antique iron motor into one, Steam engines are the best, easy on planet and free to use, just gotta get one, I might make the whole motor myself but never seen anyway yet

I'll just add that some states require you to have a license to operate a boiler / steam engine.

Find out if there are any antique tractor shows in your area, usually there are a few steam guys at those events.

I need to see the motor inside and out because I might be able to conver a antique iron motor into one, Steam engines are the best, easy on planet and free to use, just gotta get one, I might make the whole motor myself but never seen anyway yet

Well, your best bet is to get in contact with those who play with steam engines already.

The Steam O Rama is coming up in October in Pennsylvania. http://www.steamoramapa.com/index.asp or you might want to join the International Stationary Steam Engine Society (http://www.isses.org/) or check out Steam Traction magazine (http://www.steamtraction.com/). Kits are available from Mike Brown (http://home.earthlink.net/~dlaw70/12stmng.htm). The Green Steam Engine (http://www.greensteamengine.com/)is interesting variation on the standard steam engine. Have you considered a steam turbine (http://cedesign.net/steam/turbines.htm)?

I'd say start out small. Get a cheap inexpensive kit, build the engine and run it so you can learn what is involved. That will lead you on to bigger and better things.

As far as how "green" steam engines are, I'd have to say that depends on how you are getting your heat. Theoretically, it could be solar, coal, wood, atomic or any number of ways. Some are good, some are not.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/misc/4ba2a8c2.jpg

try a google on steam punk..... here is one sort of related link http://steampunkworkshop.com/steampunk-motorbike.shtml


edit update: oops... I read the url closer it is electric powered with a boiler to generate steam for show.... but some looking around the steam punk area may find you more steam powered examplse

I found animated motors, showing how it's made and some others along with info, thanks for all the advice

This is the link you need. http://www.lynxsteamengines.com/converting.cfm

These folk have devised ways to convert common lawnmower engines into steam engines.

This is the link to their plans page where they sell plans for converting an IC engine as well as making a basic monotube boiler from basic hardware shop materials.

http://www.lynxsteamengines.com/products.cfm

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/misc/4ba2a8c2.jpg

That steam tractor looks MEAN!
The ultimate in Alt SUV Culture.

http://www.steamtraction.com/

I bookmarked this site a while back, so it must be interesting.

http://www.steamtraction.com/

http://afu.com/steam/L7.jpg

When I think steam engine, I think that... :-) Good to know there are underground networks of folks putting together small steam engines though.