Electrical engineer by day, model engine enthusiast by night; we offer congratulations to David and his Cylinder Compound Condensing Engine for winning this year's design contest.
"About 5 years ago I was given a large number of back issues of Model Engineer (including copies from the 1920s) which I found fascinating to read. The author of one article included a full set of drawings for the '2 Cylinder Compound Condensing Engine', suggesting it would make a good model. I agreed with him and took on the process of creating the 3D design.
"From my recollection, the process took about 3 months to do most of the work. I did start with a large library of small parts like nuts, bolts, and rivets which are numerous in the design. What I most enjoy in the process, apart from creating a fully working model, is how to create the intricate parts like the connecting rods, the steam valves and the pumps all with an eye to how I might fabricate them."
Chris Line
Second Place
Chris may be retired, but his love for design and attention to detail powered his Radial Engine to a second place finish in this year's contest. Congratulations, Chris!
"I've always loved the large WWII aircraft engines, radials, and the inlines. When I saw it, I knew that I just had to draw it. I would say that it took a few days. I probably spent more time polishing it than drawing it! It turned out pretty nice, I think.
"I can even make the moving parts rotate by grabbing the 'Master Rod Counterweight' with the mouse and make everything go into motion. This was the challenge in my book."
