Montessa Motorcycle Steam Conversion
| This Montessa motorcycle is a beautifully crafted example of the late Richard J. Smith’s work on steam power in the 1960’s. The machine was fabricated by Stephanie Powers, driven around, and is now in the possession of Smith’s younger brother. |  |
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The beauty is in the steam generator which is the cylinder on the left side. The cylinder on the right side is the water tank, probably too large if the radiator/condenser works as well as it should. The fuel is kerosene which is vaporized the same as was done in the Stanley steam automobiles. The steam generator is mono-tube and controls are fully automatic. |
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(Note: Click on a picture to see a larger view and then use your browser to enlarge it further.) |
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| The two-cycle engine was converted to a bash valve uniflow using the existing exhaust and intake ports as uniflow exhaust steam ports. | ||
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| Very little of Smith’s work has been preserved and so this machine has great historic value as well as being a source of excellent technical information. | ||
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