Williams 43 c.i.d. Steam Engine

 

This is arguably the best modern steam engine.  This is how it looked on its test stand and with a re-wound boiler as it was picked up from Lehigh University where Dr. Stephen Williams attempted to get the engine tested.   Dr. Stephan Williams Steam Engine
     
Dr. Stephan Williams Steam Engine   Dr. Stephan Williams Steam Engine
 
The Lehigh people were both unfamiliar with steam power and afraid of high pressure modern steam systems and the noise of the burner frightened them further.  After spending thousands of dollars there was less than five minutes of running on poor quality steam.  No useful results were obtained.
     
Dr. Stephan Williams Steam Engine   Dr. Stephan Williams Steam Engine
     
This is typical Williams design, two sliding camshafts, single acting cross-head engine, uniflow with auxiliary poppet valve exhaust, and high recompression with a pressure relief valve into the steam chest.  It was claimed to get a 6 pound water rate and tested at best at an 8 pound rate.  This engine made about 100 hp.  It ran in several different vehicles over the years.