There are only a couple of important parts between the engine and the boiler. There’s an in-line oil reservoir to help combat the corrosive nature of the steam. There is also a check valve.

The introduction of several advanced, efficient, and more robust power options over the years has largely overshadowed steam engine technology ... pressure to force the piston down is restricted ...

The up and down motion of the piston in the cylinder ... The Kew Bridge Steam Museum in London has the largest working Cornish Steam Engine in the World. It was actually built for the site to ...

We’d love to see the same experiment done with a piston-type steam engine, too. Video after the break.

Also for $29.99 is the Exploring Kid Steam Engine Kit. This mostly plastic kit, when assembled, includes a boiler and tube leading to a piston. Due to the open flame and numerous small parts ...