Carl Benz-inspired Model Car AH1 with Real Stirling Engine

This nostalgic miniature vehicle is reminiscent of the automobile pioneer Carl Benz and his first functioning prototypes. It is powered not by a stinking petrol engine, but a clean Stirling engine which transforms the heat of a spirit flame into kinetic energy and sets the car with its weight of more than one kilogram in motion with a charming rattle. With its ornamental brass tips, the car also recalls the spiked pimples typical of the German "Kaiserzeit".

Depending on whether the model car should drive slowly on the table or a bit faster on the ground, it can be switched between three gears by manually changing the drive belt's position. The speed range of the motor is between 800 and 2000 revolutions per minute, depending on the size of the spirit flame and its distance from the engine.

The manufacturer also provides a seperate trailer to be pulled by this car (see below).

The vehicle is manufactured locally in Germany and consists of 95 percent self-produced parts. In principle, a Stirling engine works by means of two pistons which are located in cylinders of different temperature and connected to the flywheel. Air can flow back and forth between the cylinders. In the colder cylinder, the air contracts and sucks the piston inwards. As a result, the piston pushes the cold air over into the warm cylinder where it heats up, expands and pushes the warm piston outwards. Together they move the flywheel which will now turn over its vertex and reverse the kinetic energy. With its momentum the flywheel pushes the warm piston back into the warm cylinder and pulls the cold piston out of the cold cylinder. As a result, the air flows back from the warm cylinder into the cold one. It contracts - and the cycle begins again.

NOTES:

BEWARE: This engine model is being operated with methylated spirit which represents a danger to life in children's hands. The engine is NOT a child's toy and may only be operated by adults or under their supervision.

The engine must only be operated with clear, undyed methylated spirits with an alcohol content of 94 percent.

The model car is not made for perpetual use. After 15 to 20 minutes of running time it needs to take a break and cool down.

The golden color parts are raw polished brass. They will darken over time and develop a beautiful authentic patina. This is not a defect and does not affect the functionality. The onset of patina can be removed by polishing if desired.

With long and frequent use of the engine, it will eventually be necessary to clean moving parts such as ball bearings, cylinders, pistons and spindle. Instructions for this are included.