It's grand to see the growth of this organization, especially given the long period of media silence. But I hope you're making bigger steps towards demonstrating this boiler's practical functionality; the concept of it seems to have been proven for some time now, but we've yet to see how it holds up under load, actually driving a steam engine. All this talk of "Energy Sovereignty" and "Environmental Balance" is all fine and good, but it means nothing if the boiler runs out of puff while actually driving a traction engine or locomotive. And after so many years of development on the boiler taking that next practical step seems long overdue. That said, as a lifelong steam enthusiast, especially one with an eye toward the recent explosion in new-build steam locomotive projects across a rapidly changing world, one where the experts in old steam are fading away and resources like good steam coal are becoming more scarce, to say nothing of the very real concerns of climate change, I have high hopes for the practical future of this project. The plans for a 35hp traction engine are a huge first step; historically, traction engines of that size were the backbone of the road haulage business for much of the late 19th and 20th Centuries, taking on anything from construction to house removal. It is potentially a perfect first step in demonstrating a blending of the new technology of the Mackwell boiler with tried and true technology of the classic compound steam engine, a way to demonstrate that concepts long thought obsolete are actually perfectly capable of meeting the demands of the modern world while also testing to see what works and what doesn't with this revolutionary new boiler design. You've done very well so far. I've been thoroughly impressed by what the Mackwell boiler can do on its own. But the time for flowery language and high-minded ideals is over. The time has come to put it to work.
Exactly. This video is nothing more than a joke. All that purple prose and you still only have a stationary boiler. Time to put your money where your mouth is, Mackwell.
Glad to see you're still at it! I've been following your channel for a year and thought things may have come to an end! If people want it and you can provide it I think you should give it everything you've got! Good on you
This is a great initiative! This steam engine is far more eco friendly than an electric car when you take production and losses along the whole line of energy production in perspective. It uses 3 materials abundant almost everywhere, steel, to build the machine, water and biomass to produce steam. Needs no rare earth or other valuable and difficult to mine and proces materials, neither fossil fuels and keeps on working even after an EMP wiped out all electronics on this planet. I hope they succeed an prove the world that steam for traction isn't an obsolete way of getting things moving. But as a side note, this will not replace all transport needs as we simply can't grow enough biomass to keep all going, but this will add greatly into the field of renewable energy.
I'd rather jump in my EV which Ive charged from the PV panels on my roof and be on the road in minutes than have to lug around cords of wood to stoke up a modern day version of a traction engine. The only moving parts on an EV are one or two electric motors and the wheels. Compare that to the multiple moving parts on a steam powered traction engine...pistons, valves and valve gear. Maintenance costs for an EV are tiny compared to a steam engine.
That modern traction engine at the end of video are awesome I would love to buy for as a hobby. They would be some much cheaper to buy and maintain than those older versions , I would want to drive them around places plus cheaper to run than car maybe.
Great to see such a gang of young fellas with a new approach to this old technology that has already been such a driver in our industrial development. I've been long awaiting an update, amazing progress!
It's good to see this Idea go somewhere. The first big step in a business like this is always gaining access to actual tools and workers you need. I believe that since you've gotten this far, you're almost guaranteed a chance on the mass market. I hope you use this chance well.
A year of radio silence. Every time I see you on my subscriptions, I think, "I wonder how he's getting on. I hope he hasn't had to give up on his great idea...." I guess not. Great to see you forging ahead
Great to get an update! I've fancied having a steam bulldozer for my driveway 🙂 My father was a steam enthusiast and would have loved to follow what you're doing.
As someone who lives off grid with a 5 hp boiler and a 4 hp engine to power my house. This is inspiring to see new life given to Victorian technology. We will look back on the 20th century as a time of hubris and cheap energy. Energy that was controlled by a few. Whether it’s the owner of an oil company or the owner of a lithium mine. Decentralization of power is the future.
Good progress and good luck with your project you all ! From the very start I was curious about the inner piping of the "boiler", but guess it is still early days to give us some clues ?
I bought a 1888 frick sawmill and am trying to start a carriage shop since you last posted it's nice to see you again hopefully soon I'll have a vintage a traction engine and one of yours to run my operations I also want to make replicas of horse drawn farm implements but need to the funds from the mill and carrage shop to even consider it
I hate to be that guy but what have they actually achieved in the last year? 2-3 design changes and no visible progress? From what I can see and understand they haven’t even got there current boiler moving under its own power. Can someone point out what I am missing.
No, I was thinking much the same thing. I’ve been following this with interest, but the prototype boiler still seems to be very much the same unit, driving nothing much beyond its own circulation pump. I’m also a little concerned that the swing away from railway locomotives into agricultural traction is rather a blind alley- whilst the boiler might be technologically advanced, a low-speed, heavy, reciprocating engine promises little progress over a traditional traction engine. I love ‘em, but sadly I don’t think they will be the answer to any of today’s pressing questions.
Guys, it's not going to suit everyone but if you live in a remote area for example, you can be self sufficient for fuel, and diesel is just going to be growing in price from here as supply dwindles. There is a growing market in food produced sustainably and something produced using local sustainable resources is a great story.
I don’t think either of us were knocking the final goal, which is to be encouraged. Adam’s comment merely pointed out that there seem to be minimal changes to the prototype boiler over the last year, a concern that I agreed with. To clarify my own point, to implement it in the envelope of a traditional, two cylinder traction engine represents a failure to take full advantage of the technology that they’re developing. In terms of efficient use of steam, we could do a lot better. I certainly want them to succeed- which is why I’ve been following their videos- and also why I am a little concerned about the direction they are going in. No harm in that.
@@ukuleletyke I would definitely agree. A steam tractor would not be an appropriate use of this development several reasons for this being once the farming season has started machines can be running non stop 24 hours a day for weeks only turning of for fuel or breakdown this just isn’t good for steam. Also there is the issue that if the tractor is in public then there is always the risk of burns if the vehicle is ever unattended. This issues can be avoided on a railway as (in the uk) public access to the tracks are limited preventing exposure.
@@adamwachs6392 That wasn’t quite my point, but thankyou. I’ve worked on traditional (i.e. old) agricultural steam, heat isn’t a problem on field or road. These machines are still road-legal, their owners understand what they’re dealing with, and in the winter that heat can be quite welcome! It’s also not really true to say that steam can’t be used continuously in a working environment. It can, and once upon a time was- in agriculture, in industry, in shipping and on the railways. My concern is that Sam seems to be referring back to these now rather outdated and heavy implementations of steam technology. He has a very advanced boiler concept- if married to a high-speed multi cylinder steam engine- which could even be a compound expansion engine, as he can use a condenser with his pumped water system- he could produce a machine with the form factor and weight of a small tractor, with tremendous torque all the way up from standing, and the ability to operate on a wide variety of fuels. Automatic fuel feed- pellets or similar- could make such a machine no harder to operate than your average car. In fact, it could be somewhat simpler- more analogous to an automatic.
Have you guys considered introducing some mechatronic concepts? A simple alternater paired with a car battery and some electronic components would allow digital monitoring and automation of the egines control, increasing safety and decreasing necessary operater skill, additionally the controlls could ve intergrated with other modern technology such as wifi allowing smart connectivity and remote operation
Nice! i was just thinking with his climate controlled crew cab in a locomotive, the computers and transmitters could be in the cab. Yt ch: RC Action Homemade could build a 1/8ish version :) Jeez i feel like a youngster, all excited ;)
Good to see and I agree producing steam by burning wood as a renewable fuel, I have been studying and drawing plans around producing bio-char to trap carbon from the wood being cooked to produce the fuel to generate the heat to boil water into steam. The plan is to use a steam turbine to spin an electric generator for charging batteries for EVs or house holds. I want to be able recycle the steam as it condenses back to hot water, and use every degree of heat to heat the water. Hoping we might be able to share contact I would like to tap into your knowledge!
Thanks for sharing the update on your progress, great work and keep it up! Looking forward to seeing the Mackwell boilwer paired with a 35HP steam engine. Are on-road as well as rail applications being considered? To me, it seem like waste collection trucks and street sweepers could be excellent candidates for advanced on-road steam traction since they typically operate at low speeds with lots of idling along predictable routes. Also curious if you have considered partnering with Uniflow Power out of Australia? They've developed a 5HP modular combined heat and power (CHP) unit called the Cobber (see video linked below) based on decades of steam engine design work done by Dr. Ted Pritchard whose 1970's steam car prototype was tested by multiple major automakers. Pairing the Mackwell boiler with the Uniflow/Pritchard engine seems like an interesting avenue to explore. Cheers, and keep up the great work! Uniflow Power Cobber CHP Unit: ruclips.net/video/d1ekHrWhsFw/видео.html
i have an idea to propose, instead of using pistons that will give a 25% efficiency for a steam engine, you could use turbines to spin generators attached to them. By doing that you could get a 40 to 60% efficiency. then the train would be like any other, with electric motors and higher torch. The result is less wood or coal is needed to cover a specific distance, the emissions are lower, and you save money.
Hi, mechanical engineer and Machinist by trade, small farmer (few Acers) by hobby and also owner of a sawmill. When will this be available for purchase? And how much? - North Carolina, USA
Have you noticed that they are restoring steam locomotives all over the world? Would do they know that we don''t? Why are they restoring old locos instead of building Mackwell Locos? !!
Did you guys get a government grant? I think its well deserved, but there's no other way all this could have happened in a year. I love to see those old machines being put to good use in that workshop.
My question is that if we start using these on mass will we start running out of trees like we did 200 years ago? 'Cause that's what lead us to start using coal...
@E-Hamel I did see his video on a proposal to use sugar-cane husks to power the steam engine. Is his furnace that efficient? If so, fantastic! But I'm having trouble believing that. But would that also interfere with live-stock production? I know that cows eat a tremendous amount of things like corn stalks and pistachio shells. I'd imagine it depends on where in the world you are and what kind of plant fiber you're wanting to burn.
Steam engines have a lot of torque but they don't have a lot of RPM range putting a transmission behind a V-Twin steam engine design would give the engine a lot higher top speed and usable powerband range then you wouldn't have to worry about a reverser for reversing the valve gear you could just use the reverse in the transmission cuz remember they do Drive the tractors from one field to another if you gave these engines a transmission where they could shift into a higher Highway gear to be transported on the highway would make this machine a lot more versatile
@@pbsluvr312 I've wanted to be a mechanical engineer in my whole life so much so I invented my own air turbine design it's a Thrust air turbine it runs on fluid dynamics instead of thermodynamics we all have our dreams this one was mine and it got crushed by the powers-that-be remember when you try to change the the status quo the status quo will kill you
I think you should use a Heisler V-Twin steam engine design and have the output shaft of the steam engine go into a transmission like a normal tractor then you'll be able to have gears clutch and a power takeoff if you want to build a successful 21st century steam tractor you're going to have to build it to be compatible with modern-day implements if you build the steam tractor like they used to build old traction engines I'm sorry but you won't fail because no one uses those implements anymore to go with those tractors use a Heisler V-Twin steam engine hooked up to an Allison Transmission with power takeoff to run all the different farm equipment and you will be golden remember if you want to be successful you also got to be compatible with modern-day equipment good luck in all your endeavors peace out
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Love to see an update from you all. And, a future that involves the steam locomotive... you love to see it. :)
Should have known that you knew. i was planning to let you know ASAP. Agreed. Love to see this!
Great to finally see an update. I was actually only wondering about when we might see another video from you a few days ago.
It's grand to see the growth of this organization, especially given the long period of media silence. But I hope you're making bigger steps towards demonstrating this boiler's practical functionality; the concept of it seems to have been proven for some time now, but we've yet to see how it holds up under load, actually driving a steam engine. All this talk of "Energy Sovereignty" and "Environmental Balance" is all fine and good, but it means nothing if the boiler runs out of puff while actually driving a traction engine or locomotive. And after so many years of development on the boiler taking that next practical step seems long overdue.
That said, as a lifelong steam enthusiast, especially one with an eye toward the recent explosion in new-build steam locomotive projects across a rapidly changing world, one where the experts in old steam are fading away and resources like good steam coal are becoming more scarce, to say nothing of the very real concerns of climate change, I have high hopes for the practical future of this project. The plans for a 35hp traction engine are a huge first step; historically, traction engines of that size were the backbone of the road haulage business for much of the late 19th and 20th Centuries, taking on anything from construction to house removal. It is potentially a perfect first step in demonstrating a blending of the new technology of the Mackwell boiler with tried and true technology of the classic compound steam engine, a way to demonstrate that concepts long thought obsolete are actually perfectly capable of meeting the demands of the modern world while also testing to see what works and what doesn't with this revolutionary new boiler design.
You've done very well so far. I've been thoroughly impressed by what the Mackwell boiler can do on its own. But the time for flowery language and high-minded ideals is over. The time has come to put it to work.
Exactly. This video is nothing more than a joke. All that purple prose and you still only have a stationary boiler.
Time to put your money where your mouth is, Mackwell.
Thank you for this update!!! I'm so glad to see the progress you've been making!
Also...where can I get one of those jackets that Sam is wearing!?
I want one of those 21st century traction engines. They look amazing, keep up the good work.
Glad to see you're still at it! I've been following your channel for a year and thought things may have come to an end! If people want it and you can provide it I think you should give it everything you've got! Good on you
Huge fan of your work team!
Also, that William guy is quite the looker!
He certainly is, aren't we lucky to have him, to think he could have been modelling Armani suits in Italy yet chooses to work with us, #blessed
This is a great initiative!
This steam engine is far more eco friendly than an electric car when you take production and losses along the whole line of energy production in perspective.
It uses 3 materials abundant almost everywhere, steel, to build the machine, water and biomass to produce steam.
Needs no rare earth or other valuable and difficult to mine and proces materials, neither fossil fuels and keeps on working even after an EMP wiped out all electronics on this planet.
I hope they succeed an prove the world that steam for traction isn't an obsolete way of getting things moving.
But as a side note, this will not replace all transport needs as we simply can't grow enough biomass to keep all going, but this will add greatly into the field of renewable energy.
I'd rather jump in my EV which Ive charged from the PV panels on my roof and be on the road in minutes than have to lug around cords of wood to stoke up a modern day version of a traction engine.
The only moving parts on an EV are one or two electric motors and the wheels. Compare that to the multiple moving parts on a steam powered traction engine...pistons, valves and valve gear. Maintenance costs for an EV are tiny compared to a steam engine.
That modern traction engine at the end of video are awesome I would love to buy for as a hobby. They would be some much cheaper to buy and maintain than those older versions , I would want to drive them around places plus cheaper to run than car maybe.
Great to see such a gang of young fellas with a new approach to this old technology that has already been such a driver in our industrial development. I've been long awaiting an update, amazing progress!
It's good to see this Idea go somewhere. The first big step in a business like this is always gaining access to actual tools and workers you need. I believe that since you've gotten this far, you're almost guaranteed a chance on the mass market.
I hope you use this chance well.
Amazing. Keep up the good work! Exited to see steam return! God bless!
A year of radio silence. Every time I see you on my subscriptions, I think, "I wonder how he's getting on. I hope he hasn't had to give up on his great idea...."
I guess not. Great to see you forging ahead
Keep up the good work Team
Was concerned about the length of time since last update. Great news . Bravo Sam.
Came searching for an update a couple weeks ago. Very happy for this update, you guys are awesome
Love the new video guys. Keep up the great work.
Fabulous workshop. Glad the company is moving ahead. ‘At the cutting edge of low tech’ - brilliant handle👍
This is awesome! I wish you guys the best of luck.
You guys have come so far! Well done.
HEYYYY WELCOME BACK MAN
It's exciting to see how much progress has been made. Good luck!
Good to see your moving forward looks like you’ve been able to expand your team can’t wait to see your next step
Great to get an update! I've fancied having a steam bulldozer for my driveway 🙂 My father was a steam enthusiast and would have loved to follow what you're doing.
Great work.
As someone who lives off grid with a 5 hp boiler and a 4 hp engine to power my house. This is inspiring to see new life given to Victorian technology. We will look back on the 20th century as a time of hubris and cheap energy. Energy that was controlled by a few. Whether it’s the owner of an oil company or the owner of a lithium mine. Decentralization of power is the future.
Do you think this would help with using up forestry slash? Seems like it'd be good for it
Awsome 😀
Go for it.
Good progress and good luck with your project you all !
From the very start I was curious about the inner piping of the "boiler", but guess it is still early days to give us some clues ?
I bought a 1888 frick sawmill and am trying to start a carriage shop since you last posted it's nice to see you again hopefully soon I'll have a vintage a traction engine and one of yours to run my operations I also want to make replicas of horse drawn farm implements but need to the funds from the mill and carrage shop to even consider it
Dope! 😊
This is exciting.
You bet it is exciting! Can't wait!
I hate to be that guy but what have they actually achieved in the last year? 2-3 design changes and no visible progress? From what I can see and understand they haven’t even got there current boiler moving under its own power. Can someone point out what I am missing.
No, I was thinking much the same thing. I’ve been following this with interest, but the prototype boiler still seems to be very much the same unit, driving nothing much beyond its own circulation pump. I’m also a little concerned that the swing away from railway locomotives into agricultural traction is rather a blind alley- whilst the boiler might be technologically advanced, a low-speed, heavy, reciprocating engine promises little progress over a traditional traction engine. I love ‘em, but sadly I don’t think they will be the answer to any of today’s pressing questions.
Guys, it's not going to suit everyone but if you live in a remote area for example, you can be self sufficient for fuel, and diesel is just going to be growing in price from here as supply dwindles. There is a growing market in food produced sustainably and something produced using local sustainable resources is a great story.
I don’t think either of us were knocking the final goal, which is to be encouraged. Adam’s comment merely pointed out that there seem to be minimal changes to the prototype boiler over the last year, a concern that I agreed with. To clarify my own point, to implement it in the envelope of a traditional, two cylinder traction engine represents a failure to take full advantage of the technology that they’re developing. In terms of efficient use of steam, we could do a lot better. I certainly want them to succeed- which is why I’ve been following their videos- and also why I am a little concerned about the direction they are going in. No harm in that.
@@ukuleletyke I would definitely agree. A steam tractor would not be an appropriate use of this development several reasons for this being once the farming season has started machines can be running non stop 24 hours a day for weeks only turning of for fuel or breakdown this just isn’t good for steam. Also there is the issue that if the tractor is in public then there is always the risk of burns if the vehicle is ever unattended. This issues can be avoided on a railway as (in the uk) public access to the tracks are limited preventing exposure.
@@adamwachs6392 That wasn’t quite my point, but thankyou. I’ve worked on traditional (i.e. old) agricultural steam, heat isn’t a problem on field or road. These machines are still road-legal, their owners understand what they’re dealing with, and in the winter that heat can be quite welcome! It’s also not really true to say that steam can’t be used continuously in a working environment. It can, and once upon a time was- in agriculture, in industry, in shipping and on the railways. My concern is that Sam seems to be referring back to these now rather outdated and heavy implementations of steam technology. He has a very advanced boiler concept- if married to a high-speed multi cylinder steam engine- which could even be a compound expansion engine, as he can use a condenser with his pumped water system- he could produce a machine with the form factor and weight of a small tractor, with tremendous torque all the way up from standing, and the ability to operate on a wide variety of fuels. Automatic fuel feed- pellets or similar- could make such a machine no harder to operate than your average car. In fact, it could be somewhat simpler- more analogous to an automatic.
If the future turns out to be steampunk, I'm totally cool with that.
Have you guys considered introducing some mechatronic concepts? A simple alternater paired with a car battery and some electronic components would allow digital monitoring and automation of the egines control, increasing safety and decreasing necessary operater skill, additionally the controlls could ve intergrated with other modern technology such as wifi allowing smart connectivity and remote operation
Nice! i was just thinking with his climate controlled crew cab in a locomotive, the computers and transmitters could be in the cab. Yt ch: RC Action Homemade could build a 1/8ish version :) Jeez i feel like a youngster, all excited ;)
Good to see and I agree producing steam by burning wood as a renewable fuel, I have been studying and drawing plans around producing bio-char to trap carbon from the wood being cooked to produce the fuel to generate the heat to boil water into steam. The plan is to use a steam turbine to spin an electric generator for charging batteries for EVs or house holds. I want to be able recycle the steam as it condenses back to hot water, and use every degree of heat to heat the water. Hoping we might be able to share contact I would like to tap into your knowledge!
Great to hear! Feel free to drop us a line at info@mackwell.co.nz
The solution to the energy chrisis is diversification of energy supplies. No one renewable can do it, we need to use them all, and do so responsibly.
Why wasnt this in my feed?
Thanks for sharing the update on your progress, great work and keep it up! Looking forward to seeing the Mackwell boilwer paired with a 35HP steam engine. Are on-road as well as rail applications being considered? To me, it seem like waste collection trucks and street sweepers could be excellent candidates for advanced on-road steam traction since they typically operate at low speeds with lots of idling along predictable routes. Also curious if you have considered partnering with Uniflow Power out of Australia? They've developed a 5HP modular combined heat and power (CHP) unit called the Cobber (see video linked below) based on decades of steam engine design work done by Dr. Ted Pritchard whose 1970's steam car prototype was tested by multiple major automakers. Pairing the Mackwell boiler with the Uniflow/Pritchard engine seems like an interesting avenue to explore. Cheers, and keep up the great work!
Uniflow Power Cobber CHP Unit: ruclips.net/video/d1ekHrWhsFw/видео.html
i have an idea to propose, instead of using pistons that will give a 25% efficiency for a steam engine, you could use turbines to spin generators attached to them. By doing that you could get a 40 to 60% efficiency. then the train would be like any other, with electric motors and higher torch. The result is less wood or coal is needed to cover a specific distance, the emissions are lower, and you save money.
@@E-Hamel1911 Now this is civilized education.
Hi, mechanical engineer and Machinist by trade, small farmer (few Acers) by hobby and also owner of a sawmill. When will this be available for purchase? And how much? - North Carolina, USA
So, steam could come back after all
Have you noticed that they are restoring steam locomotives all over the world? Would do they know that we don''t? Why are they restoring old locos instead of building Mackwell Locos? !!
Did you guys get a government grant? I think its well deserved, but there's no other way all this could have happened in a year. I love to see those old machines being put to good use in that workshop.
HES ALIVE
My question is that if we start using these on mass will we start running out of trees like we did 200 years ago? 'Cause that's what lead us to start using coal...
@E-Hamel I did see his video on a proposal to use sugar-cane husks to power the steam engine. Is his furnace that efficient? If so, fantastic! But I'm having trouble believing that.
But would that also interfere with live-stock production? I know that cows eat a tremendous amount of things like corn stalks and pistachio shells. I'd imagine it depends on where in the world you are and what kind of plant fiber you're wanting to burn.
Steam engines have a lot of torque but they don't have a lot of RPM range putting a transmission behind a V-Twin steam engine design would give the engine a lot higher top speed and usable powerband range then you wouldn't have to worry about a reverser for reversing the valve gear you could just use the reverse in the transmission cuz remember they do Drive the tractors from one field to another if you gave these engines a transmission where they could shift into a higher Highway gear to be transported on the highway would make this machine a lot more versatile
i have no engineering background but thanks - i like these ideas.
@@pbsluvr312 I've wanted to be a mechanical engineer in my whole life so much so I invented my own air turbine design it's a Thrust air turbine it runs on fluid dynamics instead of thermodynamics we all have our dreams this one was mine and it got crushed by the powers-that-be remember when you try to change the the status quo the status quo will kill you
It has definitely been a bit
It’s a bit ironic using a diesel tractor to move your traction engine
I think you should use a Heisler V-Twin steam engine design and have the output shaft of the steam engine go into a transmission like a normal tractor then you'll be able to have gears clutch and a power takeoff if you want to build a successful 21st century steam tractor you're going to have to build it to be compatible with modern-day implements if you build the steam tractor like they used to build old traction engines I'm sorry but you won't fail because no one uses those implements anymore to go with those tractors use a Heisler V-Twin steam engine hooked up to an Allison Transmission with power takeoff to run all the different farm equipment and you will be golden remember if you want to be successful you also got to be compatible with modern-day equipment good luck in all your endeavors peace out
Do you have a name for the mogul?