12V Solid Brass DC Motor & Generator Dynamo for Steam and IC Model Engines
Hero Section: Give Your Engine a Purpose
A model engine running on a stand is a marvel of engineering, but an engine doing work is a complete machine. This 12V Miniature Brass Motor is the missing link between mechanical motion and electrical power. Encased in a stunning solid brass shell, it is designed to match the vintage aesthetic of your high-end steam or internal combustion engines. Whether you want to generate electricity to light up a miniature workshop or need a high-torque starter motor to crank your engine to life, this versatile unit delivers both beauty and utility.
Why Choose This Brass Motor/Generator?
This isn't a generic, plastic-cased hobby motor. It is built for the serious modeler.
- Dual Functionality: It works both ways. Drive it with your steam engine, and it becomes a Dynamo (Generator), producing up to 12V at 1A. Apply 12V power to it, and it becomes a powerful Motor, perfect for belt-starting stubborn IC engines.
- Vintage Brass Aesthetic: The heavy-duty brass shell isn't just for protection; it provides a classic, industrial look that blends seamlessly with brass steam boilers and polished metal engines. It looks like it belongs in the 19th century.
- Substantial Build Quality: Weighing in at 290g, this motor feels dense and high-quality. The mass helps dampen vibrations when mounted, ensuring smooth operation alongside your engine.
- Practical Power Output: When used as a generator, the 12V/1A output is sufficient to power LED arrays, small incandescent bulbs, or even charge small battery packs (with a regulator), giving you a visual readout of your engine's power.
Technical Highlights: The Expert’s View
- High-Efficiency Windings: The internal copper windings are optimized to minimize resistance, allowing for efficient energy conversion whether you are inputting mechanical energy or electrical energy.
- Robust Shaft: The 2.9mm shaft is hardened to resist bending under the tension of drive belts. It is sized to fit a variety of standard model pulleys (a tight fit for 3mm pulleys or specific 2.9mm press-fits).
- Thermal Mass: The brass casing acts as an excellent heat sink, dissipating heat generated during operation to keep the internal magnets and brushes cool, prolonging the motor's life.
Specifications
- Type: DC Motor / Generator Dynamo
- Material: Solid Brass Shell
- Dimensions: 77mm (L) x 41mm (W) x 51mm (H)
- Weight: 290g
- Shaft Diameter: 2.9mm
- Generator Output: ~12V DC @ 1A (Dependent on RPM)
- Motor Input: 12V DC
- Application: Steam Engines, Stirling Engines, Internal Combustion Models
Usage Scenario: The Power Plant Project
You mount this brass motor next to your twin-cylinder steam engine on a mahogany base. You connect them with a spring belt. As you open the steam valve, the engine chugs to life, spinning the motor shaft. You flip a small knife switch, and a vintage-style street lamp on your diorama flickers on, glowing bright yellow. You have successfully built a miniature thermal power plant. The brass on the motor gleams just as brightly as the brass on your boiler.
Important Tips
- Shaft Sizing: Note that the shaft is 2.9mm. Most 3mm pulleys can be used but may require a set screw or a bonding agent (Loctite) for a secure fit.
- Mounting: The motor is heavy (290g). Ensure it is securely bolted or strapped down to your baseplate to prevent it from shifting under belt tension.
- Generator Mode: To achieve the full 12V output, the engine needs to spin the generator at a sufficient RPM. If the voltage is too low, try using a larger pulley on your engine or a smaller pulley on the generator to increase the gear ratio.
Customer Support
Need help finding a pulley that fits or advice on wiring this up as a generator? We are here to assist with your project. Contact our technical support team at service@helloworld7.com
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