Morris Models

07/31/2023

People ask how long the design process takes. This one started with a blank computer screen on Sunday the 23rd, and the prototype was "done" on Sunday the 30th. I'd say I put in about half time working on it over the week. It runs quite well - but I still have a few tweaks to make it "right." The most surprising thing is it makes little clicking noises as it runs, courtesy of the roller cams and tapered tappets. It turns smooth enough and easy enough that I do not need the prop fl**ge on the end of the shaft to spin it.

07/29/2023

What I've been prototyping this last week. Renders and progress shots of the prototype - loosely inspired by a Kinner 5 cylinder. This has all the tricks I've learned in the last four years added in - and is the most robust, detailed model engine to date. It should also run the smoothest - my target being for this one to run well enough to leave on a motor indefinitely.

03/19/2021

Design of the new Dowel Rod making machine coming together nicely. Last time, we used little CNC parts and tried modifying pre-purchased dowel rods. This time, I am designing around beefy table saw parts and car parts, and intend to cut our own dowel pins from 2x6 stock. Hopefully, we will be able to keep the finished tolerances much tighter. Lots of work ahead for our deadline of running by mid-May.

02/18/2021

Hi. I just created the Morris Models page. Hopefully this can be a resource for people interested in building the our models, and an easy way that people can get updates when there are significant ones. Speaking of updates, we are currently running another Kickstarter Campaign (through 3-21-21), and you can buy our models there for a 20% discount.

Fully actuated, detailed, interactive models inspired by iconic engines