One of the great things about these engines is that they look great, even when they aren't running, so they add a lot of charm to a room. I have quite a few models in my office and I love the reactions from people who see them for the first time. I get an even bigger reaction when I show them they actually run. It reminds me of the first time I saw a model engine run in my 8th grade science class back in the 70s.
These models are perfect for demonstrating the science behind a Stirling Engine, because all the moving parts are completely visible, including the glass cylinder.
I was sent a sample to review and I was truly blown away by the quality of this model. I love the metallic industrial look and the attention to detail. It has several brass accents and I think it looks great from any angle. Most of all, I love to see it run.
One thing to keep in mind. Although this is considered an "educational toy", remember, it does require you to light an alcohol lamp to run, so you should supervise children who may be too young to handle fire.
http://goo.gl/pORm7v
