This is an engine heavily inspired by some pictures I found on Douglas Self's web museum, in particular Bill Todd's animation of the Fairchild-Caminez engine. Of all the Lego engines I have built to date this one most sounds like a moped, or go-cart engine. It is a hoot! So very very loud and rattling! I also like the fact that a single switch is enough for this one.
Since the valve timing is completely independent of the axle/cam position, it basically is an all or nothing affair when it comes to throttle. Too little, and it will oscillate, too much, and it will oscillate as well. But in a fair range in the middle of that it does run (the max I have seen it do was a little upwards of 800RPM). I intend to explore this design a little further, perhaps with more (or less) cylinders, and with more of a connection between valve(s) and crank.
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