This is a copy of the type of engine that was used by popcorn vendors back in the “olden” days. A small steam generator was used to power the engine and the popcorn pot was driven from the crankshaft of this engine.
The green handle on the left was turned on to allow steam into the engine to power it. Steam passed through the brass fixture just after steam entered. The brass fixture was used as an oiler that mixed with the steam and aided in lubrication of the piston.
The copper pipe just ahead of the oiler was a whistle which was used for entertainment of small children, but also was sort of an escape valve if steam pressure became too high.
Behind these accessories sits the large round piston. The steam chest is attached to the side of the pision and is connected via linkage to the excentric driven on the flywheel.
The piston and cross valve are contained in the tube which goes from the back of the piston and is also connected to the flywheel. It can be recognized by the aluminum oiler on the top of the cross slide.
The governor with its two brass globes is connected via a small belt to the crankshaft. It is used to control engine speed. If the globes move outward as they spin, a control pin pushes downward to lessen the steam pressure and thus the speed.
The crankshaft connects the flywheel, governor, excentric and all other parts togather
