The Windmill of Antimachia Stirling Engine

This is the external combustion Stirling engine that pays homage to the oldest windmill on the Greek island of Kos. Still operating after 205 years in the village of Antimachia, the windmill is the last of its kind that once numbered over 100, taking advantage of the island’s altitude. Made in Germany from machine-tooled aluminum, this working 1:50-scale windmill is powered by a regenerative heat engine, put to its first practical use in 1818 by Robert Stirling. An alcohol burner in the engine’s rear heats a cylinder; a quick flip of its brass flywheel sets the engine’s displacement and working pistons into motion. The resulting expansion and contraction of heated and cooled air inside the piston operates a connecting rod which turns a second flywheel. This flywheel connects with a belt to the windmill, thus turning its 3 1/2-diam. bladed wheel. Non-toxic exhaust from a full burner of ethyl alcohol allows 15 minutes of operation. Windmill base 5" L x 4 1/4" W x 5" H. (3 1/4 lbs.)