Fuel for your Steam Engine!

As regulations have evolved and technology has advanced, enthusiasts are aware that the suggested fuels and options for owners have changed over time.

Regardless of the sort of steam engine you own, decades of these modifications have given model steam engine owners a variety of alternatives when it comes to choosing what to utilize. To assist you in choosing, we have compiled a selection of the most well-liked choices in this blog post!

Why do we need fuel?

The fundamental idea behind any steam engine is straightforward: You take a boiler, which is a sealed container filled with water and put heat into it. The water will eventually boil and produce steam, which will then accumulate in the boiler and create pressure. Steam pressure powers the steam engine itself. The fuel is necessary because, while the steam engine is operating, we must be able to supply a constant source of heat to the boiler in order to maintain the boiling water.

Option 1: Gel Fuels

The 2023 legal change that affected the availability of solid fuel sources contributed to the rise of model steam engine fuels. Your engine type will determine which of the two primary, easily accessible options is best for you.

Gel 1 - Live Steam Gel

Brands with flat or slightly lipped trays, such as Jensen, Mamod, and others, will work best with our "Live Steam Gel." This white, viscous gel is somewhat safe to use and relatively affordable. We have a lot of this fuel on hand, and it comes with new Mamod and Jensen engines as standard (or comparable). It is not advised for use in steam engines bearing the Wilesco brand.

Gel 2 - Wilesco Gel

The second kind of gel is only appropriate for goods bearing the Wilesco brand and is not suitable for other types of trays. It is not advised to utilize current gel products in their original, solid fuel trays because of the differing design of Wilesco fuel trays (notably, they have holes drilled down both sides!). Instead, Wilesco has introduced a new kind of tray along with a clear blue gel. The gel is now easily accessible both in-person and online, and the new trays may be adapted to current models. The new design burner trays for Wilesco gel are now included with Wilesco versions that are supplied in the UK.

Option 2: Gas

It is a really well-liked aftermarket modification for the more experienced collectors. Although converting your model steam engines to run on gas is straightforward, it does come with a higher initial cost because the proper hardware must be purchased. The fuel itself is simple to get; it is typically available at your neighbourhood do-it-yourself or camping store in 100% butane or up to 30/70 propane/butane ratios.

In the past, Mamod has provided an official gas "scuttle" that is compatible with their mobile engines. Although Wilesco or Jensen currently offer no official gas conversion solutions, alternatives like the Bix brand are listed on our website. The Bix line is incredibly adaptable and provides choices for configurations that go well beyond the standard steam engine. Please get in touch with us if you have any inquiries about a gas-powered setup!

Option 3: Solid Fuel Tablets

Up until 2023, it was the preferred choice for many owners in the UK, and it remains a choice for aficionados worldwide. Due to a legal change, solid fuel pills are now subject to UK regulations, and users must first get an EPP license before using or purchasing them. At www.gov.uk/government/publications/licensing-for-home-users-of-explosives-precursors/licensing-for-home-users-of-poisons-and-explosive-precursors, you can proceed with this.

Before being able to purchase solid fuel tablets, the buyer must come into our store in person with their EPP license and identification. For owners who are eager to keep utilizing this well-liked fuel source in the UK, we hold stock.

Hexamine-based solid fuel has been a tried-and-true choice for UK owners since Mamod first introduced it in the 1970s and for Wilesco owners for a more extended period. Veterans of camping may recognize the brand name Esbit, which uses the same substance and was Wilesco's official fuel source for a long time.

Even if we are unable to ship solid fuel (to the UK or beyond), owners of model steam engines can frequently still get the fuel without any further restrictions.

Option 4: Methylated Spirits

It can be a journey down memory lane for the older owners and collectors! The preferred fuel for Mamod owners was methylated spirits until about 1976 when public pressure and media outcry over a purported safety concern led to the replacement of methylated spirits with fuel tablets. Although they are still a favourite among kids of all ages, toy steam engines have partly changed from being a popular toy to a collector's pastime. Because of this, the purported safety concerns are lessened, and vendors have been able to offer aftermarket methylated spirits trays while reminding customers that there is a risk of significant harm if lighted fuel is spilt or added to while alighting.

Aftermarket burner trays are reasonably priced, and methylated spirits are easily obtained from various vendors, including the neighbourhood do-it-yourself store. Always fire on a non-combustible surface, never leave kids unsupervised with a lit engine, and never try to refuel while the engine is lit or still hot, just like you would with any of the fuels discussed in this blog.

Bonus Option: Electricity

Although the first bonus option hasn't gained much traction in the UK, it is occasionally offered on the second-hand market and is something we are thinking of introducing there soon!

For several of their models, Wilesco and, most notably, Jensen provide electrically driven heater elements that run at 110v or 240v mains. These unique types are designed to run an aspect that is boiled up on electricity, like a kettle, rather than an aftermarket conversion. For those who are unable to fire outside or with sufficient ventilation, this clean option is ideal. In 2025, we intend to introduce electrically powered solutions to the UK market.

Bonus Option 2: Candles

The majority of steam engines cannot use this last option, although Wilesco does now have two items that use beeswax candles!

Keep an eye out for the Wilesco D2 and D4.

We also carry replacement candles!

Final Safety Tips

One's personal preference will determine which option is best. Whatever fuel you decide to use for your steam engine, it is crucial to take precautions to guarantee that there is no risk of harm or damage. Here are some pointers:

Refueling liquid fuel should never be done while the engine is heated or ignited.

Never let the boiler run dry, and never fire it with an empty boiler; always make sure there is an adequate amount of water in it. The majority of models need about three-quarters of a glass of water.

If gas is misused, it can quickly overheat even an entire boiler. Be sure to keep it low and carefully follow the directions.

Firing an engine is a one-way road—once ignited, it will be sooty and on steam engines (such as those sold by Jensen), the paint can change colour and peel. Since model steam engines are functional items, this is to be expected, but it's important to remember to prevent disappointment.

Particularly with liquid and gel fuels, take care not to spill lighted fuel. Make sure it is appropriately cleaned up and not on clothing or flammable surfaces if it has spilt before lighting.

Use only fuels that have been tried, tested, and recommended. For example, although having identical appearances, many gels differ from the ones that manufacturers and distributors have tested and advised.