This is the first alpha mode hot air engine from Kontax. Alpha mode engines are the least successfull of the three main categories of hot air engines, and consequently, the least common. (See the Wikipedia Stirling_engine page for a description of the three modes.)
The engine has two separate hot and cold power cylinders, in this case configured with the cold cylinder mounted over the hot cylinder (not the best idea). The hot cylinder is glass ended and heated with a meths burner. The cold cylinder is fitted with cooling fins. The vertical axis crankshaft has a three spoked brass flywheel at the top end. The cylindes are 9.5mm bore x 9mm stroke.| Make | Kontax |
| Model | Nano Hive |
| Date Made | 2023 |
| Description | Alpha mode hot air engine |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Cylinder Type | |
| Bore mm | 9.5 |
| Stroke mm | 9 |
| Mechanical Condition | Good |
| Cosmetic Condition | Good |
| Paintwork | N/A |
| Purchased | 26/5/2023 |
| Purchase cost | £145 |
| Additional cost |