Following the publication of his first book (in 1981) dealing with these fascinating small-scale standing steam engines, the author Tubal Cain has designed and built several more - both as presents for the younger generation of his family and also entirely for his own satisfaction. These are now described in this second volume:

Kitten - a small overtype engine. Otto - a simple steam turbine. Henry - a powerful 19th century oscillating steam plant. Wencelas - a steam engine of the most superior design.

The scale model working steam engines range from a delightful little turbine - simplicity itself in design, but very interesting to build - to a larger engine in the style of the magnificent 'Steam Engines of the Highest Class'' which were offered by the better class of toymakers before the First World War. As in the first book, the methods of construction are fully and clearly detailed, all being written with the beginner in mind.

These steam engines have an enduring fascination for all marine and model engineers, as proved by the Model Engineer Exhibition which still attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.