Stirling Engine Verision 1

Stirling Engine running on a cup of hot water.

Stirling Engine which runs on a cup of hot water. Pour the boiling water into the cup and place the Stirling Engine on top. After 10 seconds give the engine a gentle spin in the indicated direction to start the engine. Place the Engine on the towel after demonstration. This is a nice segue to the version 2 Stirling Engine. 

Stirling Engine Version 2

Stirling Engine which runs on a small alcohol burner.

This Stirling Engine runs using a small alcohol burner. Light the burner and after ~20 seconds or so gently try to spin the flywheel in the direction indicated until the engine starts. The flywheel can be attached to a small electic generator which will light an LED. Blow out the burner after demonstration - the engine will continue to run for a few seconds.