Explore the mechanics of compressed-air power with the MOC-57096 Vertical Pneumatic Engine Building Blocks. Designed and authorized by Nico71, this 368-piece model uses a single pneumatic cylinder, crankshaft, flywheel, and automatic valve-switching mechanism to create a smooth-running vertical engine powered entirely by air.

Measuring approximately 17 × 12 × 23.5 cm, the finished model combines visible mechanical motion with a distinctive steampunk-inspired appearance. Two manual air pumps provide the pressure needed to operate the engine, allowing the piston, crankshaft, valve mechanism, and flywheel to work together without an electric drive motor.

Single-Cylinder Pneumatic Engine

A single pneumatic cylinder drives the crankshaft, converting compressed-air pressure into continuous rotational motion.

Large Flywheel with 5:1 Gear Ratio

The crankshaft drives the large flywheel through a 5:1 gear ratio. The flywheel stores rotational inertia and helps carry the mechanism smoothly through the valve system’s dead point.

Automatic Valve Switching

A secondary crank operates the pneumatic switch through a sliding connecting-rod mechanism, automatically controlling the airflow as the engine rotates.

Smooth Mechanical Operation

The extended movement of the valve linkage helps minimize the time spent at the switch dead point, allowing the engine to run more consistently and smoothly.

Up to Approximately 100 RPM

When supplied with sufficient airflow, the pneumatic engine can reach a maximum operating speed of approximately 100 revolutions per minute.

Two Manual Air Pumps Included

The configuration includes two hand-operated pneumatic pumps, providing a simple mechanical air source for running the engine without requiring a battery-powered drivetrain.

No Pneumatic Part Modification Required

The mechanism was specifically designed to work with standard, unmodified pneumatic cylinders and switches, including relatively stiff switches, while maintaining reliable operation.

Steampunk-Inspired Mechanical Display

The upright cylinder, exposed gears, large flywheel, pneumatic tubing, and visible linkage mechanism create a distinctive industrial appearance that makes the working mechanism part of the display.

From the Designer

Nico71 created MOC-57096 as a simple and reliable vertical pneumatic engine that could operate without modifying its pneumatic components.

The design uses flywheel inertia and a sliding valve-linkage mechanism to overcome the airflow dead point, allowing the engine to run smoothly while clearly demonstrating how pneumatic pressure is converted into mechanical motion.

A Compact Functional Engineering Model

With 368 pieces, visible pneumatic operation, automatic valve timing, and a distinctive vertical layout, this model offers an engaging building experience for engineering enthusiasts, pneumatic-system fans, and collectors of functional mechanical models.