Ray, it IS "Stirling", the last name...

... of the Scottish cleric who invented the concept way back (early 1700's, maybe?), and I think before steam engines became commercially viable. I think you missed both times I brought my model stirling engine (alcohol-fired) to PhACT events (one was a picnic) and ran it for the crowd.

It needs a good cleaning to run properly again, but it came with a little history book about stirlings, and a neat video besides. When we get together for lunch I can bring it, and lend it. (My schedule is tight, at least for this week.) Running it at a restaurant table is always fun, especially when I light the burner and the waitresses all get agitated. The engine is completely silent however, except for a slight mechanical hum, a big, big advantage in many applications.

Cheers,

Dave