help with first engine

[steamapprentice]

hi guys im new to the site, i have posted a little info about myself in the "say hello" section for those that are interested.

basically i found this website a while ago

www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/6914/semp.htm

it has inspired me to build somthing similar but on a slightly smaller scale for my first engine. is there a set of formulas or somthing for building an engine like this? eg. how long a stoke does the slide valve need compared to the piston, at what point should the steam inlet hole be located on the main bore? any help or advice would be appricated greatly (sorry for the essay here folks)

[lancelot]

www.greensteamengine.com/index.html

www.tcsn.net/charlied/

www.the-nerds.org/Steam-101.html

www.geocities.com/steves_workshop/?200725

www.keveney.com/oscillatingSteam.html



I hope the above web sites may be of some use to you.
All the best for now,
John.