The $29.99 all-metal desktop Stirling engine kit is one of the simplest. It can be assembled in 15 minutes and is recommended for ages 14 and up. Also for $29.99 is the Exploring Kid Steam Engine Kit.

Watch as I assemble a series of amazing Stirlingkit model engines—pure engineering awesomeness! #Stirlingkit #ModelEngines #EngineeringFun Trump-affirmed Secret Service agent 'DJ' Daniel ...

The model Stirling engine is a staple of novelty catalogues, and we daresay that were it not for their high price there might be more than one Hackaday reader or writer who might own one.