For the latest in Stirling engine development news, see Quiet Revolution Motor Company, LLC.
There are several introductory books on the Stirling Engine that I recommend. If $35 isn't too steep, a beautiful hardbound book is The Stirling Engine Manual by J. G. Rizzo, 1995. It's an excellent coverage of the history of the Stirling over the past (almost) two centuries, photos of many engines, a section on the principles of operation, and drawings of working engines that can be produced in the hobby machine shop.
Other choices, about $12, are An Introduction to Stirling Engines, J.R. Senft, 1993, and Stirling Cycle Engines, Andy Ross, 1981. Jim Senft is a rare individual who combines an ability to design and machine flawless engines with a deep understanding of the theoretical math and physics involved. Andy Ross, an attorney by profession, has spent many years building and perfecting Stirlings. Both books are very good.
The single periodical for Stirling enthusiasts is Stirling Machine World, 1823 Hummingbird Court, West Richland, WA 99353-9542-Phone:(509) 967-5032. SMW is published quarterly and typically consists of 30 or 40 pages, no advertising. It covers the academic scene with abstracts of the many Stirling papers, abstracts of new Stirling U.S. patents, photos of engines both commercial and homebuilt, news of engine meets, and articles of interest to the Stirling community. SMW has a small circulation, currently about 200, yet it's read by virtually everyone working on Stirlings worldwide! SMW's videotape "C" includes the first flights of Rob McConaghey's Stirling powered RC aircraft, and a number of other engines.
Another source of Stirling material, including the above books, is Bailey Craftsman Supply, P.O. Box 276, Fulton MO 65251. Phone (314) 642-5998, fax (314) 642-2936. Bob Bailey stocks a number of books and videos, including a new one called An Introduction to Hot Air Engines. I haven't seen it yet, but understand yours truly shows up briefly. (Other than that, it's sure to be good!)
There are many other books on Stirling engines. I find it hard to recommend one over another, it depends on your interest. Many are available at the larger libraries, or at your home town library via interlibrary loan. Two other sources of Stirling info are Modeltec, P.O. Box 1226, St. Cloud, MN (612) 654-0815, and Home Shop Machinist, P.O. Box 1810, Traverse City, MI 49685 (616) 946-3712.
For the latest in Stirling engine development news, see Quiet Revolution Motor Company, LLC.