do you remember those small generators....?

Question

those small generators they were small enough to be carried around by hand, you placed a small object such as news paper in a tray, then set it on fire and it used the steam to create enough movment to power a small bulb, we were showed this im school does any one remember these and what were they called

thanks

Answer 1

Are you referring to the Mamod Static Steam Engine. You could buy a small generator to go with it, that powered a torch bulb.
If I remember, you actually used cotton wool wetted down with Methylated Spirit or small pieces of fire lighter block.

Answer 2

I remember some small steam engines, one cylinder, made of brass, that used little tabs of waxed wood to burn and heat water to make steam and do things.

I also remember some little glass bulbs that had a 4 pointed flag of some kind inside. When exposed to sunlight the flag would rotate around and around.