Prof. Simon Holland – Science Filmmaker, Maker, and Explorer

Prof. Simon Holland lives with his wife Dorothy in a 17th-century watermill in southwest France. Surrounded by centuries of history and the flowing river beneath his home, Simon combines a love for discovery with hands-on creativity. Over decades working in television and filmmaking, he has developed a reputation for curiosity-driven content that bridges science, history, and engineering.

A Life of Questions and Exploration

Simon’s career has always been defined by a simple principle: ask questions, seek answers, and inspire others to do the same. His films cover a wide spectrum—from aerospace and aviation to unexplained phenomena and mechanical engineering—offering viewers both depth and accessibility.

“My goal is to raise issues and start a debate. If you’re an expert, tell us what really happened. I value your views because the truth is out there.”

Simon’s approach reflects a rare combination: intellectual curiosity, technical skill, and the patience to see complex ideas through from concept to execution.

From Film to Workshop: A Maker at Heart

While Simon is best known for his videos, he is equally a hands-on maker. He does not just explain science—he builds it. One of his most remarkable projects is a steam-powered riverboat, where he took a Stirlingkit marine steam engine and brought it to life on the water.

Most model steam engines remain on workbenches, admired for craftsmanship but rarely tested beyond their kits. Simon asked himself: “What if this engine could actually move a boat?”

Using only the Stirlingkit engine, which comes complete with its copper boiler and all-metal parts, Simon:

• 3D-printed the boat hull in sections
• Built a simple wooden base to secure the engine
• Connected the engine to a propeller shaft with a universal joint
• Carefully adjusted the weight distribution to keep the boat balanced

The result was the SS NAUZE, a small boat that floated, steered, and glided across a river, powered entirely by a model steam engine.

This project wasn’t just about building a model—it was about testing limits, problem-solving, and turning imagination into action.

Why Simon Inspires Makers

Simon’s work resonates because it speaks to both dreamers and doers. His projects show that hands-on experimentation does not require expensive tools or advanced training, only curiosity, persistence, and the right kit. For anyone who has dreamed of building a working steam-powered boat—or simply seeing physics come alive—Simon’s experiments demonstrate that it is possible.

Beyond the riverboat, Simon continues to explore mechanical projects, educational models, and creative experiments that bring science to life. His enthusiasm is infectious, his attention to detail meticulous, and his willingness to share knowledge generous.

Energy, Dedication, and Lifelong Learning

Simon publishes frequent, in-depth videos while simultaneously pursuing mechanical projects, research, and filmmaking. His energy and focus are remarkable, inspiring audiences of all ages to embrace curiosity and hands-on learning. Whether it’s riding his e-bike, experimenting with EVs, or testing mechanical models, Simon embodies a life of engagement, exploration, and creativity.

Join the Adventure

Simon encourages participation, discussion, and critical thinking. Through his YouTube channel and Patreon, he shares his projects, insights, and experiments with a community of thinkers and makers. His work reminds us that learning, building, and discovering can happen anywhere—at a river, in a workshop, or on a screen.

• Simon Holland Films – YouTube
• Patreon – Prof. Simon

Simon Holland shows us that curiosity, creativity, and hands-on exploration can turn a simple model steam engine into a riverboat—and a dream into reality.

Interview with Prof. Simon Holland

1. How did you first come up with the idea of adapting the Stirlingkit steam engine to power a riverboat?

The steam engine model with the combined boiler is ideal for using in a model boat. The engine at the back lines up with a boat propeller shaft.

2. During the building process, what did you find most interesting or challenging?

The steam engine red metal base was a bit wide, so I made a narrower base out of aluminium to fit in the bottom of a model boat hull.

3. What do you think other model enthusiasts or beginners can learn or gain from this project?

Other model engineers can use your steam engine to power their own boat. There are lots of possible design layouts that a model builder might like to try.

4. How do you see the current development of DIY model kits and mechanical engineering models?

This engine is both high quality and, for the first time, adorable for model engineers.

5. What advice or encouragement would you give to the younger generation of makers or model hobbyists?
I definitely encourage young model makers to build their own designs. With Stirlingkit engines, they can enjoy seeing their ideas really work.

6. What value do you think fully metal, operational models like this provide for beginners or educational settings?

This steam engine is not a toy engine. It is precisely engineered and produces enough power to drive a model boat.

7. What hobbies or projects do you enjoy pursuing in your free time?

I like making working steam engines. So far, I have built around 10 working model engines.

8. How do you maintain high energy and consistent creative output?

My enthusiasm and energy are sustained by high-quality components like this small engine. As soon as I saw it, I thought it was suitable to put in a boat model. It was a fun challenge to design the boat and get it to work.

9. When filming and producing your videos, what principles or philosophies do you prioritize?

I like to show people how I do things. I am not a qualified engineer, so if I can do it… you can do it too.

10. What feelings or inspiration do you hope your audience or fans take away from your work and videos?

I hope viewers go out and build their own designs and models. It’s rewarding, educational, and fun. Maybe parents and kids can share this hobby. Good for family bonding.

Thank you… my steam boat will continue to improve. Today I am working on adding ballast to keep it more stable in the water. I am getting ideas from viewer feedback from people who watch my YouTube videos.