Collecting Toy Steam Engines 101

Collecting toy steam engines can be a fascinating hobby, there is no greater satisfaction than finding a dirty old dilapidated little machine and bringing it back to its former glory. Every Christmas morning from the time I was four or five years old I expected to find that familiar flat rectangular package under the tree from Santa, it would be the upgrade to the next number of my Meccano set. Then when I was about ten years old the flat box wasn't there, my heart sank, where was my upgrade, what was in that square shaped box, why was my father looking at me with a twinkle in his eye? Imagine my surprise when I opened the box and found that red, black and shinning brass Mamod Minor 2, of course Santa would never let me down.

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History - Survivors - Gone Buy Not Forgotten - Safety - Buying Used - Boiler Types - Heat Sources

Caution: "Live Steam" is dangerous if proper precautions are not taken, know an engine is safe and what you are doing before firing it up. History Heron, an ancient Greek geometer and engineer fashioned the first steam engine as a toy during the first century AD, which he dubbed the "aeolipile," translating into "wind ball." The steam came from a sealed pot, which was filled with water and then placed over a fire. Coming up from the pot, two tubes emerged and the steam would flow into a spherical ball of metal. As the steam traveled through the series of tubes, the metal sphere rotated. Toy steam engines as we know them have fascinated children and adults alike since the late 1800's. Most of the finest were manufactured in the Nuremberg area of Germany, Bing, Carette, Doll, Falk, Krauss Mohr, Marklin, Plank and Schoenner were the major brands. Fleischmann also turned out a line of steam engines during this time, but their products were much simpler than those of the Nuremburg masters. Rossignol and Radiguet were two major builders of elaborate steam models in France. Mamod, Bowman, Burnac and others in the UK, and Jensen, Empire, Ind-X, and Weeden in the US also produced modest steam models. None matched the elegance, precision, or variety of the Nuremburg makers. The 1890-1930 time frame was the 'golden age' of live steam models. Around 1900 production soared and continued until the early 1930s. These steam engines also served as a primary information resource, mechanical models played a huge role in the emerging industrial revolution. They were the 19th century counterpart of film and video. With no motion pictures to illustrate the complex workings of the new engines, models were a primary source of reference material. A model was the only way to see a machine in action. With the effects of two world wars by 1960, the model steam engine had become virtually extinct, only Jensen, Mamod, Fleischmann, Marklin, and a latecomer to the market Wilesco remained. By the 1970's, Marklin and Fleischmann had dropped out, leaving only Jensen, Mamod, and Wilesco as major makers of steam models. Motion pictures and television replaced models as a primary teaching and reference tool making expensive mechanical renderings obsolete. The Last Three Survivors Jensen Steam Engines were established in 1932, they are still using the original tooling, dies and hand craftsmanship to produce a quality product in limited quanities in the U.S.A.. Their site does contain a warning: Visitors have reported that viewing these Jensen Steam Engines, may cause increased heart rates, sweaty palms and eye strain... accompanied by an uncontrollable urge to have one!! Before continuing, you may wish to have a nurse or family member present! In addition to hobby and educational models they also produce a limited number of four Model 51 Steam Engine Power Plants per year, of which only 2 are designated for private sales at $5000 each. Jensen Steam Engines Home Page Jensen Steam Engine Parts Jensen Stean Engine Museum Jensen Videos from AOL The Mamod company is a British toy manufacturer specializing in live steam models. Founded in 1937, the name is a contraction of Malin Models. Mamod manufactures both stationary and mobile models. The stationary models have a distinctive red base with holes around the perimiter that fit Meccano. There were roughly 245,000 Mamod Minor 1 sold up until its retirement in 1979. The TE1 shown at the right has sold around half a million units and is by far their most popular model. Their mobile models also include steam rollers, race cars, limos, fire engines, delivery vans and a London bus. Mamod Steam Models Home Page Mamod Spare Parts Site Video of How Mamod's Are Made Mamod Videos from AOL Wilesco, a German company, was founded in 1912 by Wilhelm Schroeder and Ernst Wortmann, the name is a result of the initials of the two founding members. They produced kitchen utensils and subcontracted to make parts for Fleishmann in the 1930's, it was not until the 1950's that they produced their own product. They also manufacture both stationary and mobile models, many prefer their mobile engines to the Mamod models as they travel at a more realistic speed. As well as being functional they are also works of art, the D456 shown in brass and black is a typical example. Wilesco is now reintroducing electric heated boilers in addition to their tablet fired models. Products manufactured include stationary engines, mobile tractors, steam rollers, a fire engine, workshop units and the African Queen boat along with other marine engines. Wilesco Home Page Wilesco Manuals, menu on left of home page Spare Parts, menu on left of home page. Wilesco Videos AOL Index Gone But Not Forgotten There are still a lot of engines available from the companies that have gone out of business, as attics and storage areas are cleaned out and sadly through estate sales the market place is continually replenished. Collectors have preserved and restored many to their formed glory. Dave's Home Page has lots of photos of his fantastic collection. Thanks to the likes of John O'Rear, MooseMan and others there are many photos and company histories available. Bing, Bowman, Burnac, Carette, Doll, Empire, Falk, Fleischmann, Krauss Mohr, Marklin, Plank, Schoenner, Weeden What to Know About Used Steam Engines Any new steam engine from the remaining manufactures will be safe to operate if the instructions that come with it are followed. The danger occurs when a person that is inexperienced with running live steam starts up an antique engine. These older models can decay from neglect, from improper operation, or just plain old age. While these engines can be restored to safe running condition it does take some special knowledge and awareness of the potential hazards. If you have found one of these models, and don’t know much about them, inquire first before running it. Contact a local railway model club and have an experienced live steam modeler take a look at it. You can get hurt just adding water and firing it up, steam lines or boilers can burst burning your skin with hot steam, burners can leak alcohol and cause fires. Be especially cautious with the Nuremberg models, they were built a 100 years ago when the focus of the manufacturer was art not strength. If in doubt at all don't fire it up. Where To Buy Buying a new steam engine is quite simple, there are many hobby stores that carry them, as well as online merchants. This is a simple but expensive method to get started collecting, however you will not have the prestige of owning a classic or have felt the thrill of the hunt.. Finding a used engine is not quite as easy, they do show up at yard sales and auctions occasionally, generally the best option is to locate one through eBay. Be aware that like anything else listed there are some sellers that are less reputable than others. Be wary of the seller that states, "I know nothing about steam engines so I'm selling it as is." Don't be afraid to ask questions and by all means get more photos if you can't see any details on what is provided, make sure nothing is being hidden. Just watch the auctions for a while and get an idea of the going prices for the model you are interested in, also check the shipping rates with the seller, some are reasonable, some not. I have provided links to other collectors, browse through their sites to get an idea of what is out there.

10 X 13 Patent Print Weeden Steam Engine 1929 Useful Links Antics Bowman Flying Pig - animation of how they work. How to Get Mamod Steam Engine Going John's Model Steam Museum IndianaRog and the Temple of Steam IndianaRog's Restorers Toolbox Mamod and Other Steam Engines Model Railroads MooseMan Toy Steam Engines S.T.E.A.M Pictures Steam & Gas Engines Simple Single Acting Steam Engine Vintage Internet Patents Weeden Toy Steam Engine History Boiler Types Both vertical and horizontal boilers were made. Early Doll Vertical Boiler mfg. in Germany This style is also refered to as a "Candlestick" Merkur Horizontal Boiler mfg. in Czech Republic Heat Sources The two main heat sources were fire or electricity. Various types of burners have been used, wood alcohol being the most common, some used kerosene so the engines were equipped with an actual working chimney. Mamod Alcohol Burner Later Style Alcohol vapors can communicate flame, so fire doesn’t have to touch the liquid, it can ignite the vapor that comes from evaporating alcohol. Always be sure the flame has been extinguished when refilling the burner, outside in daylight it is often difficult to see the burning flame. For safety reasons new engines are now sold with solid fuel burners. Solid Fuel Tablet Tray for fuel tablet Electric Heat Element Courtesy Vintage Internet Patents This was a common method of heating for many older models, advertised as a safety feature replacing flame style burners. Always make sure the cord and elements are still in usable condition.