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Author Topic: Wilesco D16  (Read 257 times)

classixs

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Wilesco D16
« on: March 14, 2021, 07:48:09 am »
Quite a few years ago, i was gifted an old somewhat abused Wilesco D16 from a colleague of mine, who got it as a kid in the mid-60´s.
Since i had already then sold off most of my Wilesco collection, it was just thrown into a box and stored for future parts, with no further contemplation.

I had no intention of using it for anything else, but seing that he just retired, and really was the greatest guy to work with, it suddenly had a bit of provenance, so i figured i could give it a go, and get it back to running order.

Had a governor and a chimney in stock here already, so all that was left was to order a steamline (€8-9 with Peter Schaefer), and get everything put back together.
I wasn´t particularly careful, and just soldered the steamline back in, without the usual wet leather on the top, which damaged the paint even more.
Wasn´t really bothered since it already was damaged, and wouldn´t be perfect anyway...just wanted it to run.

Anyway, as expected turned out to be a great little engine, even if it does have some scars here and there telling its story, and will keep it here for good, if for nothing else than remind me of a friend.

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Cheers
Jan
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St Paul Steam

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Re: Wilesco D16
« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2021, 08:02:57 am »
It looks outstanding Jen , its quite an old one with the square condensate pan & all. Wilesco's don't get enough credit for what they are, you can abuse them for decades & they'll still run. good job bringing it back into good running condition.
Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
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classixs

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Re: Wilesco D16
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2021, 08:22:48 am »
Thanks Bruce, but the picture does flatter it a bit  8)

Will upload a video of it shortly, which will reveal a slightly more worn look.
But as already stated, on this it doesn´t matter much to me, as it is a special piece of my collection nonetheless.
Cheers
Jan
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classixs

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Re: Wilesco D16
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2021, 08:23:26 am »
Well used, but runs nicely though :)

Cheers
Jan
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St Paul Steam

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Re: Wilesco D16
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2021, 09:07:54 am »
Its a nice runner as well ( I knew it would be)
Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
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RedRyder

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Re: Wilesco D16
« Reply #5 on: March 14, 2021, 09:20:52 am »
Sure does run good.

Jan, you have done a great job cleaning it up!

Gil

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Re: Wilesco D16
« Reply #6 on: March 14, 2021, 10:27:29 am »
That really turned out nice Jan. Like Bruce says, they can take a licking and keep on ticking.
No wait, that wasn't Wilesco. Well it could be. They remind me of a modern version of Fleischmann.
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Nick

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Re: Wilesco D16
« Reply #7 on: March 14, 2021, 10:31:25 am »
Quite an improvement 👍
Nick

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Re: Wilesco D16
« Reply #8 on: March 14, 2021, 11:34:54 am »
A nice old Wilesco. Even if it has its flaws visually. It comes from a time when Wilesco was producing really good quality. Today there are one or two things to complain about. For example the shut-off cocks from Platistik. It's a shame that quality is sacrificed in favor of cost-effective production.
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Jürgen
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ShadetreeMotorcycle

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Re: Wilesco D16
« Reply #9 on: March 14, 2021, 12:27:07 pm »
I was just going to order a D16 assembly from Wilesco as a planned "big bore" upgrade to a traction engine, but I forgot the D16 comes with a decent steam valve in the base. Now I am thinking if I harvest my "big bore" from a used D16 stationary, I will have a decent boiler left to power the odd engine that I may have laying around, it seems I am ALWAYS short on boilers. Thanks for sharing the video!

steamerado

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Re: Wilesco D16
« Reply #10 on: March 14, 2021, 12:28:56 pm »
Great “daily driver” that delivers on fun and you can run hard without guilt whenever the mood strikes.
-TedO

classixs

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Re: Wilesco D16
« Reply #11 on: March 14, 2021, 02:38:58 pm »
Thanks guys  :)

It has eaten 5 full boilers after assembly now...thanks to Bruce´s gasburner which really help that stuff bubble, and just generally makes firing those fuelfired buggers way more fun to play with.
I´ve just finished cleaning it up, and prepped it for storage in a couple of days, so i finally can get a Jensen installed here on the table as primary workhorse again.
Cheers
Jan
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St Paul Steam

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Re: Wilesco D16
« Reply #12 on: March 14, 2021, 08:50:11 pm »
A very satisfying lil' engine , you have done right by it.
Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
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Jim

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Re: Wilesco D16
« Reply #13 on: March 15, 2021, 12:24:13 am »
Nice resurrection there Jan with that nice old Wilesco.
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Cheers.
Jim

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