Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

I saw this engine when it listed, and was extremely excited-so excited, in fact, I accidentally bid on it. The $150 opening bid was high for the condition, but since the bid was placed, I waited. No bids all week allowed me to convince myself I would go to $160. Last minute bidders missed out, and it was on its way here.
 It's arrival showed just what the listing pics showed- apparent poor condition. A cartridge casing soldered to the boiler, burnt wood base, awful black overstay. Yep, looked like another one of my specials. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
I know it is at least a /2 by the remnants of the water level tap.
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The something was surface rusty, but no apparent holes in the baseplate, and the engine looked to be in good shape, although unwilling to spin over.
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 Last night, while looking it over and thinking it needed a good oiling, I thought I'd give it a quick wipe first. Soapy water and 0000 wool and a bit of light effort revealed a welcome and quite unbelievable sight:
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I wouldn't have thought anyone would paint over blueing so immaculate, but I thank them as I think it saved the finish. The original lacquer even seems intact for the most part.

I wasn't intending to start this resto yet, but got carried away. It looks better for now, and will get in line behind previous jobs. It has been oiled liberally and waits it's turn.

Me too, Nick. Just got lucky this wasn't a complete wreck. I bid on it late at night, and if I had been thinking straight based on the pics I wouldn't have bid. The condition of the blueing makes it worthwhile.