Hello.
First post for a new guy to this forum.
I’ve recently discovered an interest in toy steam engines, kindled by opening an old box and finding a small Wilesco engine from when I was a kid. It’s a small one, missing its chimney and it needs a new whistle and pressure valve - but I don’t know what model it is. The original box is long gone. Can anyone help identify it from the photo?
If it helps, this thing was given to me probably around 1970.
Welcome from Down under here in New Zealand .
What is wrong with the Safety valve there ?
And what part of the world are you .
Cheers
Dennis
Welcome from MN, safety valve looks good, may need new seals and a spring adjustment. Whistle just looks to be missing the top dome, but that won’t affect your running. I hope we’re a bad influence and your collection grows...
Thanks for all the replies.
I am in Canada (Nova Scotia, to be exact) and yes, I’ve already started to grow the collection of steam toys. I purchased this larger Wilesco (it came with another identical unit in not so good shape to be used for parts). What’s left of its original box says it is a D12. I also bought these little metal men that have tiny saws. I assume they connect to the steam engine off the pulley. They are quite old.
My original little D5/D6 leaks water at the pressure valve when it’s running, so I guess that should be replaced. And the whistle is broken and the handle on it is rather melted. I’ll have to order new parts for that one. Not sure how the pressur3 valve could be adjusted to stop it from leaking. I’ve looked it over and can’t see where it comes apart.
Hello and welcome from Illinois! The D12 is discontinued so it's a good one to have.
First I would look to replace the gasket washer under the safety valve, and/or perhaps wipe it with just a bit of steam oil to help it seal better. The stem of the relief plunger on the safety valve will also benefit from a small drop of steam oil to help it seat and seal. I don't recall offhand if Wilesco safety valves have any o-rings or other seals, but if so, replace that too. Usually there is a cone shaped "seat" that the spring pulls the stem down against for a seal, so be sure that both of those surfaces are free from dirt and grit and seal properly from ample free moving spring pressure. If the spring seems too weak, you may want to replace that, but it really shouldn't be very strong. If it still leaks steam before getting up to pressure, then replacing the entire safety valve may be a good idea.
Nice looking work men, many of us believe them to be made by “Krauss”
The bottom of the metal workmen say “Made in Germany U.S. Zone”
The bottom of the metal workmen say “Made in Germany U.S. Zone”
Am I correct that it would date them 1945-50 then?
I see a lot of these same workmen come up for sale in Canada, think I have a few here that I’ve picked up on ebay.ca
The military rule ended 1949, but the western occupation (and the zones) didn´t officially end before May 1955, with the peace treaty.