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

This is a interesting story.  I have known about this engine since about 1987, it is my college buddy and roommate's Mamod Steamroller SR1a.  His grandparents raised him and I remember seeing it in his grandfathter's garage and pining over it.  I clearly remember asking him if I could have it.  I think he would have given it to me but his grandfather said no!  It was bought in 1969~1970 in England when they were stationed over there for a few years.

Fast forward to 2023, it seems my brother (seems he remembered it too) reached out to my buddy on Facebook and it was mailed to him.  It needed some work as it had been dropped pretty hard.  It is also missing the scuttle/burner, whistle, and steering rod.  My brother repaired the drop damage and then had me find the missing parts.  Between eBay and UK model stores all the parts have been ordered to get it running again.  I went with a spirit burner, as I think that would be correct for this engine but really not sure.

I don't have it yet but should have it late January or early Feb!  I think it will look nice next to my newly aquired Mamod Minor 2 Steam Engine.

Classic and fun little rollers...you will enjoy it!

Roger

Getting closer!  My brother tested the engine with air and found the piston was to bent and it had to be replaced.  So I had to order a new one from the UK.  It came in yesterday and also the scuttle/burner came in a few days ago.  So now she will steam up!  Though he then found more bits around the bracket for the piston was out of whack and he is trying to get it bent back into place.  Also it seems the throttle is worn out and will move on its own but he thinks he has that problem sorted.  He also says the whistle (which is new too) doesn't whistle but he says his SR1a doesn't whistle either.  Perhaps the Mamod whistles suck....

Here is a little video, 1st time it has been under steam in 40+ years - so progress has been made!  You can see the throttle move and then the engine slow down.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AEtCtrkdIOw

This little guy is pretty special to me.  I am very excited for my brother to finish it up and get it to me.  I also like that Weeden steamroller at lot, though I wouldn't say I am in to rollers (I'm a Empire guy through and through).  But on the other hand if more drop into my lap I would be a very happy boy!  It seem in the last month or so its been raining steam toys from odd places.  The best part really is they came to me because someone thought, I think Richard would like this.

Now if I win the lotto, I am buying any kind of steam engine I can find ha!

It's a shame about that Mamod tractor - I'd be really bummed!  Though I am a bit more impressed you did your Christmas shopping at F.A.O. Schwartz!  I've been to that store a few times myself before it closed (I think it reopened?).  I even have a photo with my daughter on that cool piano when I took her to NYC to see Wicked.

I got the SR1a steamroller in yesterday from my brother and started looking at all the bits that might be causing it to run slow.  What I found is that the firebox has two copper rivets under the water level plug on the backside.  These rivets actually go into the steam tank and are leaking under the water line.  Not sure how my brother overlooked this. 

At the backside, top, the two regular rivets were busted when he got it, since it was dropped/smashed from the back side - so it makes a bit of sense these two copper rivets were compromised.  Personally I don't think it's a good idea to use rivets going into a steam tank!  Seem like they would easily cause leaks with no easy options to seal them up.  I thought about trying to use a metal screw but decided to try and use new copper rivets.  I am trying to think of a way to add a additional seal between the tank and firebox, though not sure what I'll use.

So I have ordered new rivets from the UK and I went the route of ordering a crap ton (bulk of 10), more than I should ever need (all three sizes/types).  So more waiting!  Getting pretty close of running over this little engine with my car LOL

Hi Rich,

Are these the 2 rivets in question?

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That does seem like an odd method of construction, unless they used some means at the factory to seal the joint when it was clinched. I've seen boilers that were constructed with rivets, and then the seams and rivets are sealed with solder on the outside of the boiler. But that's a different situation, of course.

Paula

That sure runs good..!!

I think I saw it drifting a little in the beginning in that tight circle.

Thanks for the show!

Gil

I do need a new driveway that's for sure, though I need to spend a arm & leg leveling my house first.  Home ownership SUCKS!

Anyways, hopefully I haven't backed myself in a corner using those screws and not waiting for the rivets to arrive!  I am still going to use my fiber washers between the firebox and tank. I am thinking I'll pick up some high-heat red RTV sealant.  Kind of like a sandwich between the firebox, seal, tank, and rivet.

While the little guy is rather speedy, I only get about a minute.  Then I can get another 3 or so runs if I let it build up some steam.  Also, that speed lever doesn't do much, it is either "fast" going forward or reverse.  The slower speed notches get net me nada. I suppose I should count myself lucky I got it moving at all LOL