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Author Topic: French-made steam engine from the 1970s  (Read 706 times)

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French-made steam engine from the 1970s
« on: March 19, 2025, 01:35:29 pm »
Hi to everyone,

I finally received the MB (Maurice Boucherat*) machine à vapeur I purchased through Leboncoin here in France. I've put together a short video of the steam engine. * Thanks to Classixs for finding the name.

You will notice it has a few dents and dings in the brass boiler and that the pressure relief valve/whistle needs a bit of adjustment (which I have already taken care of). The dented boiler doesn't bother me. In fact, I think I like the patina of the brass. I've decided to keep this little engine just as she is.

She's a very good runner. Has a few leaks around the valves that might be able to be adjusted out. But very smooth running. In fact, she's a self-starter. It didn't come furnished with a smokestack, but I had an extra one from an old Bing steam engine that fit perfectly.

Take a look at the video and let me know what you think.



Steam on!
I had an old college professor who used to say, "The cows may come and the cows may go, but the bull goes on forever."

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Re: French-made steam engine from the 1970s
« Reply #1 on: March 19, 2025, 02:47:06 pm »
A nice engine Tim.

I have never seen that combination of safety valve and whistle.

Thank you for sharing the video.

Charlie

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Re: French-made steam engine from the 1970s
« Reply #2 on: March 19, 2025, 05:33:36 pm »
Nice engine and nice video, Tim!

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Re: French-made steam engine from the 1970s
« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2025, 06:43:20 pm »
Very nice engine that is rarely seen on this Forum, or most anywhere else I suspect!

I agree with your keeping it in its current condition, so long as it runs well, the patina (& dents) are its story & its history.
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Re: French-made steam engine from the 1970s
« Reply #4 on: March 20, 2025, 11:31:34 am »
A nice, sturdy looking engine base! I like where the regulator is on this one, better than on top of the boiler where you burn your finger :D
Nick

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Re: French-made steam engine from the 1970s
« Reply #5 on: March 22, 2025, 02:55:56 am »
Nice to see one of these under steam...

Thanks for sharing Tim!
Cheers
Jan
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Re: French-made steam engine from the 1970s
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2025, 10:56:00 am »
A very nice and unique engine .
D. E. Jones