I snagged this circa 1935 Jensen Big Power Plant on eBay last week. It was a BIN or make offer listing. I really didn’t need to be spending more money, so I made an offer considerably lower than the BIN and figured someone else would get it. About ten minutes later I got the notification to “pay now”. The listing had only been up for about 49 minutes.
The engine arrived today after me worrying about it for four days. The seller packed it very well and it was quite a job getting it unpacked! No damage this time.
This engine appears to be near new. I think the sight glass packings gave out on it years ago and it was never run again. Has virtually no wear. Doesn’t even have the oil stains by the bearings that are usually impossible to remove. The nickel is flawless. The paint on the firebox and chimney stand is perfect. The blue paint on the engine is also near perfect. Decal is near perfect. The lamp post still has the original 1930s Mazda bulb in it! The only things missing are the throttle and whistle “boiler paste” handles. Those never survive. The wood base is in great shape. The edges are still sharp and not all beat up. The cord is perfect also.
I am so thrilled to have this engine in my collection.
The condition of that engine is absolutely amazing! Especially considering it's 85 years old. I wonder if it was ever fired.
The condition of that engine is absolutely amazing! Especially considering it's 85 years old. I wonder if it was ever fired.
I’m sure it was fired at least a few times. The ceramic insert heater does show signs of use. I was absolutely amazed that there are no lime deposits in the boiler. The sight glass was clean too. It’s just amazing how nice the nickel is on this engine. I have others that I thought were pretty nice until I got this one. Lol
Amazing buy Mike , looks nearly brand new , I wouldn't have been surprised if they had the box as well. Some people really take care of their toys. Absolutely pristine.
Great engine in beautiful original condition. Congratulations!
Amazing buy Mike , looks nearly brand new , I wouldn't have been surprised if they had the box as well. Some people really take care of their toys. Absolutely pristine.
Thanks, Bruce. I sure do wish it still had the box. If it did, I probably wouldn’t have even needed to clean it! Lol. I have an early post war riveted boiler model 5 in the original box and it is absolutely like new in all respects. It’s amazing how much protection just a box can provide.
Beautiful engine and like new - wow
Congrats, Arnold
That definitely sounds and looks like a bargain!
Certainly the nicest one of its kind that I have ever seen!
Thanks, everyone!
I tried to reproduce the look of the original handles. What do you think?
they look pretty good to me Mike.
they look pretty good to me Mike.
Thanks, Bruce. It’s just vinyl tube from a Roundup spray jug. Lol
I wish someone knew the process that Tom Jensen used for the original handles.
That is too nice!! 😍