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

Thanks for all the info! The funny thing is, I was just telling a friend last week that I wanted a small steam engine. Amazing the way life works.

If you can find anything on the base, I would appreciate it. I was thinking about taking something like a small soup can and cutting it to purpose. Or perhaps a small candle or aroma warmer stand.

And I would never dream of polishing it! The partina is a large percentage of its charm.  The underside is completely blackened from flame and soot - it was obviously well lived.

I believe the thrift store didn’t know what it was.  I myself on first glance thought it was a small table lighter. I think they must have thought the same thing, couldn’t figure out how it worked, and so just put a random pticebin it and moved on to pricier items. I was honestly overjoyed to find it.

Of course all this has really done is whet my appetite for more. And larger.  And… the wife is just thrilled. 🤣🙄