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

I now have an Empire 32 in my meager collection. It's simple and fun. Like many vintage items, it needs a bit of work, but it runs well. The pressure relief valve must be repaired as a previous owner had replaced the plunger with a small machine bolt which was tightened down. Hopefully, someone can provide pics or a rough sketch of the correct safety valve internal assembly. Any info and tips will be greatly appreciated.

For videos see:



https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wNllSjaU3Bo

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/z6NaLsIy_lA

See this thread/post from @Paula - she has posted superb tips on all kinds of engines and covers the Empire Smokestack (pressure valve).

Empire No. 90 Restoration - Multiple Issues


I used that #91195A120 washer from McMaster-Carr in nearly all my smokestacks.

Nice engine and great to see another collector with a Empire :-) 

Thanks everyone for the safety valve info. I very much like the Paula solution, and the silicon clad washer is now on order.

As for the swap question, when I opened the box the engine shipped in my wife's face lit up with a smile. I'm fairly certain she has laid partial claim and a swap would be difficult. However, there's no telling what the future holds. 


P.S.

There's a Fleischmann in my future. From the pictures, it looks to be in decent condition, but I'll know for sure when it arrives. It'll round out my modest collection at 4 engines (I hope), which is what I have room for.

I so appreciate the size and weight of model steam engines, as they are much easier on the back than the hit and miss engines and other heavy iron I used to dabble in.