I'm back at the semiannual Train Collector's Association pre-shows, known as "Bandit Meets." These non-sanctioned meets are held in a couple of hotels in York in the days preceding the official show, which runs Thursday through Saturday in April and October. The stuff for sale is mostly toy trains, however, inside one of the hotels I found this large Plank engine. I don't think it was ever fired. There is no soot under the boiler. I do not have my reference books with me so someone will have to help with identification. The engine looks complete and should work after some cleaning, repairs, etc. The pressure gauge is present but the face is missing.
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I could never understand where the safety valve should be on these engines; I got the makings of a two cylinder one somewhere.
A fantastic super rare Plank in excellent condition with riveted boiler, congratulations Jim. Please allow me to suggest a professional restoration by Brent (Parallelmotion).
Walter, I believe the spring loaded pressure gauge also works as a safety valve.
I will share picture later or Jim can take a picture of his pressure gauge stem showing the spring.
I could never understand where the safety valve should be on these engines; I got the makings of a two cylinder one somewhere.
I believe it is built into the stem of the pressure gauge
Oops, Mike beat me to it!
I could never understand where the safety valve should be on these engines; I got the makings of a two cylinder one somewhere.
I believe it is built into the stem of the pressure gauge
Oops, Mike beat me to it!
Nick, you’re an expert as well. These original Plank pressure gauges are very rare; very few survived.
A very nice plant Jim , you may want to check where the steam line goes into the boiler , solder joint looks loose. Looking forward to it in steam. 😀
This is a magnificent find and in great condition... CONGRATS...!!!
Gil
Not knowledgeable about its rarity, but I can say for certain that it seems a fine machine and I like it a whole lot!
CONGRATULATIONS on a great find!!!
Wow, congrats on the find if this rarity
a wonderful nice antique beauty in a super condition and patina!
I would not touch it too much - only bring it back to
function.
Arnold
Thanks for the comments everyone. Bruce, the steam line is loose on both ends but that should not be too difficult a repair. Arnold, this plant is similar to the one you posted but larger. It is at least 18 inches square at the base, the boiler almost 5 inches in diameter and the flywheel about 6 inches. I did think that the gauge was also the safety. Thanks to all for confirming. Here are a few more photos. Look at the size of the burner! (BTW I paid $950 for it!)
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A fantastic super rare Plank in excellent condition with riveted boiler, congratulations Jim. Please allow me to suggest a professional restoration by Brent (Parallelmotion).
Walter, I believe the spring loaded pressure gauge also works as a safety valve.
I will share picture later or Jim can take a picture of his pressure gauge stem showing the spring.
Thanks for that nice bit of information Mike; now that I look closely at Jim’s photos I can see the relief hole in the Manometer stem.
Cheers also Nick.
Excellent deal Jim, it’s worth 3 to 4 times what you paid due to condition, age, rarity, and size.
This photo was provided by a hobbyist on Facebook. The model in the photo appears close to my model.
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