Can this engine be considered a collectable.
I have seen it in several auctions at prices all over the lot.
Any comment is most welcomed.
A number of scale models of that engine have been made by several makers, and in different sizes. PM Research has one (listed under “Solar Engines”), it seems too small to be 1/4 scale, but could be a 1/4 scale of a smaller original, if the originals were made in different sizes (I believe they were?). The variation in sizes and makers probably explains the differences in prices.
1/4 scale Ericsson models are very common as they have been offered as aluminum casting kits for many, many years. They are collectible but prices vary widely according to the quality of the machining, finish, running condition, etc.
The Ericsson Hot Air 1/4 I am looking was built by a Myers retired machinist around 7-10Years ago.
Claim made that it is good condition and painted black with gold like trim.
can this be called a collectable?
All comments most welcomed.
Thanks
Howard
Please provide dimensions to make sure that it’s a 1/4 scale and not 1/8 scale.
Does it run? Did you see it running?
What’s the quality of the machining & finish?
What’s the metal used? Aluminum/Cast Iron/Brass/Pot Metal?
All the above will affect the value tremendously.
The kits are still available from Myers; their castings have always been aluminum:
https://myersengineworks.com/hot-air-engine/
Thanks Brent, but my 1/4 is Cast Iron with Aluminum flywheel and my 1/8 is all Brass. I guess I was lucky.
We can be more helpful if you can get hold of some good pictures to post of it.
A video is also helpful.
The 1/4 scale is only one size and has a 2" bore. It is 1/4 scale of an 8" bore original.
As stated above, the prices are all over the lot and heavily dependent on the machining and assembly quality as well as the finish detail and paint work. These were made by many different hobby machinists who usually built just one for themselves. There were a couple known makers like 7 Mountains and K&J Machine, successor to 7 Mountains model engine business. A super high quality finish detailing job can easily take 3-4 times the hours required for the machine work. Only the most patient builders take the extra effort and time to create an exceptional piece.
That said, these generally sell in a range from 700 to 2500.
You have asked if it is collectable. It is to the extent that you would like to have it in your collection. As mentioned above they are not rare and still available. If it came from 7 Mountains or K&J it is at least a good construction job and you know for sure that it did run at one time even if not now. Bottom line is if you really want it for yourself, go ahead and buy it. If you are thinking of an investment hoping to flip it.... be careful.
I made one from castings part set - it is difficult to make
and consumes a lot of labour time on the lathe and milling machine.
I was working on it during 1 year to finish it - not every day - but
many! Then the finish needs some more time...
I am sure this is a very nice collectable and they start to sell from 1000
and I have seen one even for 5000 - it depends on the quality. One of
the nicest where made by Werner Wiggers from Germany - he is now out of business
since many years. I do not believe that prices will rise in the future but
a certain value is for sure...
Arnold
this one was sold a week ago for 999.00
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Not sure what the point of this discussion is. The poster wanted to know if they are collectible, whatever that means. Of course they are collectible, but certainly not rare--I see at least one at almost every engine show I attend. If you want a rare one, look for a 1/10 scale:
https://youtu.be/45H4nL2HXhg