What engines are better, Wilesco or Mamod. I quite like the range of Wilesco accessories. They look a bit tinny but that's probably part of the charm.
Thanks
Brian
Thanks but any reason why?
I say Wilesco but the early Mamod SE series are good.
You obviously don't like the later Mamod's! Because of build quality or what?
Thanks for your relies.
Hi Brian and WELCOME ABOARD...!
Given the two choices, I suspect the quality is not that all that different which leads me to suggest going with your personal preference.
Mamod is a stalwart of the UK and the remaining manufacturer in the UK.
Wilesco, while a newer player in the steam toys (1950's) has more of the realistic details typically associated with German engines.
Both will bring you joy for many years to come.
Gil
You obviously don't like the later Mamod's! Because of build quality or what?
Thanks for your relies.
The early Mamods are easier on the eye and a better build IMHO.
Thanks a lot everyone. As I am getting (I hope) a Mamod SP4 for my birthday, which manufacturer doesn't really come in to question (at the moment). However, I might well get some of the Wilesco Drive Models to go with it. Fairly expensive for what they are but I don't quite see the point in having a stationary steam engine without having something to run it with. Another question about Sterno Gel, is it worth a try?
Cheers
Brian
They both have charm. For TEs, Wilesco is more realistic but Mamod TEs allow Mamodification. Mamod steam wagon lorry and TE is great fun to drive with the steering rod. For stationary engines, Wilesco has a good amount of grunt.
Honestly, the quality of the later Mamods are better than the earlier ones. (Sight glass, better cylinder and piston designs, etc.)
I strongly dislike Esbit (gives headache and sore throat) so the Wilesco burners are annoying. I remove them to allow spirit or gel burners. Older Mamod spirit burners are fantastic. The great news is that all Mamod engines work with their spirit burners.
Gel will work in new Mamod trays but make sure it's thick Sterno gel. Hand sanitizer will be too runny.
The Mamod workshop (integrated on red base) is pretty cool and runs better than the Wilesco workshop. Wilesco has more accessories. The Wilesco hack saw can actually cut balsa wood well if you put in a sharper blade and add a little more weight.
They both have charm. For TEs, Wilesco is more realistic but Mamod TEs allow Mamodification. Mamod steam wagon lorry and TE is great fun to drive with the steering rod. For stationary engines, Wilesco has a good amount of grunt.
Honestly, the quality of the later Mamods are better than the earlier ones. (Sight glass, better cylinder and piston designs, etc.)
I strongly dislike Esbit (gives headache and sore throat) so the Wilesco burners are annoying. I remove them to allow spirit or gel burners. Older Mamod spirit burners are fantastic. The great news is that all Mamod engines work with their spirit burners.
Each to their own but cant agree.
Gel will work in new Mamod trays but make sure it's thick Sterno gel. Hand sanitizer will be too runny.
The Mamod workshop (integrated on red base) is pretty cool and runs better than the Wilesco workshop. Wilesco has more accessories. The Wilesco hack saw can actually cut balsa wood well if you put in a sharper blade and add a little more weight.
I didn't realise you can actually 'use' the machines.I thought they were just something that moved. Just goes to show how much I know. (Not a lot LOL).
It isn't easy to coax them to do real work. The gearing must be just right and it's a lot of trials and tuning.
Every steam leak must be fixed and you really have to dial it in.
I guess my hobby has evolved, as a kid with the D10, the goal was just running the engine by itself...