Hello, I have recently got the bug to get a model stationary steam engine! I have a few questions:
I am not stuck on Wilesco brand, is there are more desirable brand? Or model? I am looking for a model that runs well, and looks good!
Also, could a Wilesco style engine be run on an aquarium pump? If so, is there a desirable model aquarium pump? I don't want to run it all the time on aquarium pump but thought it would be quiet and clean for long slow display runs. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Three models that I would highly recommend looking into for plenty of power in a relatively small base footprint would be the Wilesco D16 or the Jensen 65 and the 75. If you want to try electric, go for a Jensen 25
And yes, an aquarium pump will run them, but I prefer using a compressor with a large tank so I don’t have to here it running at all.
I should also mention if you go for a Wilesco, look for an older grey-based one vs the newer blue base. Jensens, look for one that has the skinny hour glass or straight red handles vs the newer fat “snowman” shaped handles.
Asking people what's a good engine will elicit many varying opinions, I for one am a Jensen fan & here lately have acquired many wilesco's, its really a personal preference. You can get a bad or nice engine in any category. this is a good question & is asked frequently. my usual response is a nice used Jensen #75 & for a bit more $$ is the same engine...a Jensen #25 with a built in heater. In the Wilesco line up a #20 is a good starter engine with decent power. As with all used steam plants condition plays an important role. You have to be particularly observant with Wilesco boilers as they suffer more from dezink (boiler rot) & are thinner than Jensen boilers and are also soft soldered as oppose to the Jensen silver brazed (much stronger)
Re: aquarium pump , I have one that is variable speed & has 2 outlets that I connect together & its capable of approx 3psi ,good for most reasonably tuned steam engines.
Good luck with your hunt & keep us posted with what you settle on.
Thanks guys!
I would like info on the make and model of aquarium pump with 3psi output please?
Also, I noticed on some of the larger Wilesco stationary engines there seems to be oil cups cast in top of main bearing towers supporting flywheel...can anyone tell me if they are functional? These seem desirable to me.
Thanks for the link!...seems a great price as well
Regarding the older grey base vs newer blue base....can someone elaborate on what was made more cheap or the difference in construction??
One more thing to remember and check. Once the air pump and steam engine are running, check for leaks,
with a little spritz of water around the fittings and steam line. Even a small leak will rob you of
performance and if you wait to check when under steam, it could really get messy.
Haha!....thanks for the Warning Jim....I like to find good deals and nothing is jumping out at me right now on eBay...
I did find a 100 year anniversary D10 but that model does not have a throttle valve as far as I can see....could a handy guy add one? Seems a fairly simple thing...
Not really sure that is a great idea...from my shopping I kinda have my heart set on a Wilesco D20...or possibly a D16
Haha!....thanks for the Warning Jim....I like to find good deals and nothing is jumping out at me right now on eBay...
I did find a 100 year anniversary D10 but that model does not have a throttle valve as far as I can see....could a handy guy add one? Seems a fairly simple thing...
Not really sure that is a great idea...from my shopping I kinda have my heart set on a Wilesco D20...or possibly a D16
The D18 ,D20,D21,D22 all share the same (larger) boiler than the D16 , actually twice the capacity.
