These are out of stock most places in USA, Ministeam shows them at $289.95 but out of stock. Forest classics has them at good price, but also looks to be out of stock at this time AND shipping to US is over $100
It's a long shot but if you have a D415 kit or know a source with reasonable price and shipping costs I would be grateful if you would kindly share the source? Thank you!
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...you getting an urge to keep that lovely crane engine assembled, instead of pulling it apart right away, since you´re asking
...you getting an urge to keep that lovely crane engine assembled, instead of pulling it apart right away, since you´re asking
You Nailed it Jan, I have over 2 hrs of run time on the all black D405 and am getting mighty attached to her!
Also I was correct, the factory steam pipe from the boiler to steam chest is soldered on factory built and threaded on D415 kit....I Can heat the solder but I just can not bring myself to cut into such a Nice engine!...So the NEW plan is to maybe just put a few tasteful dress up parts on the Black unit and do the D16 conversion on the kit...if the Conversion goes smooth, the Black one could get a D16 much later...but it might be fun to have Steam "pulls" to compare the power!
Yes it does look like it has been resoldered.
Otherwise i think it looks pretty good, and that soldering (and cylinder) is going to be replaced anyway...as far as i understand.
Why not just aim for a used for your "Big Block" conversion?
Would save you quite a few bucks for parts
I just stubled on this, which doesn´t look bad to me:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/WILESCO-STEAM-TRACTOR-APPEARS-NEW-AND-UNUSED-MADE-IN-W-GERMANY-VINTAGE-TOY/133698304020
Furthermore has the advantage of being old enough, to have a "real" steamvalve on there.
That solder job just above the throttle looks very suspect to me....doesn't look factory done.
Sharp Eyes Bruce!...it does look resoldered...He is advertised as "appears New" but I can tell from slight discoloration on bottom of fire tray she Has been fired. If no one bids I do think it is still a pretty decent value. The last 5 min of auction will tell the story.
Well, time will tell then Ben
...and while you´re waiting anyway...just to stir the pot, i bought this one today
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A jaunty little ride there Jan , congrats 😊👍
Well, time will tell then Ben
...and while you´re waiting anyway...just to stir the pot, i bought this one today
(Attachment Link)
Nice!... Any Special plans for this one Jan? Or just adding a Traction Engine to the Fold?
Most likely the latter Ben, no fixed plans for it.
Don´t really want to collect Wilesco, as my storage space is running out as is, but your threads here stirred an urge to get a mobile again.
But who knows, i might paint it black eventually, since i really like the paintscheme of the D405/1...and everyone knows once you start, there´s no end.
Just to show how wild it can get, for someone with the right mind and matching skillset.
Here´s "Yer Tiz", a Wilesco tractor John Besley modded some years ago. :
Base engine:
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Completed:
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Most likely the latter Ben, no fixed plans for it.
Don´t really want to collect Wilesco, as my storage space is running out as is, but your threads here stirred an urge to get a mobile again.
But who knows, i might paint it black eventually, since i really like the paintscheme of the D405/1...and everyone knows once you start, there´s no end.
Just to show how wild it can get, for someone with the right mind and matching skillset.
Here´s "Yer Tiz", a Wilesco tractor John Besley modded some years ago. :
Base engine:
(Attachment Link)
Completed:
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
I saw this one on Uskin website and I currently have an order in with them for some upgrade parts.
The Engine in the photo is amazing and much larger Scope project then I "plan" to go.
I had thought about painting a Wilesco as I know there are several grades of high-temp black paint. I will say whatever Wilesco used on my D405/1 seems Very durable as it took some effort to sand off the raised letter logo to reveal brass on the front. Hope you do something fun with your "new" D405 and make a build thread!
Just checked there, and that wasn´t wise of me...
The smokebox assembly, cylinder dress up kit, and the seat, definitely are on the wantedlist now