Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

Builds, Repairs, Show Your Machines! => Collections & Pictures => Topic started by: classixs on May 06, 2021, 02:41:45 pm

Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: tenniV11 on January 25, 2023, 08:51:39 am
Very nice, Jan.
I am (also) no fan of Wilescos at all - but I like the non nickel-plated ones. The old cylinders are really nice!

dito

Arnold :D
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: yussufhippo on January 25, 2023, 03:13:45 am
Very nice, Jan.
I am (also) no fan of Wilescos at all - but I like the non nickel-plated ones. The old cylinders are really nice!
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on January 25, 2023, 02:31:20 am
....
Is the flywheel on the 2nd generation larger in diameter than on the 1st?
Yes, the 2nd. Gen, flywheel is quite a bit larger in diameter.
1st. gen. approx. 2 3/4" and 2nd. gen approx. 3 1/16".
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: St Paul Steam on January 24, 2023, 07:08:32 pm
I have always enjoyed firing up any Wilesco  I own, though they are a pain to work on compared to Jensen & of lighter build quality.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Stoker on January 24, 2023, 01:06:58 pm
NICE!!!

I have a few of the older Wilesco engines as well, the D16 being among my favorites, but really nothing like a collection, though I still seem to prefer the Fleischmann engines of about the same era, of which I do have a modest assemblage.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Woe is me on January 24, 2023, 09:08:36 am
Hi Jan, you do really good collecting Wilesco's for not collecting them. I looked back to the beginning
of this post and noticed the differences between the 1st generation and the newer ones. Brass boiler, no
crosshead guide, smooth cylinder shroud, and a silver exhaust drip pan (not red). Those I noticed back
when you first started the post way back when. 
Now when you put the first generation and the second end to end. Some thing else caught my eye so a
measurement of the screen says yes to what I see. Only you can confirm it.
Is the flywheel on the 2nd generation larger in diameter than on the 1st?
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on January 24, 2023, 07:08:58 am
Comparison of 1st. and 2nd. generation.

[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on January 24, 2023, 07:07:04 am
...and another snuck in (https://officeofsteamforum.createaforum.com/Smileys/users/officeofsteamforum/rolleyes.gif)

Another of the very early 1950s D16s...
Still non-nickleplated brass, but now with the smooth pinstriped grey base, and the faux crosshead guide added.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: PO9R4S4CHE on July 01, 2022, 08:34:36 am
Had more of them out in the open many years ago, but felt people started to roll their eyes when visiting...those poor savage heathens ;D

Be the main character.  live for yourself not for others.  To display and to dust is the question

jason[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Stoker on June 30, 2022, 09:33:29 pm
Hi Jan, That is a nice early Wilesco.!
Also, while you have been on the hunt you have built a great Jensen collection!
This is not an easy feat given most Jensen sources are a long way from you.

Gil

What is equally amazing is that Jan also has a truly enviable Solar Engines of Phoenix Arizona collection, the source of which he is even further removed from in time and space.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: RedRyder on June 30, 2022, 09:06:32 pm
Hi Jan, That is a nice early Wilesco.!
Also, while you have been on the hunt you have built a great Jensen collection!
This is not an easy feat given most Jensen sources are a long way from you.

Gil
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on June 30, 2022, 02:59:19 pm
I want to find a very early D4, likely 1950-1951 with the wrinkle gray base, they seem to have an unusual chimney mount as well? This is the only one I have ever seen, so I am not sure if it is correct. It would have came with the early style burner tray like Jan has.
Very doubtful that one of those will turn up...
I have those pictures on record too, and this is the only one i have seen as well.
I have personally seen quite a few very early wrinkle paint models, and none of them have had that smooth firebox and simple smokestack support.
I can only assume that this D4 is a prototype, or a part of a very small first batch, from just before the bricked coppersheets was introduced.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on June 30, 2022, 02:57:38 pm
Thanks guys :)
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: ShadetreeMotorcycle on June 30, 2022, 10:41:39 am
I want to find a very early D4, likely 1950-1951 with the wrinkle gray base, they seem to have an unusual chimney mount as well? This is the only one I have ever seen, so I am not sure if it is correct. It would have came with the early style burner tray like Jan has.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Steamloco on June 30, 2022, 10:20:16 am
Those are good ones. Never say never.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: St Paul Steam on June 29, 2022, 07:50:41 pm
Yup , your a collector 😀 ,looks like a runner , good luck with it.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on June 29, 2022, 12:51:22 pm
Just managed to bag another one of the very earliest Wilesco models "locally" 8)
This time a D8...

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Woe is me on May 17, 2021, 09:46:32 pm


Had more of them out in the open many years ago, but felt people started to roll their eyes when visiting...those poor savage heathens ;D



Fools,  they know not, what they miss.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 16, 2021, 11:04:44 am
Tommy, i have a single glass cabinet for display in the living room, which holds just 6-8 medium sized engines.
The rest is kept in storage in a dedicated room upstairs, with far the most being stacked by brand in clear plastic boxes, to avoid having to clean the entire collecton every year.

Had more of them out in the open many years ago, but felt people started to roll their eyes when visiting...those poor savage heathens ;D
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Woe is me on May 16, 2021, 09:25:30 am
Box them up?  You don't leave them out for display in your steam room/shed/area?
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 15, 2021, 04:20:47 am
Thanks guys :)

I am as mentioned very pleased with these, and particularly the D16, which is extremely rare in this version.
To prep them for longterm storage, the both of them has been run on air for a while, to dry out any water in the steamline and engines, and is right now sitting for a few days with aquarium/fishtank airpumps ventilating the boilers, to ensure theyīre completely dry internally before i box them up.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Nick on May 14, 2021, 10:13:41 pm
Thanks for the video Jan  8)
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Dampfopa on May 14, 2021, 06:45:15 am
Nice to see the machine running.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: St Paul Steam on May 14, 2021, 05:51:08 am
She runs very nicely Jan, there are a few subtle differences that I'm starting to pick up on (thanks to you)
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 14, 2021, 04:52:21 am
Just put up a movie of each of my oldie testruns yesterday.

First the D5 here:
https://youtu.be/218ZLbz_j60

...and the D16 here:
https://youtu.be/o10_xhDG3c0
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 14, 2021, 04:49:01 am
Bruce, i think weīve gone through similar emotions when it comes to Wilesco 8)

Theyīre common thin tin toys, which seems "cheaply" built in certain areas compared to some others, but every brand has an Achilles heel somewhere.
Theyīve certainly earned their right to a place in history, if for nothing else, than being the most common "entry brand" worldwide during the last 50 years...at least.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: St Paul Steam on May 13, 2021, 09:30:00 pm
You technically have a "Wilesco" collection now 😆👍
I technically did before as well, just donīt pay them all that much attention ;D
My first engine was a Wilesco D22 (still have it) got turned on to Jensen's and they have been my mainstay ever since....BUT , I have found a new appreciation for them (Wilesco's) and believe they have earned a place on my shelves as well. And you my dear friend Jan have taught me quite a lot about them.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Jim on May 13, 2021, 06:12:38 pm
That's great news that its arrived in good condition Jan.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 13, 2021, 10:19:17 am
Thanks guys, it is lovely :)

After getting the minor issues solved, with steamvalve and cylindervalve completely frozen in plaze from decades of inactivity, it was tested on air to ensure its running capability.
Since the airtest was positive, i filled it up with water, and steamed it...expecting water spewing from both boilerends.
Quite pleased to find that the rather serious looking dezinc on the boiler, appearently is clogged with lime or similar, as no leaks occured and it performed flawlessly.

Will upload a movie at some point, as i did film the run, since it quite possibly will be the only one it gets here 8)
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 13, 2021, 10:12:14 am
Hello Jan,

now I am annoyed that I have not bid.
Happy you didnīt, as you most likely wouldnīt have done much but serve the seller.
I wanted this, which was reflected in the max-bid i typed in...but fortunately didnīt reach even closely.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 13, 2021, 10:04:53 am
You technically have a "Wilesco" collection now 😆👍
I technically did before as well, just donīt pay them all that much attention ;D
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Dampfopa on May 13, 2021, 09:31:24 am
Hello Jan,

now I am annoyed that I have not bid.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: St Paul Steam on May 13, 2021, 09:30:13 am
You technically have a "Wilesco" collection now 😆👍
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Woe is me on May 13, 2021, 08:08:18 am
Definitely worth adding to the collection. Great shape, love it.
Can't wait for the "Film at 11".
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: St Paul Steam on May 13, 2021, 07:11:30 am
Wonderful, it looks Great Jan.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 13, 2021, 05:36:31 am
Some good news for once...

The seller came through as promised, and the engine arrived EXTREMELY well packed yesterday, in the exact same condition as purchased...felt real good trying that for a change.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 11, 2021, 10:18:22 am
I had a relatively big collection of Wilescos until i discovered Jensen, and during the years it took to accumulate them, someone as anal as i is bound to pick up a bit of info now and then ;D
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Woe is me on May 11, 2021, 08:24:05 am
Thanks Jan, that's really good information from someone who doesn't collect or supposedly
know much about Wilescos.  ;)
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 11, 2021, 12:32:21 am
Thanks Tommy!
If going solely by the base, an engine would be made somewhere inbetween 1950-55, if these corners were used.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Woe is me on May 10, 2021, 05:34:46 pm
Hey Jan, that is a sweat one. Does the corners of the base suggest an age for it. They're not held together
with those crimped on pieces, they're spot welded with an angle piece. I've seen that before on a D28.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 08, 2021, 03:22:45 am
Thanks guys :)

Seller informed me, that it also has what appears to be the original D16 tagged but unprinted box.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Nick on May 07, 2021, 10:49:02 pm
Well done Jan! Very neat early Wilesco  8)
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: txlabman on May 07, 2021, 03:28:00 pm
I am looking forward to seeing it once it arrives Jan.

Congratulations.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 07, 2021, 02:28:36 am
...even has the funnel.
And more importantly the burner, which often is missing on our engines.
Itīs almost impossible to hunt down a pre-patent burner.
Hereīs the one from the D5:
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Woe is me on May 06, 2021, 10:48:07 pm
Very nice Jan, I like the way the corners on the base are held together. Much stronger.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Jim on May 06, 2021, 05:40:24 pm
That's a great super early model Jan from not long after WWII ended, even has the funnel.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 06, 2021, 03:45:17 pm
Thanks guys :)

It is a 1950-51 model, all depending on the introduction date of the D16 model.
The non-nickeled brass, and wrinkled paint on the bases, was solely used on the very earliest engines.
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: St Paul Steam on May 06, 2021, 03:29:59 pm
Looks good to me, how old do you estimate it to be Jan ?
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Stoker on May 06, 2021, 03:26:10 pm
Jan .... who are you trying to fool .... yourself apparently. ;c)

Clearly you ARE a Wilesco collector, but a very discriminating one who seems only interested in earliest models.

Looks like it is in amazingly good condition from here .... well done!
Title: Re: Old Wilesco
Post by: Dampfopa on May 06, 2021, 03:19:00 pm
Hello Jan,
I almost bid because it is a very well preserved very old Wilesco. But then I left it. Congratulations on your success. An enrichment for every collection.
Title: Old Wilesco
Post by: classixs on May 06, 2021, 02:41:45 pm
I know, iīve said it before...I DON`T COLLECT WILESCO!!! ::) 

However, appearently a few select models can stir an interest still...

Donīt know whether or not i did good, as it is "just a Wilesco" after all.
But as this is the earliest version, and the most complete well preserved example of these iīve ever seen, i decided to bite the bullet, and enter a serious max-bid via AuctionStealer.

[attachimg=1]

Have communicated with the seller both during and after the auction, and it would appear that even the original box is there as well.
The only real flaw iīve found, is some dezink at the front of the boiler, but fingers crossed that it isnīt more than can be soldered up.

Now for the long wait, hoping and praying that it isnīt Ace Ventura who gets to deliver this one.

Once it gets here, it should find good company in this little D5:

[attachimg=2]