Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines
The Regular Stuff: Chat, Buy, Sell, Off Topic, etc. => General Discussion - Model & Toy Steam Engines – Stirling Cycle – Flame Lickers – Small Antique Originals => Topic started by: grahng on March 19, 2023, 07:10:10 pm
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Welcome to the Forum from the Great State of Texas.
American Manufacturers:
Jensen
Empire
Weeden (weedensteam.com)
Only one still in business is Jensen. (jensensteamengines.com)
Mamod is the only UK Manufacturer still in business (mamod.co.uk).
Wilesco is the only German Manufacturer (of any scale) still in business (wilesco.de/en/).
I suggest you scan their websites and see what catches your eye.
You could also consider looking at a PM Research kit:
https://www.pmmodelengines.com/
Finally, Forest Classics (https://www.forest-classics.co.uk)has a nice website.
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great topic...should probably be a sticky somewhere
I too am new to the hobby and trying to get a handle on what to buy. a couple other names I have come across are Stuart (seems expensive) Polish steam company, PM research, Canadian model engineering, chiltern.
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To all...Is Mamod a brand that is worth looking at?
An older SE3 with this style whistle, level plug and alcohol burner is a very nice Mamod to own
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Great response and very much appreciated. I thank you.
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Another welcome from Indiana. I personally favor Jensen's of the electric variety...have had many over the years. You ask about Mamod's...they are made in England and have been around for many years. They are all fire heated as I recall (no electrics), and some of the older ones are very nice. There is a fellow who makes a reproduction of a now discontinued Mamod. I have had one of his pieces and it is made better than the originals and if you like fire heated...can't be beat. Personally I am not a Wilesco fan, bit too tinny for my liking, but they are loved by many on this forum. Wilesco's are available in flame fired and electric...D16 or D20 models seem to be favorites.
If I can "plug" one electric, it would be the Jensen 25 of the older, cast iron variety...hard to go wrong. If the electric heater goes out, they are easily replaced with new made parts from Jensen, a US maker.
Whatever you choose, you will enjoy the process of discovery.
Roger
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To all...Is Mamod a brand that is worth looking at?
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Thank you Bret. Much appreciated sir.
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Jensens use low temperature paint on the firebox. It will scorch after the first use. You can't clean it after firing. A lot of owners remove the factory paint and repaint using high temp paint before first use. Or leave it to scorch like I do ;D .
You can use sterno, but the dry fuel Jensens are made for Esbit tablets. You'd need a correct burner for liquid fuel. Most use a Bix gas burner instead of the stinky Esbit.
BTW, welcome to the forum from Illinois!
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Thank you John. When you say the firebox will be scorched, is that something that will clean up after use?
Is it ok to use stereo as fuel?
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A lot will be a matter of your taste. Jensen’s are built like a tank but minimal features and the firebox will be scorched with the first use. Wilesco not as sturdy but sturdy enough with reasonable care. More features especially on the larger ones. Home built is a crapshoot if buying online. If built correctly you can get awesome engines. If not you will be very disappointed. I prefer to buy home built ones from someone that you know.
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Re:"Just not sure on makers, who makes good stuff." , its kind of like any other man-made item...it depends on how well it was taken care of and/or who made it (if home built) being somewhat of a Jensen fan myself I would suggest the Jensen #75 (fuel fired) or the identical Jensen #25 (electrically heated) same plant just different heat sources. these can usually be bought used for under $100 & are generally bullet proof.
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Going off some of the engines you are thinking of, I would say find an older gray based Wilesco D-16 over a D-20. Probably the Wilesco I run the most.
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Bruce, thank you sir for your response. I was afraid you might say that. My initial search has I would say confused me. Budget is always an issue but at the Same time, I like to get the best quality that my budget can afford. I hate wasting money on junk. I like things that are different, interesting and catch your eye. I doubt I will ever buy more than 2. But then never say never. Lol
My wife generally says to me when I get an interest in things, what are you going to do with that. Women just don’t get it. I did see a Wilesco, model D20 and the D455. Also a Mamod car.
Just not sure on makers, who makes good stuff.
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Greetings and warm welcome from St. Paul In. Re:what engines to consider...they are as many opinions as there are members here, depends on your budget and what your interested in.
Cheers , Bruce
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Hello, I am new to this forum and new to the hobbit. I do not have an engine yet. Can you tell me the brands to consider. Thank you