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

Builds, Repairs, Show Your Machines! => Collections & Pictures => Topic started by: Richard2827 on May 03, 2023, 06:39:38 pm

Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: RedRyder on May 18, 2023, 12:27:07 pm
Has anyone here been able to actually talk with Richard2827 ?

I am asking because after a brief communication by pm with just 1 response a week ago, I reached out through ebay and again here and he has gone unresponsive off the grid.

edit: I will add that he invited me to reach out anytime.

Gil
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: RedRyder on May 05, 2023, 06:40:25 am
As far as I know, cedge was not an owner of this machine. I will ask to be sure.
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Nick on May 05, 2023, 06:32:43 am
No I'm not the original owner. He has passed on. Steve in the letter his last name is not Jensen. I believe you guys are correct. Tom Jr must have had a personal close relationship to Steve.

I was tagging Cedge (Steve Tyner) to see if he was original owner 😉
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Richard2827 on May 05, 2023, 06:09:05 am
.
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Richard2827 on May 05, 2023, 05:12:51 am
No I'm not the original owner. He has passed on. Steve in the letter his last name is not Jensen. I believe you guys are correct. Tom Jr must have had a personal close relationship to Steve.
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Nick on May 05, 2023, 12:12:51 am
@Cedge are you the original owner of this engine?
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Nick on May 05, 2023, 12:08:22 am
I do wonder given how the letter is written if the "Steve" isn't Steve Tyner Jensen head of their online computer presence and programming. I don't think the note is from Tom Jr. The initial s don't look like TJ but more like JF- John Foskett, also n/c (no charge) if needed denotes a closeness to the project.
I was also thinking Cedge, and tried to find his website because he used to have a story on there of when he got into the hobby but for some reason I thought it was the early 2000’s?
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: St Paul Steam on May 04, 2023, 09:49:36 pm
Wow , I've never seen a complete example before, extremely rare. Its obvious though the Jensen ad photo has some major photo shopping going on, her right shoulder is missing ,she's not actually holding it, and the background is Super imposed.

Bruce:

I think a SPS Replica is already floating around in your head. :)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1093592573/cape-hatteras-lighthouse-diy-desktop?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_-art_and_collectibles-domestic_low&utm_custom1=_k_a9466c1d56a81fdd2345084ee03838fe_k_&utm_content=bing_412371534_1305120600158729_81570101298775_pla-4585169652921505:pla-4585169652921505_c__1093592573&utm_custom2=412371534&msclkid=a9466c1d56a81fdd2345084ee03838fe (https://www.etsy.com/listing/1093592573/cape-hatteras-lighthouse-diy-desktop?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_-art_and_collectibles-domestic_low&utm_custom1=_k_a9466c1d56a81fdd2345084ee03838fe_k_&utm_content=bing_412371534_1305120600158729_81570101298775_pla-4585169652921505:pla-4585169652921505_c__1093592573&utm_custom2=412371534&msclkid=a9466c1d56a81fdd2345084ee03838fe)

Charlie
I thought about it years ago Charlie & it wouldn't be very dificult, just not my cuppa'
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: St Paul Steam on May 04, 2023, 09:37:40 pm
I do wonder given how the letter is written if the "Steve" isn't Steve Tyner Jensen head of their online computer presence and programming. I don't think the note is from Tom Jr. The initial s don't look like TJ but more like JF- John Foskett, also n/c (no charge) if needed denotes a closeness to the project.
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Richard2827 on May 04, 2023, 08:18:49 pm
Thank you for the info. I have alot to learn and value any input.
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Nick on May 04, 2023, 08:03:06 pm
This is the information I was given on the Deluxe models: John Loughner developed and made these for John Foskett. While officially unauthorized by Tom Jensen Jr., They were offered only through Jensen via John Foskett, the then sales manager/general manager of Jensen Steam engines. Also featured on these engines is a ball-bearing Jensen 15 generator/lamp post.

Maybe @SteamerJ (John Loughner) can share some info?
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Richard2827 on May 04, 2023, 06:59:25 pm
After reaching out to Jensen MFG Co they have informed me this was not a model made in their shop. So I'd assume it was made by Tom Jr in his own personal shop.
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Richard2827 on May 04, 2023, 03:51:58 pm
This is the side view showing the switch to power the lighthouse.
[attach=1]
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Richard2827 on May 04, 2023, 03:48:41 pm
I found an artist name on the bottom of the light house. I'd imagine it's the same person as the ones Gil has. Alan Perrine [attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: RichSteamTx on May 04, 2023, 01:03:22 pm
I have to say this item with the document is out of this world!!  Welcome to the forum and thank you for posting your fabulous item!
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: txlabman on May 04, 2023, 01:01:15 pm
That piece of paper just added a significant value, to an already priceless score.
Amazing find!!!

Agreed!
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: classixs on May 04, 2023, 12:15:14 pm
That piece of paper just added a significant value, to an already priceless score.
Amazing find!!!
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Richard2827 on May 04, 2023, 11:31:07 am
It also came with a note from Tom Jensen Jr to the 1st owner.



[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: txlabman on May 04, 2023, 08:45:20 am
Wow , I've never seen a complete example before, extremely rare. Its obvious though the Jensen ad photo has some major photo shopping going on, her right shoulder is missing ,she's not actually holding it, and the background is Super imposed.

Bruce:

I think a SPS Replica is already floating around in your head. :)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1093592573/cape-hatteras-lighthouse-diy-desktop?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_-art_and_collectibles-domestic_low&utm_custom1=_k_a9466c1d56a81fdd2345084ee03838fe_k_&utm_content=bing_412371534_1305120600158729_81570101298775_pla-4585169652921505:pla-4585169652921505_c__1093592573&utm_custom2=412371534&msclkid=a9466c1d56a81fdd2345084ee03838fe (https://www.etsy.com/listing/1093592573/cape-hatteras-lighthouse-diy-desktop?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_-art_and_collectibles-domestic_low&utm_custom1=_k_a9466c1d56a81fdd2345084ee03838fe_k_&utm_content=bing_412371534_1305120600158729_81570101298775_pla-4585169652921505:pla-4585169652921505_c__1093592573&utm_custom2=412371534&msclkid=a9466c1d56a81fdd2345084ee03838fe)

Charlie
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: txlabman on May 04, 2023, 08:42:19 am
Epic find!

Right up there with Crazydoug's purchase of a Jensen 51 from Craigslist.

Congratulations.
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Nick on May 04, 2023, 07:39:40 am
I have both a 55G and 20G Deluxe here (minus a lighthouse), but what is surprising is they are two of my most worn out and neglected Jensens! I thought being such special pieces they would have been as nice as Richard’s. The 55 looks good in my video but the engine has a lot of slop/play/wear and the 20 I have is filthy

https://youtu.be/4vGCMutf-iU
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: RedRyder on May 04, 2023, 07:38:15 am
That's amazing. What else is amazing is that Gil had one and let it go.
Great find Richard.
I did let mine go to a fine home with Jim. 
He also has my former 20G Deluxe.

Mine however was never intended for the lighthouse.
It was just posing for the picture with a lighthouse resting on the corner.
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Woe is me on May 04, 2023, 07:32:03 am
That's amazing. What else is amazing is that Gil had one and let it go.
Great find Richard.
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: classixs on May 04, 2023, 02:32:25 am
Just... WOW!!!

Congratulations and exceedingly well done Richard!
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: St Paul Steam on May 03, 2023, 10:19:20 pm
Wow , I've never seen a complete example before, extremely rare. Its obvious though the Jensen ad photo has some major photo shopping going on, her right shoulder is missing ,she's not actually holding it, and the background is Super imposed.
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Nick on May 03, 2023, 09:29:58 pm
Did the model come with it?  :D
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Richard2827 on May 03, 2023, 09:20:08 pm
Yes I believe you guys are correct. It does match.
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Stoker on May 03, 2023, 09:14:36 pm
My calibrated forensic eye suggests that the wood grain is the same in those two photos.

I suppose that is to be expected being that it is numbered as GL-0001
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: RedRyder on May 03, 2023, 09:04:01 pm
Looking at my advertising photo...

I am pretty certain yours is the one used in the photo due to the wood grain on both being identical.

Note also the Limited version is on a wider wood base to accommodate the lighthouse and the lighthouse had more detail added to it's base after the promotional photo was taken.

What a great acquisition, Richard...!!!

Gil
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: RedRyder on May 03, 2023, 08:38:08 pm
55G Deluxe Limited...!!!

Wow! That is a great piece offered for only a few years in the 1990s..

I had a 55 G Deluxe identical to yours but without the lighthouse. There were a few of the Deluxe edition made but yours is the only one I have seen with the lighthouse hence the "Limited" designation.

I have an advertising photo that may well have your machine pictured or one like it.

I also have 2 of those lighthouses which are scale replicas of the Cape Hatteras lighthouse.

I will locate and add the advertising photo tomorrow.

Welcome aboard and congrats...!!!

Gil


EDIT:

Here are a couple pictures.
One of the Advertising photo taken in front of the actual lighthouse at Cape Hatteras.
(the girl and/or the engine may have been photoshopped into this picture)

The other picture is of my 55 Deluxe with one of my lighthouses perched on it.
My 55 G Deluxe is now with Jim in Australia.

I do have here the original prototype 55 G Deluxe and 20 G Deluxe. 
They are both on much smaller bases.



[attachimg=1]



[attachimg=2]
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Nick on May 03, 2023, 08:35:21 pm
Awesome!! @RedRyder check this out!!
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Richard2827 on May 03, 2023, 08:32:28 pm
Yes it's a hell of a way to start. A friend showed me his steam engines and I was hooked. Started looking online and found this for sale within driving distance. Didn't realize how significant it is until I got it home. It's never been used. I also have a Wilesco D21 that I've been running alot. Can't control myself.
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Nick on May 03, 2023, 08:22:52 pm
Well, that’s sure one heck of a way to get started in the hobby!! :D  How did you find this?
Title: Re: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Stoker on May 03, 2023, 06:49:00 pm
Unicorn for certain and for sure!!!
Title: Jensen #55GL prototype
Post by: Richard2827 on May 03, 2023, 06:39:38 pm
Im new to steam engines but have had a great start to this hobby/ addiction. My first one is this. Jensen #55GL made in 1996. I believe its the only one of its kind. A unicorn for sure.






[attachimg=1][attachimg=2][attachimg=3]