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: RichSteamTx on January 03, 2025, 07:51:11 am
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Nice collection, Empires are very robust models.
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I rearranged the engines, took another photo, then labeled them. While I have duplicate model numbers, there are differences between them. Like the B-43s - pumpers, reverser level, gauge, etc. For the short 62's, one is a copper tank and the other has a black paint. Then there is a No.90, that has a nickel tank - which is really strange but also cool.
In case anyone is wondering, all of these engines / accessories are operational. Some have had their heaters rebuilt and all have had their sight glasses resealed. Only the B-43 Strapped Boiler that is on the B-40 display has been re-painted (at least by me). Oh, and the B-44 I painted - both were in horrid shape. All the others are as they came to me. The only other items not original to some of the engines are whistle toppers but I've gone through great pains (and a bit of cost) to get the likely correct topper for any engine that came to me with a missing topper.
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Impressive indeed! I have all the cast iron based models and the workshop, along with most of the accessories, but your vast collection certainly surpasses mine.
@crazydoug if you ever decide that your Empire B-39 is taking up to much room, keep me in mind. Though I would image there are others that have asked to be kept in mind for your B-39...
@Inge - I suppose being "passionate" is one way to call it ;-)
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You rock! I admire people who are passionate about what they pursue.
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Impressive indeed! I have all the cast iron based models and the workshop, along with most of the accessories, but your vast collection certainly surpasses mine.
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Impressive!
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Thanks @Stoker - I would not have this collection (and in all working order) without the many members that have helped me - then there is the thing of being rather lucky.
FYI: I did update my photo in my post. I didn't like how my microwave was in the upper right of the frame. So I move the table a bit and changed my camera angle. I think it looks mucho better. Though it was scary moving the table LOL!
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That is most certainly an Eye Full of Empire splendor!!!
Perhaps you should now write the book on Empires .... but oh wait .... that book has already been written and published, and your collection there comprises most of the photos that are in that book.
What a score, what a fine collection ........... what a lucky fellow you be!!!!!!!
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Here is a updated Empire Family photo, new addition the Workshop I got from Charlie. Now I am only missing the very rare B-39. There is only one I know of that @crazydoug has in his collection.
I am so very happy to have this Workstop :o
@Nick - if you wanted you could update the banner with this updated photo :-)
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His B-44 is actually running in my video from Cabin Fever when I had my Empire Display in 2019.
I think you mean his B-39, that is next to your B-33. Yep, I have seen that and his two video's on his YouTube Channel. At least you have seen it up close and had your hands on it! For the record, I believe it was used in a different setup for a display, much like the B-40. Here is a ad that I am 95% sure is a B-39 (and not a B-33).
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You are correct. Apologies.
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His B-44 is actually running in my video from Cabin Fever when I had my Empire Display in 2019.
I think you mean his B-39, that is next to your B-33. Yep, I have seen that and his two video's on his YouTube Channel. At least you have seen it up close and had your hands on it! For the record, I believe it was used in a different setup for a display, much like the B-40. Here is a ad that I am 95% sure is a B-39 (and not a B-33).
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His B-44 is actually running in my video from Cabin Fever when I had my Empire Display in 2019.
https://youtu.be/FF5oZku9yz4
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Rich is the closest to anyone of a complete Empire collection. The workshop was acquired as part of a collection I acquired from a guy in California 5+ years ago. I know it is going to a good home and it will be appreciated.
Now, Rich just needs to convince Doug to part with the last remaining Unicorn! :)
Thanks Charlie! I keep hinting at that, even commented that on one of Bruce's videos where "Crazy Doug" popped into the frame - I have no shame LOL
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Rich is the closest to anyone of a complete Empire collection. The workshop was acquired as part of a collection I acquired from a guy in California 5+ years ago. I know it is going to a good home and it will be appreciated.
Now, Rich just needs to convince Doug to part with the last remaining Unicorn! :)
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A great Empire Family Portrait Rich!
Congratulations!
It's going to take me a minute to get my grubby hands on it but Charile is making me a deal I cannot pass up on a No.50 Workshop (https://www.officeofsteamforum.com/general-discussion/empire-metal-ware-corp-workshop-(t2m)-50/). That would leave me just finding a B-39 Solenoid Engine (https://www.officeofsteamforum.com/videos-the-office-of-steam-cinema/does-anyone-know-of-the-existence-of-another-empire-b-39/). I don't know which is worse; knowing there is one out there that is owned by someone or knowing it was made and not ever seeing it outside ads/documents (like the B-44).
Thank you @txlabman / Charlie! It will likely be a few weeks before Nate will make it your way but he'll reach out to insure it is okay to pop by.
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I wasn't going to say anything, since I was pretty sure you would be done updating the header LOL
It would be a pretty big miracle for me to come up with something new to add for a updated photo. For one, the Empires are all back in their proper places around the house and two, there isn't anymore room on the table (I have added all the leafs I have for the table)!
:-)
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Looks like I need to update the header 😉 😂
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Really impressive Rich ! :)
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A great Empire Family Portrait Rich!
Congratulations!
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More Complete with @St Paul Steam reproduction B-41 Display! Thank you Bruce!
From the back to the front, left to right:
- B-41 Display (Reproduction) with B-30 Engine, B-47 Small Farris Wheel, B-40 Hot Air Engine running B-40 Display (Reproduction) with B-31, B-43, & B-35 Engines, B-36 Large Windmill
- No.56 Small Windmill, No.32 Engine running N.50 Water Pump, B-38 Hot Air Engine,
- No.62 Engine, B-43, B-43 with Pump, B-33, Engine B-44 Engine, B-32 Engine, B-42 Engine, B-37
- No.62 Engine, B-43 with Reverser Lever & Pump Engine, B-43 Gauge Engine, No.52 Saw, No. 51 Buffer & Grinder, No.34 Variable Speed, No.92 Engine, No.90 Engine, No.48 Swing
- No.43 Engine, No.62 Engine, No.43 Engine, No.46 Engine, No.43 Turbine Engine, B-43 Windless & Variable Speed, B-34 Variable Speed.
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I’ll have to find them first! :D I believe it’s just the red base itself that is different in size, everything else the same parts.
I see each of them sold on eBay recently, one small and one large. The small one (which I don't have) has less transmission gears! The small one that sold only had one bidder and got a fair deal on it. Now I'll be on the look out for the "small" version - thank you for pointing that out to me (kind of LOL)!
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Digging through all my saved ads, they only seem to show the larger B-34:
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That is a very nice and quite complete collection of Empire plants & supporting accessories, Wow.
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What a fantastic collection of. Empires 😍 well done.
Metal ware corp really had a diverse portfolio of models.
All the details e.g. the cast iron bases with the raised edge which collected oil& water. The Devil is in all small details🙂.
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Impressive personal collection.
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I think what I have is called "OCD" hahahahahah
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Thanks for the updated picture! It’s great how you’ve focused so much on one brand and makes a very impressive collection. I couldn’t do it because I like so many different engines from all over! :D
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When I repeat a model number, it needs to be pretty different now days. The small base with less gears qualifies as "I need it" - Ha!
I updated my previous post with some eBay photos....
Edit, added new shot - engines are dusted, better lighting, and that corner of the picture frame is removed.
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Anything to talk you into more pieces for the collection :D
I did not notice that the larger has more speed options... I bought mine at a local auction thinking it was just an extra because it went cheap and I had to go there anyway for other pieces, and was surprised at the larger size. Guess I never looked at it any closer… now I want to try it out :D
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I’ll have to find them first! :D I believe it’s just the red base itself that is different in size, everything else the same parts.
I see each of them sold on eBay recently, one small and one large. The small one (which I don't have) has less transmission gears! The small one that sold only had one bidder and got a fair deal on it. Now I'll be on the look out for the "small" version - thank you for pointing that out to me (kind of LOL)!
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I’ll have to find them first! :D I believe it’s just the red base itself that is different in size, everything else the same parts.
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I think my new photo should replace my photo that is being used now for the forum banner! My new one more better LOL
Seems like a good idea to me ;)
By the way, I see you have the windlass and variable speed transmission… Did you know the variable speed transmission came in both a big and small base? I did not, but now have both ;D
YAY - I think it looks much better than my old photo - I am again very honored to have my collection on the top banner of the forums!
I didn't know / realize there were two size versions of the variable speed transmission, I'd love to see photos of yours.
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I think my new photo should replace my photo that is being used now for the forum banner! My new one more better LOL
Seems like a good idea to me ;)
By the way, I see you have the windlass and variable speed transmission… Did you know the variable speed transmission came in both a big and small base? I did not, but now have both ;D
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Just awesome - wow
congrats
Arnold :D
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.... Or how fast you have collected it all! ...
This part of your response @Nick got me thinking how this all started. Which was a bunch of broken steam engines my brother gave (thanks Nate - LOL).
I came here begging for help & parts for a B-35 that had little hope of running again. I think I sold it to @steam 4301, since I got a nicer one off eBay.
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I think my new photo should replace my photo that is being used now for the forum banner! My new one more better LOL
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Not sure what is more impressive? That collection? Or how fast you have collected it all!
Well Done!!
Thanks Nick - the catalyst was getting a lot of Carl's collection into my collection - then a LOT of luck.
Update: I now have a Empire B-41 Engine Display coming my way - @St Paul Steam reached out to me and is selling his last one to me!
Now if I could just get that Crazy Doug guy to sell me his B-39!
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Not sure what is more impressive? That collection? Or how fast you have collected it all!
Well Done!!
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Well done on getting most of the set and also knowing where the missing ones are .
Being a Kiwi i am doing the same with David Auld and Cranko and have nearly succeeded
Cheers
Dennis
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Here is a group photo of my Empire Collection. These are the nearly all the major model numbers from Empire. From Don Stilson's book everything, except the B-41 display, is here in this photo (minus variations of early models). There are duplicate model numbers but they are major variations, like the B-43's with or without pump/reversing lever. Or long or short boiler versions.
Missing:
B-39 owned by @crazydoug
B-41 Display - at least two reproductions made by @St Paul Steam & one owned by @txlabman
B-50 Empire Workshop, includes & B-46 Engine running a Grinder/Polisher No.51, & Saw No. 52. Owned by @Nick (https://www.officeofsteamforum.com/index.php?action=profile;u=6), @txlabman, @crazydoug & @maxwell (https://www.officeofsteamforum.com/index.php?action=profile;u=73)
??? - Owned by @txlabman, hasn't demoed it yet - its a mystery model :(
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