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: crazydoug on January 26, 2021, 10:25:12 am

Title: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: crazydoug on January 26, 2021, 10:25:12 am
Thanks to some earlier encouragement from an earlier post, I ordered some Esbit fuel, and decided to give it a try.  I started by boiling water on the stove.  After filling the boiler with this already-heated water, I put two rows of tablets into the burner and lit it up.  It took another four minutes for the boiler to reach fifteen psi, and from there it ran for a good seven minutes, and was able to maintain pressures from 15 to 20 psi, even while running the turbine and operating the whistle intermittently. 

I must say I was very impressed with its operation on Esbit fuel, and surprised that it didn't leave any discoloration to the boiler or housing.  A small amount of soot was evident on the boiler, but it wiped off easily with a soft cloth.  I'm sure that continued use of the Esbit fuel would eventually lead to its showing evidence of being run, but I'm okay with that!


https://youtu.be/iZkiusbIp58
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: St Paul Steam on January 26, 2021, 12:58:24 pm
Gosh these sure are a fun engine aren't they. Nice and well done Doug 😊👍
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: classixs on January 26, 2021, 03:33:51 pm
Well done Doug :) 

Does it have a "porcupine" boiler, like the old plastic turbine (Wilesco T90) had?
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: St Paul Steam on January 26, 2021, 07:17:57 pm
I watched it again Doug and was wondering... Didn't they give you the extension for the pressure gauge in order to put it up front & higher up from the boiler ?
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on January 26, 2021, 07:36:40 pm
Well done Doug :)

Does it have a "porcupine" boiler, like the old plastic turbine (Wilesco T90) had?

Yes, they do

(https://www.officeofsteamforum.com/gallery/officeofsteamforum/1/6-101120232017-11251225.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: crazydoug on January 27, 2021, 07:34:11 am
I watched it again Doug and was wondering... Didn't they give you the extension for the pressure gauge in order to put it up front & higher up from the boiler ?
Well, I had to go find the box for another look- no extension-maybe I'll make one when I get back out to the shop.
crazydoug
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on January 27, 2021, 07:45:28 am
I watched it again Doug and was wondering... Didn't they give you the extension for the pressure gauge in order to put it up front & higher up from the boiler ?
Well, I had to go find the box for another look- no extension-maybe I'll make one when I get back out to the shop.
crazydoug

No extension came with mine... guess Bruce got lucky!
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: schipperke on January 27, 2021, 08:06:27 am

Was ist ein "Porcupine boiler"? Those fingers in the photo?  Does that improve heating?



That turbine looks like a Karsten Gintschel , very well made.  I recall Wilesco had one with a plastic turbine housing.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on January 27, 2021, 08:15:15 am

Was ist ein "Porcupine boiler"? Those fingers in the photo?  Does that improve heating?



That turbine looks like a Karsten Gintschel , very well made.  I recall Wilesco had one with a plastic turbine housing.

Yes, the little “fingers” and they are attached to a plate with round holes that’s soldered to the bottom of the boiler. This should improve heating, and appears to do a good job of it as I ran mine out in the cold and it held pressure.

The T90 is the plastic turbine and turned me away from buying the T125. It wasn’t until I realized it was a Karsten Gintschel turbine and seen how well they worked that I decided to buy one.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on December 29, 2021, 09:36:12 pm
I saw Nick had a T125 turbine video posted 10 months ago, and I could've sworn I saw the T125 on Wilesco's website a month or two ago, and while the shop said out of stock for a long time until then, its out of stock again, but their webpage says order-related production is possible, so is it still possible to get it (likely in the new year, 2022?)
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on December 29, 2021, 09:38:08 pm
I saw Nick had a T125 turbine video posted 10 months ago, and I could've sworn I saw the T125 on Wilesco's website a month or two ago, and while the shop said out of stock for a long time until then, its out of stock again, but their webpage says order-related production is possible, so is it still possible to get it (likely in the new year, 2022?)

Welcome to the forum, unfortunately as far as I know, it will not likely be made again due to the turbine being built by Karsten Gintschel  :-\
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on December 29, 2021, 09:44:09 pm
Interesting, then why were they available in the shop to buy normally a month or two ago, (and they're not doing production-by-order?)  Are you sure Wilesco can't?  Ministeam also says out of stock, but right underneath the line says NOW IN STOCK!  at $909 something.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on December 29, 2021, 09:53:53 pm
Probably just a screw up on their computer end of things… Ministeam in the US was the last that I knew to still have them (10 to 12 November of 2020), but likely all gone by now  :-\  Wilesco cannot build it by themselves, they would need the turbines supplied by Karsten
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on December 29, 2021, 09:57:53 pm
That really sucks, is Ministeam not updated, because it says Out of stock, and right underneath "NOW IN STOCK!"  If not is there any other way I could buy one, like if Wilesco contacts Karsten Gintschel and ask him to build just one more of the actual turbine, and Wilesco builds the rest of the machine?

Or maybe one more option is they contact Karsten to ask for one more of this series
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on December 29, 2021, 10:03:20 pm
As far as I know, Karsten “retired” last year (maybe longer ago now) from supplying big customers like Wilesco/Jensen, and was only doing some private building. I have always had good luck with him, but have heard from others that he wasn’t always reliable.

You can try emailing him direct at gintschel-modellbau@mail.de  You will probably have better luck doing that than you would asking Wilesco to build anything custom for you…
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on December 29, 2021, 10:06:54 pm
That sounds possible, but Wilesco will have to make the rest of the machine, which they probably can, because they make all the other parts, right?
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on December 29, 2021, 10:09:15 pm
So if Karsten can make a turbine part, would he send it to Wilesco and then they build the rest of the machine?  There's no point in me just buying the turbine on its own.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on December 29, 2021, 10:10:03 pm
That sounds possible, but Wilesco will have to make the rest of the machine, which they probably can, because they make all the other parts, right?

So if Karsten can make a turbine part, would he send it to Wilesco and then they build the rest of the machine?  There's no point in me just buying the turbine on its own.

You’re not likely going to have any luck with a single custom build/order from Wilesco  :-\

Are you in the US? If so, best option would be to see if Karsten can build you a turbine and contact Jensen about a boiler.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on December 29, 2021, 10:15:31 pm
I am in the US, correct.  Doesn't it use the same boiler as the Wilesco D21 regular piston-operated steam engine?  Wouldn't he just as easily be able to contact Wilesco to make the same type of build as all other T125's like yours?  I only say so because I've only owned Wilesco steam engines, the D2 and the D14, and bought several spare parts from them too.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on December 29, 2021, 10:20:09 pm
It sounds simple to us, but companies don’t seem to want to do custom orders/builds, even in small hobbies like this. You can email them and ask, but don’t hold your breath…

I also don’t believe the D21 has the extra metal on the underside of the boiler that I have shown in post 4 of this thread.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on December 29, 2021, 10:22:55 pm
How is it custom, it would be the same as your T125, just getting one single turbine made by Karsten and then sent to Wilesco and made the same way all others are.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on December 29, 2021, 10:25:57 pm
How is it custom, it would be the same as your T125, just getting one single turbine made by Karsten and then sent to Wilesco and made the same way all others are.

It’s custom because they have not made them in probably over a year, they built them in batches. Like I said, sounds simple to you and I and these companies should be more accommodating to our needs to keep themselves in business, but they don’t seem to have the interest in it… You can email them, but I doubt you’ll have any luck.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on December 29, 2021, 10:34:17 pm
Do you have multiple T125's of your own or just one?  Would you ever trade an engine and if I paid you the US equivalent of 602 euros $682.19, would you buy a similar engine, like a Jensen 95G or Wilesco D21?  I've seen your channel and it seems like you have quite the collection ;)
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on December 29, 2021, 10:44:29 pm
I have one T125 and one Jensen 95G, sorry neither are for sale. I would highly recommend the 95G if you can find one. Give Karsten an email and see what he has available or can do for you.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on December 29, 2021, 10:48:11 pm
Also, give Doug at Ministeam a call in the morning just in case he has any left.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on December 29, 2021, 10:50:50 pm
I've been on Jensen's website and they do appear to have some turbines, I think the 95G.  However this rep Suzann from Ministeam says they have no more T125's in stock.  How would I get to Doug specifically?
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on December 29, 2021, 10:53:37 pm
Jensen does not have any 95’s available, you would have to find a used one. Jack (SEUSA) on this forum has one for sale

http://www.steamenginesusa.com/index.html
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on December 29, 2021, 11:00:33 pm
$1600 is way over my budget :o

Are you talking about the youtube channel guy crazydoug?  I've seen his too!
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on December 29, 2021, 11:02:41 pm
$1600 is way over my budget :o

Are you talking about the youtube channel guy crazydoug?  I've seen his too!

Send Jack an offer, he may come down in price, but probably not by a lot.

crazydoug is a member of the forum (same name here) Doug is the owner of Ministeam
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on December 29, 2021, 11:05:04 pm
How can I contact him directly? (Doug of MiniSteam)
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on December 29, 2021, 11:09:38 pm
1-740-936-5217 If you already talked to Suzanne and she said they are out of stock, then they are likely out of stock… they haven’t been made for awhile
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on December 29, 2021, 11:11:47 pm
It sure is really sad, when did they stop being made?  Like very beginning of 2021 or was it between 2015 and 2018.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: txlabman on December 30, 2021, 08:38:50 am

Based on Nick's and Doug's recommendation, I bought one for myself for Christmas 2020.

Mine is still in the box and it may stay that way for a while.

It is one of two Wilesco Engines that I own; the other is an older D32 which I have only turn on air.

I have been considering selling it, but it is such a pain to box properly and ship.  I was planning on taking it to Cabin Fever; but I can't go now because a good friend is getting married on January 15th.

Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on December 30, 2021, 08:52:00 am
You really need to fire up that T125 Charlie!! It is so much fun powering small train sets with it  8)
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: crazydoug on December 30, 2021, 10:40:15 am
You really need to fire up that T125 Charlie!! It is so much fun powering small train sets with it  8)
Small train? Well, now I have to buy a small train to run! Can you give me an example of what type of train?
Crazydoug
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on December 30, 2021, 10:57:44 am
You really need to fire up that T125 Charlie!! It is so much fun powering small train sets with it  8)
Small train? Well, now I have to buy a small train to run! Can you give me an example of what type of train?
Crazydoug

It will power Karsten’s if you have one. Otherwise there are plenty of cheap battery powered N-scale sets that it will have no problem with. I haven’t tried my HO set yet but my Blue Thunder has no problem so I think the T125 could do it.

https://youtu.be/m1aweMUSMdM

https://youtu.be/zWURC6eZP_k
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on December 31, 2021, 04:51:20 am
Txlabman I'd highly appreciate it I could buy anywhere in the $600-900 range but 602 euro originally is about $678 USD, I REALLY would LOVE to have this rare engine I would play with it all the time.  And definitely promise to take great care of it, I have a special cabinet in my garage with all my hobby engines, steam, stirling, and gas engines.  Would you take an Apple payment, like via text.  Being the enthusiastic collector, I'd absolutely love to have it.  Ever since I was a little boy, I loved airplanes and the sound of the turbine was one of the most thrilling parts, and getting to have one of my own would be a dream come true, hearing an almost-jet engine like sound
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on January 01, 2022, 09:51:13 pm
I hope you guys are still here on the thread, I hope Charlie gets back on soon.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: IndianaRog on January 02, 2022, 06:49:36 am
Doug, as for trains you can run off our steam engine generators, I found Bachmann N scale sets run great off my Jensen 51 replica which has a DC stepper motor built in that makes ample power to run several accessories at the same time. The Blue Thunder generator often mentioned on here uses the same stepper motor setup.

Amazon sells the Bachmann sets...typical set with engine, four cars and track will run about $110 delivered.  I once tried to get one of Karsten's train sets, but initially thought he wanted too much $$$...later they were simply unavailable.  The N scale works perfectly and sitting on the track it stands about 1 inch tall.  I love mine. You can also get more rolling stock easily.  Just don't match Bachmann and Kato N scale cars, their couplers don't work well together.

Roger
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: RedRyder on January 02, 2022, 09:34:10 am
Karsten has proven unreliable multiple times in the past. 
That said, he is a very talented and skilled artisan.

Also consider that, per contract, he may cannot make a Jensen Turbine for a his private customers. 
I believe there are ethical and legal issues prevent this.

I would expect Wilesco and Ministeam have a similar contract with him. It was Doug at Ministeam who brought Karsten to Wilesco, made the intro and put the deal together. 

If my conclusions are incorrect, please let me know. 
In other words, if anyone has actually acquired a Jensen Turbine or Wilesco Turbine, directly from Karsten, we should know there is a possible source.

Gil
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on January 02, 2022, 09:41:35 am
Let me know when Txlabman is back on if that's possible.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on January 02, 2022, 09:44:56 am
Karsten has proven unreliable multiple times in the past.
That said, he is a very talented and skilled artisan.

Also consider that, per contract, he may cannot make a Jensen Turbine for a his private customers.
I believe there are ethical and legal issues prevent this.


I would expect Wilesco and Ministeam have a similar contract with him. It was Doug at Ministeam who brought Karsten to Wilesco, made the intro and put the deal together.

If my conclusions are incorrect, please let me know.
In other words, if anyone has actually acquired a Jensen Turbine or Wilesco Turbine, directly from Karsten, we should know there is a possible source.

Gil

Good point hadn’t thought of copies being made
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: KNO3 on January 02, 2022, 01:06:52 pm
Karsten has proven unreliable multiple times in the past.
That said, he is a very talented and skilled artisan.

Also consider that, per contract, he may cannot make a Jensen Turbine for a his private customers.
I believe there are ethical and legal issues prevent this.

I would expect Wilesco and Ministeam have a similar contract with him. It was Doug at Ministeam who brought Karsten to Wilesco, made the intro and put the deal together.

If my conclusions are incorrect, please let me know.
In other words, if anyone has actually acquired a Jensen Turbine or Wilesco Turbine, directly from Karsten, we should know there is a possible source.

Gil

I have bought a Gintschel T125 style turbine directly from Carsten and he delivered it modified (on my request) with a smaller base and a wide exhaust pipe placed where the Wilesco model has just some exhaust holes. It is coupled to a generator as well. It is very nicely made, I am quite happy with it.

He also made several turbine models, different from the Wilesco and Jensen models, and they looked even nicer.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: crazydoug on January 02, 2022, 04:17:42 pm
Doug, as for trains you can run off our steam engine generators, I found Bachmann N scale sets run great off my Jensen 51 replica which has a DC stepper motor built in that makes ample power to run several accessories at the same time. The Blue Thunder generator often mentioned on here uses the same stepper motor setup.

Amazon sells the Bachmann sets...typical set with engine, four cars and track will run about $110 delivered.  I once tried to get one of Karsten's train sets, but initially thought he wanted too much $$$...later they were simply unavailable.  The N scale works perfectly and sitting on the track it stands about 1 inch tall.  I love mine. You can also get more rolling stock easily.  Just don't match Bachmann and Kato N scale cars, their couplers don't work well together.

Roger
Thanks roger for the info. I had a blue thunder
 But sold it some time at could you possibly give me a link to the correct stepper motor it used?
I wish I had bought Karsten,s train while available!
Crazydoug
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on January 02, 2022, 04:22:17 pm
Karsten’s trains might still be available, send him an email  ;)
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: crazydoug on January 02, 2022, 04:26:16 pm
Karsten has proven unreliable multiple times in the past.
That said, he is a very talented and skilled artisan.

Also consider that, per contract, he may cannot make a Jensen Turbine for a his private customers.
I believe there are ethical and legal issues prevent this.

I would expect Wilesco and Ministeam have a similar contract with him. It was Doug at Ministeam who brought Karsten to Wilesco, made the intro and put the deal together.

If my conclusions are incorrect, please let me know.
In other words, if anyone has actually acquired a Jensen Turbine or Wilesco Turbine, directly from Karsten, we should know there is a possible source.

Gil

I have bought a Gintschel T125 style turbine directly from Carsten and he delivered it modified (on my request) with a smaller base and a wide exhaust pipe placed where the Wilesco model has just some exhaust holes. It is coupled to a generator as well. It is very nicely made, I am quite happy with it.

He also made several turbine models, different from the Wilesco and Jensen models, and they looked even nicer.

I have both the Jensen and wilesco turbines, as well as several of karsten,s other turbines as well, and I would have to agree that I like them even better than the Jensen\wilesco ones.
Crazydoug
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: crazydoug on January 02, 2022, 04:29:11 pm
Karsten’s trains might still be available, send him an email  ;)
Thanks Nick, i,ll try sending him an email
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on January 03, 2022, 04:17:53 am
KNO3 have you thought of selling your T125, say if you don't use it, given all of Karsten's other works you have?
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: KNO3 on January 03, 2022, 11:20:07 am
KNO3 have you thought of selling your T125, say if you don't use it, given all of Karsten's other works you have?
Hello Steamytiger, I haven't thought of selling my turbine and it is the only product made by Carsten Gintschel that I have. Maybe you are thinking of someone else?

Anyway, if you want his turbine, I encourage you to contact him. He might even have some in stock. When I bought it from him the price was very fair, he also customised it on my request.
If you need his email, contact me by email or pm.
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on January 04, 2022, 04:50:07 am
The whole Wilesco T125 setup?  Karsten might have those?
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on January 04, 2022, 06:22:21 am
The whole Wilesco T125 setup?  Karsten might have those?

Have you emailed him yet?
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on January 04, 2022, 07:35:24 am
No I haven't just yet, and to remember what is his email address?
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on January 04, 2022, 08:02:15 am
No I haven't just yet, and to remember what is his email address?

Well as much as you want one, you might as well start with your best option and get an email sent to Karsten… 

gintschel-modellbau@mail.de
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Bentwings on January 09, 2022, 01:46:07 pm
FingerI jt h Lahr b pcud  ell sty mini n I all hv x dynamo  generator   the mini tubin e   M no bigger than index finger  thought I perfect sized I’d  like to get but  I need to regenerate bank account . LOL I’ve ever purchased my own birthday gift before . I really did it this time. . My care giver accountant I going to have a fit.  But yak now what? it’s my birthday and my money so I’ll spend it as I see it. Besides St. Peter won’t let me bring toys , money or guns . The other guy doesent care he just wants my soul.
Byron
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: SteamyTiger on January 13, 2022, 11:58:48 pm
@txlabman I wasn't sure if my most recent messages sent.  Double-checking a while forward now about the T125, like a late Christmas gift I'd buy ;)
Title: Re: Wilesco T125 Turbine Running on Steam, Esbit Fuel Fired
Post by: Nick on January 14, 2022, 05:58:45 am
Did Karsten email you back?