Hello,
This my first time here. My 86 year father passed this summer and we're cleaning out the old homestead so mom can downsize. I cam across an Empire B35 steam engine that dad brought home from grandpas's after he passed in 1972. I was but a lad at the time - 9 years old or so. He said this was mine now. But I remember dad firing it up, making the whistle blow, and watching the flywheel speed up. He unplugged it, put in the box, and set it on the shelf in the basement. It has been on that shelf until yesterday.
About all I know about it is that grandpa bought it new for his new twin boys (dad). There were born in 1933, so that dates the engine about 1930ish? Grandpa lived in WI at the time and his folks, my great grandparents farm around Two Rivers and Manitawoc from the turn of the century up until the 50's. So I assume he bought it from the factory.
I'm hoping those here can shed some more light on this model and maybe Empire Metal Ware. I have pictures if I can figure out how to post them. Everything is in original condition as I know it; including the cord. I haven't even dusted it off - so I guess whatever condition it is in si the same as it was in 1972 and before that it was last run during WWII according to my dad. Thanks all.
Empires are great engines and the b35 engine turbine is an interesting one at that. It's great
that yours has a family history and can be traced back to the time it was purchased. I own one
of the more common B30 models and it is one of my favorite engines. It's a great runner and it
exhibits the solid quality that the cast-iron based models are known for. I hope you run yours and
Enjoy it. Please post a picture soon and welcome to the forum. Thanks for posting.
Paul.
Empire Steam Engines were produced by the Metal Ware Corporation based in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.
They, and their predecessors, produced model steam engines from the early 1900s until the late 1960s.
The only book on the company was written by Don Stilson (deceased) and copies regularly sell on eBay for $100+. Most records from the company were destroyed in a fire. So, the only remaining documentation is from Mr. Stilson’s Book.
Below is the text of a letter found by another collector that provides some additional information.
“From V. F. Trastek
Vice President
October 16, 1978
This refers to your letter of September 27 pertaining to two models of Empire toy steam engines.
The oldest catalog we have on file dates back to 1926. The B-35 turbine model also listed in this catalog and for your immediate reference a photocopy describing this engine is attached. The retail list in 1926 was $11.00 each. We have no records available which would indicate the quantity made on a yearly basis.
In the year 1930, we listed a B-32 engine which was battery operated. A photocopy showing this engine is also attached. In the year 1946, the Company manufactured the piston model under #32 and it carried a retail list of $12.50 each.
Approximately thirteen years ago, the Company discontinued the manufacturing of all toy items which included the popular steam engine line. While spare parts were available at that time, over the past years the supply has become exhausted and the Company did not reorder extra parts.
The supply of manuals is also depleted and our only records available is one issue of the old catalogs starting with 1926.
We hope this information will be of some value to you and regret that we cannot comply with your request for extra parts, etc.
Yours truly
hand signed
V. F. TrastekVice President
pk”
Below are a few screenshots of ones sold on eBay.
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That's great that you know so much history on the engine
Welcome to the forum from MN
Good rundown Charlie. I was just going to post that he was in the right place to find knowledgeable friends.
Thank you to all who responded. Good guys here.
Here are some pics. You can enlarge them by clicking on the thumbnail. This hasn't been cleaned or even wiped down in 48 years. It ran when dad showed it to me around 1972ish. It's been in a box on a shelf since then.
Speaking with mom, she asked if we'd ever use it. Perhaps, but it is more likely that it would sit on a shelf for another 48 years. We all agreed that we would like it to go to someone who is passionate about steam engines...and will get enjoyment out of it. So I told her about this forum and how helpful you all are. I think she'd let it go at a fair price to someone who will maybe show their kids or grandkids the fun that can be had from such a simple, yet important piece of machinery.
Nice engine . I have 10 of them and love every one of them .I restored them there are pictures of 8 of them on here.
Great peace of history with that one.
I would like to buy it if you still have ? I have a Strange mental disorder when it comes to the B-35s
That's what folks tell me any way