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

Here is a picture of a French Jean Comby engine with a plinth mounted generator. I wonder if the generator is factory original or was added later?

Happy Steaming


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I have no actual knowledge on this, but after my first thought of the generator looking a bit too "new", I started looking a bit closer and have decided that it does have the potential of being original.

My primary reason for thinking so is that there would be no other likely reason for the back side of the base to be large enough to accommodate the equipment that is now there, unless it was intended to provide space for something similar. Also, the size of the crankshaft drive pulley (which may or may not be original) is also appropriate for gearing up the needed amount to properly drive a generator.

In other words, why would they provide such a large blank area behind the engine and boiler, and such a large drive pulley, if something like what is seen here was not originally intended?!?!

  Original, I think.  The placement of the engine is to the left of where it
would normally be, the red JC sticker is placed exactly by the generator, and
the screws/nuts holding the generator to the base look....old and original.

Did anyone notice the old box?  Hmmmm.

To be sure about this engine we will need to see a batch of advertisements and
catalogs showing Comby steam toys.  And, where does JEP fit into the Comby world
(or vice-versa)?

Give up yet?

Wayne