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Looking for a Few Empires?
Posted by
RichSteamTx
on 28 May, 2023 08:51
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As most of you know here on the forums I have been bitten my the Empire Metal Ware product line. It started out with my brother gifting me a box of engine parts that had a B-35 Turbine and a 90 where both were in very poor shape and its been down hill ever since! I have gotten very lucky in the last months where a Empire collector (Carl Pilletteri) had his collection sold off to a seller (eBay Slow Joey). To me these engines from his collection are special to me, I am grateful and honored to have them - perhaps that is silly to feel that way but I do.
I have two B-43's variations coming to me soon: the gauge one and the reversing lever with water pump. I also have two of the later No.43 models (long/short boilers) but the other two 43s that I don't have are unique enough I'd love to have them! The No.62, well I just want to cover that model number for my collection ;-)
The engines I am looking for are:- B-43 where the tank has two straps and is a oscillating cylinder. It would be great to have the example with the nameplate tag (I think over the power connector?).
- B-43 that has the side water pump and the round piston action. It would be great to have the example with the nameplate tag (I think over the power connector?).
- No.62 that is either a long or short boiler. These seem very similar to the later 43s - I am kind of on the fence and I guess when/if an example comes up it will speak to me ha!
I'd would like them complete and in good, though fair shape would be okay too (missing parts kicks off my OCD LOL). A working heater is preferred but not required and power cord isn't a requirement at all.
Photos from Empire Book and the B-43 Water Pump from Charlie's YouTube Video. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
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#1 Reply
Posted by
Stoker
on 28 May, 2023 09:13
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Patience will win out!
Try to enjoy the quest to the best of your ability. What are you going to look forward to if you ever get the collection truly complete?
You have had an incredible run of luck, whether that is actually good or bad luck is dependent on the attitude you use looking at the whole picture.
It would seem you have been truly blessed to have gotten so lucky as to be in the right place at the right time with the wherewithal to be able to do something about it. But don't let that success jade you to the joy of the simple pleasures that these machines were created to bring forth!
Enjoy them each individually for just what they are, besides enjoying the whole collection for what it represents!
Just my two cents worth.
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I 100% agree and often times the "chase" is the fun part. As to what I'd do if I get these engines... rebuild my savings account for one LOL! Though I didn't list a engine that I doubt anyone would give up (a B-44) that technically should have been in the collection that SlowJoey is selling but seems to be MIA.
I've have also gotten to know some really great people in this endeavor! Just yesterday Paula is getting me out of a bind that I didn't think I'd get out of (or if I did it was going to be a hack). SlowJoey (Joe) and I have talked for hours over a number of phone calls where only a few minutes is actually about a engine I am asking about. So this hasn't been just about "things" but getting to know very interesting people, including on these forums!
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I picked up a No.62 just now on eBay but she isn't a beauty queen. The Seller originally had it listed as the wrong model number and for a really high buy now/offer. I sent him a message that he should re-list it as a No.62 and I put in a scan of the No.62 Empire book page in my eBay message for him. He asked me a few more questions and give him some more information/opinions (like how to steam it and not to plug it in anymore without water).
Anyways, he re-listed it at a price that I really could not pass up and it will get me a No.62 on the shelf (or as parts) but still I'll be on the outlook for one in better shape.
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#4 Reply
Posted by
Stoker
on 30 May, 2023 09:00
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Well heck, that's got a chimney and a whistle top which is rare enough, so all it really needs is a good clean and polish and a repainted base, and it will be a display quality beauty queen!
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Well, I think I have been spoiled with the items I have been getting lately (like the one with the original paper tag)! I did paint a B30 that was in horrible shape (the top was actually stripped to brass) and it came out pretty good from the rattle spray can.
Luckily I have a "spare" whistle base with handle, so I am good for that part that is broken on it. You are correct, having the whistle topper and stack is in the plus column for sure! We'll see how well it will polish out but I seriously doubt I'll try to repaint it. I try to live by "do no harm" and when I deviate from that mantra I f**k things up LOL!
One thing about the base, it seems to have 4 extra holes. From all the eBay photos I really can tell if the are OEM holes, they seem to be but I don't recall a Empire base having these 4 holes (it has the other normal ones, so that is 6 holes total on the base). Very strange that someone would drill more holes into the base but then again people do strange things!
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#6 Reply
Posted by
RedRyder
on 08 Jun, 2023 18:45
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Man, the nickel on your engine is really nice, the paint on the base too (re-painted?)! Runs / sounds great. That leak on the sight glass is a easy fix, just need some o-rings ;-)
I have a turbine, though the nickel isn't near as nice. Not sure I'd be able to offer you a fair price, since I am not itching for it. I passed up one from Carl's collection being sold by SlowJoey (been meaning to ask him what it finally sold for as it was a buy no / offer listing).
Thank you for thinking of me!! <3
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Got myself a No.62 Long Boiler from a Goodwill Auction I won tonight - so I don't need one of those anymore. It is in really nice shape and isn't missing any parts either! It will pair up with my No.62 Short Boiler that has the pivot on the outer arm.
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#9 Reply
Posted by
txlabman
on 19 Aug, 2023 11:13
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Congratulations Rich.
Another model checked off the list.
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#10 Reply
Posted by
Stoker
on 19 Aug, 2023 11:38
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That one will clean up just like new!
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That one will clean up just like new!
I think you are absolutely correct!
@txlabman - yep, just those two 43's are left and of those two I actually only "need" the one with straps. The other is totally icing on the cake really. I suppose one could say I've been adding icing to my cake for some time now ;-)
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Got the Goodwill Long Boiler in today. It's stamped "43" and not 62 - boo. She was a bit frozen up, so undid the various bits and gave her rods a good cleaning and oiling. I then gave the chrome a lite & easy polish. She looks a beauty but will not steam. She tried to steam but only got to about 150° F. So I'll need to check under the tank to see what is up and fix the heater as required. I hope I don't find anything I can't sort out :-)
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The power lead tabs didn't make the transition to a new heater, so I've bought some 0.6mm thick 99.9% Copper Sheet Roll Copper Strip. Should be fun trying to make new power leads.
Another worry is once I get her heated up/under pressure the front boiler plate will leak at the seams. Back in the day they must of ran the engine out of water really early because there was a glob of solder at the bottom/inside the base (can see gabs between tank and front plate). Then my guess they then put the little engine in a box and its been in storage forever - thus the reason it looks so nice cosmetically. Assuming it leaks, it will be a shame as getting seams resealed in the past has never ended up very nice (cosmetically speaking).
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#14 Reply
Posted by
komet163b
on 25 Aug, 2023 10:08
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Ah, the GLOB at the lowest point of a boiler seam.
I had one like that but it did not leak so I left
it alone.
Don't worry too much about looks. It is not a
million dollar engine, the repair might not be
that visible, and you only have to please yourself.
If the next owner (distant future) is turned off
by the repair, well then they can try to do better.
Anyway, it sure did clean up pretty. I also agree
with you that it must have bn 'cooked' early in its
career. If it runs well, it is a keeper.
Good luck,
Wayne
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