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

The first I played with was my Dad's and his Dad's Weeden 14 which I over revved and disintegrated the flywheel.

The first steam engine I could call my own was a Christmas gift from my grandparents ca 1960-61 who must have remembered me (7 months earlier on a previous visit) drooling over the Jensen #55 in the glass counter display case at a hobby shop near their home. It was just the right height off the floor to catch the eye and imagination of this young boy. By Christmas I was thinking about other things and having no idea what was in this heavy box. I was filled with joy and mightily chuffed to open a box to find a shiny new Jensen #55.

Fast forward to around 1999-2000... I knew I still had it yet it took me 4 years to find it after I began collecting steam engines over 20 years ago while I was searching boxes for ancient family photographs. Finding it gave a me joy similar to that on the day I opened that box over 60 years ago. It was just as I remembered it... #55 engine on wood base with entire boiler assembly missing.

I acquired another #55 from which I cannibalized the entire boiler assembly. I repainted the black parts and put the beast back together.

Over the years I acquired 3 more #55s that were of the same era but in nicer condition. I sold or traded each of them, always keeping my original #55 for obvious sentimental reasons.

Enjoy!

Gil


Here it is!
as found...  and restored as it should be



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