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Hi again, everyone. I'm back with another "project" engine, this time generously donated by Richard (@RichSteamTx). Thank you, Rich!
As the title says, it's an Empire (or "Empco") model B-43. According to the Stilson book, the B-43 model was introduced in 1930, and is among the most common models (including the No. 43 model) produced by the Metal Ware Corporation. I'm not sure when this particular engine was produced. Maybe one of the experts out there has an idea.
At any rate, it's of the reciprocating, double-acting type. Other than the failed paint, it's really not in bad shape. The heater works, and most of the plating is in good condition. It's missing a couple of parts, such as the throttle screw, and the shoulder bolt which serves as the crank pin. The cap which fits on the whistle is broken off, but still present.
Here are some "before" pictures (the whistle and smokestack have been removed, and are shown in a separate picture):
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This should be a rewarding project. I'm planning to fabricate the missing parts, just for the fun of it, and may even renew some of the nickel plating to achieve a new appearance. I've already started taking the engine apart, and preparing some of the pieces for new paint. Stay tuned...
Paula -
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Awesome, you have started!
I want to say this is more of a early model since it has the "round" sight glass fittings and the glass tube slips into the round fittings. Just like a Empire B30 or B31. So I am thinking early 1930s. I love The "round" sight glass fittings. Not only by the looks of them but they are also easier to seal with O-Rings.
I can't wait to see how this turns out and I hope you enjoy the engine! -
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That base will take paint very well as you said, the nickel looks pretty good.
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I have posted this before.
The correct paint color for Empire Engines is Krylon Number RTA 9230 Cherry Red.
Good luck with the restoration Paula.
I look forward to following the thread.
Charlie -
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I have posted this before.
@txlabman That paint color changed at some point and is too dark now IMO. At first I had one or two cans that was perfect but its a shame its too dark now. Start here where I posted the YouTube when I did my B-43 Strapped engine. I then moved to Dupli-Color Perfect Match BGM0398 Bright Red paint (auto paint). But it is pricey and half as much paint.
The correct paint color for Empire Engines is Krylon Number RTA 9230 Cherry Red.
Good luck with the restoration Paula.
I look forward to following the thread.
Charlie
Another guy that I got a engine from used Krylon Dual Superbond "Banner Red" but it doesn't seem like they produce "Dual Superbond" anymore. There is a Krylon COLORmaxx Gloss Banner Red but I am not sure if that is just rebranding (I sent in a question to Krylon about it). I hope it is as it is a really close color to Empire Red for B-43s and onward.
EDIT:
The EMPCO B-43 that I got in yesterday that the PO painted with "Krylon Banner Red" but for whatever reason didn't paint the wheel (just stripped it bare) I just painted it with Krylon Number RTA 9230 Cherry Red. I figured it would better than bare metal. Luckily I'm giving it to my brother, so it will be out of sight of out mind! Once it is dry I'll post a comparison between what I believe is a original painted Empire B-43 reverser/pump engine and this B-43 Strapped Boiler with Banner Red & Cherry Red Wheel. -
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Thanks for the paint info, guys. I'm planning to use Rust-Oleum "Ford Red" engine enamel, like I used on my last two Empire engines. Mainly because it's a heat-rated engine paint, it's what I have in house, and because it will "match" my other engines.
Also, it dries slowly, so it flows out better than some of the faster drying paints I've used. It's held up well so far, and I just like the color.
Here a couple shots of my B-31 base, with the Rust-Oleum paint:
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That's a nice red and as you say:
- You have it in stock
- It matches your other engines
That's a winning combo for sure
Edit:
Here is color compare between what I believe is Original Empire paint on the B-43 Pumper/Reverser, then Krylon Cherry Red and Banner Red on the B-43 Strapped Boiler. -
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Richard, thanks for posting that color comparison, and for showing us two nice engines.
I try not to get overly concerned about different color shadings. If the shade is way off, then sure, it can affect the quality of the job. But how sure can we be about the authenticity of a color when the paint film is 50-60 years old? Paint films are subject to oxidation and fading over time. And I'm almost certain that color shades at the factory varied slightly from lot to lot. I am more concerned about the durability of the paint film -- and how well it holds up to heat and moisture -- and how easy it is to apply. I also like when it doesn't dry too fast, as that can lead to "orange peel".
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Paula -
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All very true! I hate painting, it sucks. LOL
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PROGRESS REPORT
I've got the engine disassembled. Everything came apart pretty easily, except the rivets of course, which had to be drilled out. The crankshaft is knurled on one end and pressed into the flywheel. A 3/16" pin punch can be used to press it out:
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Cleanup of the parts was fairly straightforward. Some parts had light corrosion, and were soaked in vinegar or lacquer thinner, then polished with fine steel wool. Here is an overview of the (non-sheet metal) parts. (I found out that the knurled-base smokestack shown here is not correct for this model, so Rich (RichSteamTx) is swapping it out for the correct one):
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As shown in the "before" pictures above, there was a lot of paint missing from this engine. I used paint stripper to remove what remained:
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And here are the newly-naked sheet metal parts:
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Next up: media blasting and priming...
Paula -
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Wow - this engine is going to look fabulous!
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Paula:
Thank you for another great restoration thread.
Charlie -
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(Non)Progress Update
Hi Friends,
Just poking my head in here to give an update on the B-43 restoration...
With the last installment, I was planning to bead-blast the sheet metal parts in preparation for primer and paint. Didn't get very far with that when, oops! my air compressor quits! It needs a new part. Got the part on order, and meanwhile, I contact an old friend who lives out in Phoenix (AZ). She's kind of into astronomy, so I ask if she would like to visit here in early April, as my city is in the "totality zone" for the upcoming solar eclipse. To my horror ( [ Guests cannot view attachments ] ), she says "yes", and now I've been going nuts trying to get my place in order, finish up some half-done home improvement projects, and give the place a deep-clean. Whether or not I finish in time is still up in the air.
Back to the B-43... I've also realized that this restoration is going to be a bit more involved than I initially thought. A couple of parts that I thought were in decent condition turned out not to be. I'll get into the details when the project gets back on track. In addition, I've been pursuing a whistle-top reproduction effort (in conjunction with @RichSteamTx), which has sent the progress kind of sideways.
Anyway, that's what's been going on with this project. Hope to be able to get back on track before too long.
Paula -
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I hope the problem(s) you found aren't to hard to solve but whatever they are I am sure it will come out fabulous!
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Thanks for the update Paula.
Its crazy how the eclipses is going to effect our strip of 3-4 minutes of darkness around 3pm, FedEx is considering whether or not we're going to be running our trucks on this day. (We have headlights)...lol -