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

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

That base will take paint very well as you said, the nickel looks pretty good.

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

@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.

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.

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.

All very true!  I hate painting, it sucks. LOL

Wow - this engine is going to look fabulous!

(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

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