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

Don’t know if you have this 1940 ad?

(Attachment Link)

Relooking at this ad (I have one now too) and my opinion is that Empire didn't make the "B-44" but was made by Gilbert Electric Motors.  I am pretty sure that is what that ad is telling us.  Which is why the engine is such a odd duck when compared to the other Empire line (also no Empire/Model stampings).

Heck, the engine that I have could have come from Gilbert Electric Motors as No. 4242 - no way to tell.  Either way, I am telling everyone its a Empire B-44 LOL