A neighbor saw me running trains at our modular display and asked me to look at his old Tinplate trains. I posted those pics on the Tinplate Forum. He also brought over a motor and windmill (minus the windmill arms). I had never seen one like this. I expected to see a Marklin or Fleischman trademark.....but there was none.
Does anyone have any idea where they are from? They were his Dad's and I'll assume prewar (since the Erector set and Tinplate trains were from the 30s).
Thanks. Peter
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Looks like one of those "model" steam locomotives. Put a fuel pellet in it, light it up and it runs. A real steam engine. I think you can still get them for school science fairs and such. I've seen them run a small water pump and light circuit.
This guy has the base for sale. He doesn't know much more than you.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAG...;hash=item4850c27a3a
Peter it looks to me that the silver piece is a steam engine and the small wheel on the side is the output and a belt would go over the large wheel on the well and it would drive it would be my guess. No idea who made it but I can remember AC Gilbert use to use that shade of red on the chem sets.
Hi Peter, the steam engine has a power socket with an element to heat the boiler water. These days, both Willesco and Jensen make electric heated units. My guess it is one of those brands. It's a modern design, most likely from the 60's or 70's.
Another possibility is Weeden. They made stationary steam locos in the early pre-war years, as well as live steamers for the rails. Here is a Weeden with similar features to the one you posted. I don't know though if they made electrically heated engines such as in your photo. Yours does seem to be more modern in appearance as Dave suggested.
Jim
Thank you, guys...
Peter
That is from the mid 1960's. It is fired from electric. I have one. I got it for Christmas when I was a kid. Used to run it for many hours. I just had the steam engine.
Steve
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