These were made in the 1920's-1930's by Empire Metal Ware Corp and sold as toys.
The only place you will likely find them is on ebay. If you do go looking there, make sure the seller has tested the thing, because if the heater is shot, the only place you will get a replacement one is from another Empire with the same boiler configuration.
Google search "Don Stilson" (first result) He has an Empire book out, makes some replacement parts, and sells a few engines on ebay from time to time.
The chimney unscrews for filling the boiler. It also contains the safety valve. The SV leaks (did leak) initially until I put a new O-ring under it. Steam tends to condense inside the chimney, a little, and so it bubbles a bit. No idea why there were such nice bubbles, though, unless there was a trace of soap in there. That might not be a bad idea, come to think of it: have the chimney blowing soap bubbles ;)
are these still available ?
Is it a commercial or model engine ?
deauzie 3 years ago
These were made in the 1920's-1930's by Empire Metal Ware Corp and sold as toys.
The only place you will likely find them is on ebay. If you do go looking there, make sure the seller has tested the thing, because if the heater is shot, the only place you will get a replacement one is from another Empire with the same boiler configuration.
Google search "Don Stilson" (first result) He has an Empire book out, makes some replacement parts, and sells a few engines on ebay from time to time.
MisterOcclusion 3 years ago
Might I ask - why does the chimney bubble?
jamespetts2 3 years ago
The chimney unscrews for filling the boiler. It also contains the safety valve. The SV leaks (did leak) initially until I put a new O-ring under it. Steam tends to condense inside the chimney, a little, and so it bubbles a bit. No idea why there were such nice bubbles, though, unless there was a trace of soap in there. That might not be a bad idea, come to think of it: have the chimney blowing soap bubbles ;)
MisterOcclusion 3 years ago
really neat!
steamyman 3 years ago
I can see why people like these things now. With a steam engine it's all about the motion. With a turbine it's all about the sound ;)
MisterOcclusion 3 years ago