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The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum
The Original Unofficial Toy Steam Forum
Established 2006
The biggest, most popular steam forum around! Accept NO imitations!
We have a growing community of regular posting members who chat about all aspects of toy and model steam.
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TSC.
Junior Member
Joined: 19 Nov 2006
Posts: 116
Location: Torbay, Devon.
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 Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:09 am Post subject: Second Wind |
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Hi all,
This is my first visit here. I used to have a Mamod SA1 steam roadster when I was a lad, which unfortunatley got thrown away about 10 months ago (*bangs head against wall*). Anyway, after chatting with a friend, I have now decided I really want to purchase a Mamod again, most likely the steam roller.
I have looked on Ebay, & was dismayed to find so many Mamod engines (some 30 years old or more) that have never even been steamed - which to me, defeats the object somewhat.
However, my querie was really, if I were to purchase one of these 'older' models that had 'never been steamed', would it more than likely prove to be a bit of a pain to get working, or would it be reccomended to just buy a new model & not worry about carrying out some (maybe minor) restoration?
After all, if I buy a new one, it will only cost about £50 more for peace of mind.
Cheers,
TSC. |
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Mamodman123
Steam God!
Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 31313
Location: Midlands, UK
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:15 am Post subject: |
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Welcome to the forums!
As for buying an old roller then I suggest you do! The build quality as so much better than the brand new ones. Many mamods are ready to run off ebay and are more than capable of hundreds of steamings!
For the price of a new one you could buy a couple of engines to get your teeth stuck into 
MM
_________________
Solid Fuel tablets explode
You could get a nice flatbase for that
www.mamodsteam.tk
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oldstuff
Steam Legend!!
Joined: 31 Oct 2006
Posts: 2530
Location: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:22 am Post subject: |
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Welcome to the forum, TSC.!
Lots of differing opinions on this, but for me, I like 'em used and the older the better. New, or never fired, engines need to be run-in a bit to smooth out piston and cylinder friction. But my preference is for stationary engines. Let's hear what other forum members have to say about it. 
_________________
-Chuck
Twin-cylinder, CSE-3
"Put that in your Dremel!" |
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James
Site Admin
Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 26156
Location: Nr. Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England.
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:27 am Post subject: |
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Hi, welcome to the forum! If i was you i would go for the older one. the older the better!
james
_________________
Forum Founder, Owner and Admin.
Yan, tan, tethera, tethera, pethera, pimp!
Lincolnshire!
"The wealthy and great
May roll in their state
I envy them not, I declare it
I eat my own lamb
My chicken and ham
I shear my own fleece and I wear it!" |
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tmuir
Steam Supreme Being
Joined: 01 Aug 2006
Posts: 14074
Location: Western Australia
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:33 am Post subject: |
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Go for one off ebay.
Study the photos for things missing like water plugs, meths tray etc.
Make sure the whistle is not leaning over as this usually means the whistle bush is loose.
Download the photos and zoom in on them for a closer look and don't be afriad to ask seller questions.
Feel free to put the link to an item you want to bid on up on the forum and ask us to have a look at it.
Happy Mamod shopping and look forward to reading more posts from you.
_________________
http://www.freewebs.com/ozsteam/index.htm
http://members.iinet.net.au/~tmuir1/
A nice example of an Australian made Scorpion Donkey Engine |
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SPOKESMAN
Guest
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 8:06 am Post subject: |
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If it's in working order and complete, there's no reason it will not steam. Do the necessary checks outlined by the guys here and you'll be OK.
Welcome to the premiere Mamod forum . . .
Mike |
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TSC.
Junior Member
Joined: 19 Nov 2006
Posts: 116
Location: Torbay, Devon.
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 9:12 am Post subject: |
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Hi Guys,
Firstly, can I say thanks for the friendly welcome & also the speed of your replies 
Your responses have certainly changed my way of thinking. I was nearly set for just buying a new engine, as I didn't realise that the build quality had deteriorated on the newer models. But now I shall stick with ebay & wait for something to come up - most of them on ebay seem to be fairly complete except for the odd missing burner tray & water funnel.
Looking forward to purchasing a meths burner this time & getting that wonderful & distinctive smell again - not to mention the unforgettable sound the Mamods make when they're going h3ll for leather under pressure 
Once again, thank you all for your responses & suggestions. I'm sure your pooled knowledge & enthusiasm will be very helpful, thank you.
Cheers,
TSC. |
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SPOKESMAN
Guest
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 9:15 am Post subject: |
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| Make sure you let us know how you get on, we're a nosey bunch here . . . |
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SPOKESMAN
Guest
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 9:17 am Post subject: |
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Love the avatar!  |
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Sandman
Steam Supreme Being
Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 8311
Location: Ayrshire Scotland
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 9:31 am Post subject: |
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Welcome aboard.
I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
The older the better for an engine, and once you've got a couple, go for class and get a Bowman.
_________________
Ouch! Where's the burn cream
Did someone mention Bowman? |
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Wallace
Supermoderator
Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 11191
Location: New South Wales, Australia
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 9:53 am Post subject: Re: Second Wind |
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| TSC. wrote: | Hi all,
This is my first visit here. I used to have a Mamod SA1 steam roadster when I was a lad, which unfortunatley got thrown away about 10 months ago (*bangs head against wall*). Anyway, after chatting with a friend, I have now decided I really want to purchase a Mamod again, most likely the steam roller.
I have looked on Ebay, & was dismayed to find so many Mamod engines (some 30 years old or more) that have never even been steamed - which to me, defeats the object somewhat.
However, my querie was really, if I were to purchase one of these 'older' models that had 'never been steamed', would it more than likely prove to be a bit of a pain to get working, or would it be reccomended to just buy a new model & not worry about carrying out some (maybe minor) restoration?
After all, if I buy a new one, it will only cost about £50 more for peace of mind.
Cheers,
TSC. |
I TSC and welcome to the forums, hope you enjoy it here.
I prefer to steam my engines, and apparently it does the brass good. But there are others who like em unsteamed too.
Personally I'd go for an older one. I collect meths fired only, but that's just cos the fuel tablets are expensive and hard to get here in OZ. Also, it's so much easier to buy some meths.
The only downside to buying a unsteamed engine from ebay is you will be paying more for an unsteamed engine, up against bidders who are paying bigger money to get it unsteamed.
One that has been used can be just as good, and tmuir made some good points about asking the seller questions.
It's always good to ask for extra pics, or at the very least, ask if the safety valve, water level plug, and whistle unscrew, and ask if everything moves freely. Stuffed threads are just a hassle, but fixable, and given my recent run of them I've had enough
_________________
http://www.freewebs.com/mamodsteam/ |
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flywheel61
Steam Legend!!
Joined: 12 Nov 2006
Posts: 2564
Location: australia
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 10:05 am Post subject: Second Wind |
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Welcome to you from OZ.
Yes, that's my feeling too, stick with the old & sturdy, forgo the slick and shiney new models. Most spares are still available even in the far flung, ex parts of the empire.
Ask as many questions as needed from the ebay seller, if their genuine and know what their about they'll tell you or ask the forum.
Best of luck in getting your steam roller.
Cheers
Chris  |
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yosa
Steam Legend!!
Joined: 11 Sep 2006
Posts: 2493
Location: Liverpool
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 11:14 am Post subject: |
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Welcome to the forum TSC. As you can tell, if you get stuck there's loads of help here. Good lick with your new engine mate.
_________________
He who keeps his head while all about him are losing theirs, doesn't know how serious it is. |
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MTA
Steam Legend!!
Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 7331
Location: West Sussex
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:33 pm Post subject: |
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May I wish you a very warm welcome to this froum TSC, and I hope you decide to stay for a very long time.
Older is DEFINITELY better, I have an older roller that has been used so little, I still need to run it in! Sometimes members have an engine for sale in good condition, and they are probably the best people to buy an engine from as, in my experience, they service them, clean them, replace washers etc. and check everything's ok with it before sending it!
All the best,
MTA (Simon King)
_________________
Si
"If the fascination engendered by locomotion at the present day is so intense, the attractive powers of locomotion in miniature must of necessity be greater still"
W.J. Bassett-Lowke. August 1911 |
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SPOKESMAN
Guest
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 2:28 pm Post subject: |
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| yosa wrote: | | Welcome to the forum TSC. As you can tell, if you get stuck there's loads of help here. Good lick with your new engine mate. |
Do you lick your engines Yosa? - black tongue . . . |
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