Engine for running Meccano models

stevemc68au · Engine for running Meccano models

Hi everyone,

This is my first post so apologies if I've put it in the incorrect section.

I've just found out that family and friends are going to buy me a new model steam engine for my birthday later in the year. I'm definitely after one to with some of my meccano models. There are a lot of people who want to put in and they've asked me which one I'd like and they've been looking at the Wilesco D22 and D24 here in Australia.

I guess I'm curious, are these much more powerful than the new mamods? I always wanted a mamod as a kid and have some of dads mamod models that he bought later in life however these look to be more powerful.

A couple of years ago I picked up a 60s/70s meccano mamod on ebay, deliberately going for a well used one however I haven't had the heart to use it as it's far nicer than the seller claimed.

Anyway, any thoughts would be great!

Steve.

Les

If its in the wrong section don't worry to much. I did the same when I first joined.

from Bournemouth UK.

tmuir

NO its fine and welcome.
I'm not that familiar with Wilescos but as most of their models are double acting they should in theory be more powerful than a Mamod but I have no evidence to back that up. They will also handle a load at slower speeds for the same reason.
What ever you get make sure its one that has reverse as that will come in handy to use with Meccano.

Tony

Wallace

Hi Steve and welcome to the forums.

The MEC1 engines are great for meccano, mainly due to the fact they are easy to build around.

I don't know anything about Wilescos but I recently bought a Jensen 75 which is nice. They are reversable and the speed can be adjusted

EDIT. I just looked at the D22 and D24. The D22 looks great for running meccano and I am guessing it would have more power than a modern mamod

stevemc68au

Hi guys,

Thanks for your welcome messages and sorry for being so rude and not responding sooner.

This help has been great. I also found out that there is a d21 model which has a water pump which apparently means you can keep the engine steaming for a longer period. Although I understand that the new engines are designed so the fuel runs out before the water would run dry.

I think I might give my family a few models and they can choose as a suprise.

Nick

from MN!

Les

If you want to know about a D21 then read this thread.
http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/ftopic8233-0-asc-15.php

stevemc68au

Thanks Les, this is fantastic!!

It looks like a really nice engine - then again they're all nice

I can't wait until the end of October - that's how long I have to wait until I get it.

Les

Kaleb

Speaking on a Mecanno Steam Engine, I did a restoration on one. See this thread: http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/about9676.html
You might be able to pick up an old engine second hand from a swap meet quite cheaply.

H2o vapour

Hello & Welcome!!

My opinion and advice would be to go for a reasonable Meccano engine. Save the money for a real nice engine that comes your way. ( it will now you have joined us lot) I have a new D21 that I have not steamed, yes looks nice but not as robust and as well made as the Meccano engine.

Also the Meccano engines are exceptional runners. I am not sure if there are any meccano models in SANDMANS DVD. May be worth giving him a call. We have a big steam up over here in February and Sandy does a brilliant Dvd of the event. Usually there are several steam fairground models powered by Meccano engines. They are real good and further more run very very well. This may give you some idea's

The Meccano engine has long been one of my most respected pieces.

Good luck in your quest

H20

Jason

Get a MEC1!! Hello from Drumnadrochit Scotland, enjoy the forums!

James

Welcome to the Forum!

I've got a Wilesco D22! It's a real nice engine, can't fault it other than the build quality (not as good as Mamod). Yeah it's quite powerful, but with the right gearing a Mamod could match it!

Minor1PJG

The MEC1 or Mamod SP3 are great for building onto directly as the engine frame is machined to match meccano.

Look what we've been building:

http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/ftopic9757-0-0-asc-.php

Freeminer

I run Mamod, Wilesco and Jensen

It all depends on the job in hand. Iuse the brute force of the Mamod to drive my dynamos.

The Jensen75 is great for workshop tools and very turn-on-and-off able!
The F-N-R gearing is a great attraction too, instant direction change at the flick of a lever!

Using a showmans engine flywheel, I have converted an Eitech Ferris wheel to run on my D22 which can provide excellent low speed-high tork traction power. I am adding a music box and a Wilesco colour wheel to that layout and am confident that the D22 with its twin cylinder arrangement will cope no problem.

Decide what you want to do with the engine and choose accordingly. The thoughts above are purely mine, but hope that they are of help.

Cheers,
Don#

Raide Baron