Archive for 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.          The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum Forum Index -> Collections and pics Griffin Jensen 55G About four weeks ago, after reading about the Jensen steam engine line I placed an order for a Jensen Model 55G. Well, on Thursday it arrived But firstly some acknowledgements to the following people are in order:- Cedge Jensen Steam Man Indiana Rog MooseMan A big Thank you fellas, for all your help and advice regarding the matter, and putting up with my barrage of emails. Well here we go, the first thing to strike you is the weight of the engine, all 14lbs of it, and then there is the size of it. For what is essentially a toy, the scale of it is huge. I can now understand why they electrically heat the boilers, to be honest solid fuel would not stand a chance heating that boiler, it would never in a million years keep a head of steam up for the capacity of the engine. The engine frame is made from a solid lump of cast iron along with the flywheel. Due to the set up of the valve linkages the engine gives a power stroke every ¼ revolution of the flywheel, thus making the engine a self starter. The red handle works the forward/reverse action, which can be operated whilst in motion Now to the ‘G ‘bit of the engine, this is the Jensen 15 Generator which produces an output of 6V. The early Generators used a cast iron base, but Jensen changed to a pressed aluminium version like this one sometime in the 1980’s So that’s about it. You have to look past the electric heating issues with these engines to appreciate them in full, and I would certainly recommend them to anyone thinking of buying one. The only down side is the expenses of shipping and customs duty on entering the UK. Oh and you will need a step down transformer if you stay with the US voltage as I have done. SPOKESMAN Hefty looking machine Griff, you know Im not a fan of electrically heated boilers, but I have to say its an impressive looking lump - I take it you have a step down transformer? Mamodman123 It looks an Ok model Griffin! I bet it runs well anyway! The engine frame and cylinders look to be made very well! As does the dynamo and street lamp! whats the spring for on the cylinder? The whole engine has a very strong feel of "Made in the USA" Nice model! but is that pink brickwork? SPOKESMAN The springs are for the reverser valve gear? it looks like a loco Stephensons link motion . . . Mamodman123 SPOKESMAN wrote: The springs are for the reverser valve gear? it looks like a loco Stephensons link motion . . . Thought you just flicked it in either direction? SPOKESMAN Mamodman123 wrote: SPOKESMAN wrote: The springs are for the reverser valve gear? it looks like a loco Stephensons link motion . . . Thought you just flicked it in either direction? Some you can - I think this is a specific Jensen feature. Griffin The spring is to hold the lever in place, and to give some tension to the lever. I must admit I think the pink brickwork is not the best of colours. Mamodman123 Griffin wrote: The spring is to hold the lever in place, and to give some tension to the lever. I must admit I think the pink brickwork is not the best of colours. Is this jensens biggest/best model? Griffin Mamodman123 wrote: Griffin wrote: The spring is to hold the lever in place, and to give some tension to the lever. I must admit I think the pink brickwork is not the best of colours. Is this jensens biggest/best model? No, They do 3 more that are bigger. The top two they don't make very often. SPOKESMAN Salmon pink is maybe not the best choice Griff! Mamodman123 Griffin wrote: Mamodman123 wrote: Griffin wrote: The spring is to hold the lever in place, and to give some tension to the lever. I must admit I think the pink brickwork is not the best of colours. Is this jensens biggest/best model? No, They do 3 more that are bigger. The top two they don't make very often. I see, have you steamed this yet? SPOKESMAN My next question!!! Mamodman123 How much was this? Griffin [quote="Mamodman123"] Griffin wrote: Mamodman123 wrote: Griffin wrote: The spring is to hold the lever in place, and to give some tension to the lever. I must admit I think the pink brickwork is not the best of colours. Is this jensens biggest/best model? No, They do 3 more that are bigger. The top two they don't make very often. I see, have you steamed this yet?[/quote] Yes, about 5 or 6 times, still needs running in though. Will try and do a video when I get chance Griffin Mamodman123 wrote: How much was this? Enough , well a 40th Birthday present worth Mamodman123 Griffin wrote: Mamodman123 wrote: How much was this? Enough , well a 40th Birthday present worth MTA Heavy duty stuff Griff! As others have said, the pink brickwork lets it down a bit, but mechanicaly very interesting! Scruffyroller I love it, very simple but effective take on stephenson's valve gear. Do they make mobiles? Griffin Scruffyroller wrote: I love it, very simple but effective take on stephenson's valve gear. Do they make mobiles? No, only stationarys and Generators Chris Would be great to see a video of it in action. I have been looking at there smaller engines on Forest Classic website. Does anyone have any experience with those, such as the 75? Steve_S Looks good Griffin. I must say I've wanted a Jensen for some time, having heard lots of good things about them from various people. It looks really well made... I'd forgive the pink bricks! Griffin Chris wrote: Would be great to see a video of it in action. I have been looking at there smaller engines on Forest Classic website. Does anyone have any experience with those, such as the 75? I am pretty sure Yosa has a 75. James It is a beast of an engine Griff. I would certainly be proud of it. I can see why you guys like these here Jensens. JensenSteamMan James wrote: It is a beast of an engine Griff. I would certainly be proud of it. I can see why you guys like these here Jensens. This is what I've been trying to show you guys all along!!! Now Griff knows for himself. Welcome to the Jensen Steam Engine Family Griff! Cheers, Casey Wallace Nice engine there Griffin. Look forward to vids of it. tmuir Nice solid looking engine. Nice to see cast parts are still being used not all pressed tinplate like a lot of other brands. The pink brickwork is not the best but Cedge has said they are looking into changing this soon. Going to have to get myself a Jensen one day and when I do will have to be a double action one I think. But not this week as my computer repairs have cost my $780 so far and tomorrow got to buy a new hard drive. SPOKESMAN JensenSteamMan wrote: James wrote: It is a beast of an engine Griff. I would certainly be proud of it. I can see why you guys like these here Jensens. This is what I've been trying to show you guys all along!!! Now Griff knows for himself. Welcome to the Jensen Steam Engine Family Griff! Cheers, Casey Right on cue!! Wallace LMAO Mamodman123 JensenSteamMan wrote: James wrote: It is a beast of an engine Griff. I would certainly be proud of it. I can see why you guys like these here Jensens. This is what I've been trying to show you guys all along!!! Now Griff knows for himself. Welcome to the Jensen Steam Engine Family Griff! Cheers, Casey Its an OK steam engine! I personally would not buy one though! Too "American" SPOKESMAN Run for cover MM . . . . . Mamodman123 SPOKESMAN wrote: Run for cover MM . . . . . James IndianaRog Nice Jensen 55 Griff !! It's nice to see pics of a collector grade Jensen coming FROM the UK to the US. I was amused by a few of the comments from others... - it is pink...agreed, that color has to go and Jensen is addressing that now...but in the interim, a couple of hours work with a screwdriver and spray paint will remedy that in short order. Seems many folks paint them black, but I have painted my Jensen 51 firebox a coppery looking color during restoration and I'm quite pleased with it. Being electric there is no concern with the paint "burning off"...if one repaints a Jensen fire-breather, care must be taken to use high temp paints such as used for charcoal grilles or auto engine blocks. No one should have to repaint a brand new engine, but in the big scheme of things, it's a minor annoyance. - it IS American looking (though Mr. Jensen was from Denmark)...no apologies for it's chunky construction which makes even an SE4's engine frame pale in comparison if you are into "buying iron". - it IS electric...again, no apologies...it is an efficient way to generate lots of steam and do it fast. You would need a bon fire under such a large boiler to keep up with the steam demands of such a hefty engine - it's NOT a racehorse...I'll concede right now that the SE3 will reach higher rpm's than a Jensen 55, but this one is not about lightening speed...it's a workhorse, not a Ferrari for sure. But the proper Stevenson's linkage is a joy to operate, reverse on the fly or just let the engine self start as it builds up steam. So congrats Griff on acquiring a superb piece of engineering that will surely pass on to the next generation. cheers, Rog SPOKESMAN Rog my cousins are Danish - if I say I half like it then that'll keep them happy! SPOKESMAN Any chance of a 55G video Griff? Griffin SPOKESMAN wrote: Any chance of a 55G video Griff? Will try and do one this week Need to sort out the memory card for the camera aswell yosa Nice one Griff, I like the Jensens anyway. JensenSteamMan yosa wrote: Nice one Griff, I like the Jensens anyway. Yosa you own a 75 dont ya? Glad to see another Jensen owner happy.... As a matter of fact I have never heard of anybody who owns a Jensen that had anything to gripe about other than firebox paint and heating choice (dry fuel vs meths vs electric) Cheers, Casey Mamodman123 JensenSteamMan wrote: yosa wrote: Nice one Griff, I like the Jensens anyway. Yosa you own a 75 dont ya? Glad to see another Jensen owner happy.... As a matter of fact I have never heard of anybody who owns a Jensen that had anything to gripe about other than firebox paint and heating choice (dry fuel vs meths vs electric) Cheers, Casey It's the people who don't have them who usually have the gripe Chris Yosa, any chance of posting a video of the Jensen 75 in steam? JensenSteamMan Mamodman123 wrote: JensenSteamMan wrote: yosa wrote: Nice one Griff, I like the Jensens anyway. Yosa you own a 75 dont ya? Glad to see another Jensen owner happy.... As a matter of fact I have never heard of anybody who owns a Jensen that had anything to gripe about other than firebox paint and heating choice (dry fuel vs meths vs electric) Cheers, Casey It's the people who don't have them who usually have the gripe I noticed.... seems kinda ummmmm odd to be judging before they have anything more than pictures to go by eh? Cheers, Casey yosa Yep, mine's a 75. Luv it. Mamodman123 JensenSteamMan wrote: Mamodman123 wrote: JensenSteamMan wrote: yosa wrote: Nice one Griff, I like the Jensens anyway. Yosa you own a 75 dont ya? Glad to see another Jensen owner happy.... As a matter of fact I have never heard of anybody who owns a Jensen that had anything to gripe about other than firebox paint and heating choice (dry fuel vs meths vs electric) Cheers, Casey It's the people who don't have them who usually have the gripe I noticed.... seems kinda ummmmm odd to be judging before they have anything more than pictures to go by eh? Cheers, Casey I don't think I've said I hated them, but compared to Mamods, no thanks It would take a lot to impress me! JensenSteamMan Mamodman123 wrote: JensenSteamMan wrote: Mamodman123 wrote: JensenSteamMan wrote: yosa wrote: Nice one Griff, I like the Jensens anyway. Yosa you own a 75 dont ya? Glad to see another Jensen owner happy.... As a matter of fact I have never heard of anybody who owns a Jensen that had anything to gripe about other than firebox paint and heating choice (dry fuel vs meths vs electric) Cheers, Casey It's the people who don't have them who usually have the gripe I noticed.... seems kinda ummmmm odd to be judging before they have anything more than pictures to go by eh? Cheers, Casey I don't think I've said I hated them, but compared to Mamods, no thanks It would take a lot to impress me! Still not quite sure what it takes to impress? I guess its possible that their type of charm doesnt tickle your fancy? Cheers, Casey Mamodman123 It just isn't my thing.... Big and clucky springs to mind...more of an "American" thing I guess, although some of the guys like it on here! Probably more their thing! If it had more brass and a meths burner you might have my attention JensenSteamMan well, a #5 is about the same size as a E101 if i'm not mistaken At first when Jensen started out the engines he tried to produce were alcohol burners, but the toy stores wouldnt sell them because the electric ones were so much safer. Thats why the very very earliest Jensen's (i mean real early lol) have holes in the firebox like the current dry fuel engines have. But, those engines are all electrically heated still because Mr. Jensen was using up the stock of fireboxes for engines he planned on being alcohol fired. Then, back in the 1950's Mr.Jensen built the #75. It was a alcohol burner, with a black firebox with holes punched out with a wooden base and the engine itself looked like the ones on the current #70's. But, again I dont think toy stored liked it much and it didnt sell well. So it was only produced for a short time. Cheers, Casey Mamodman123 what is a #5 though? I can';t compare it to anything as I don't know what it looks like. That engine rGriffin has is a "beast" but I wouldn't even begin to imagine where i'd store that . We don't have 7 bedroomed houses over here Casey JensenSteamMan Heres the Odilon #5 http://webzoom.freewebs.com/odilon/jensen%20pics/jensen-5.jpg well, our house has 3 bedrooms lol Cheers, Casey Griffin Mamodman123 wrote: what is a #5 though? I can';t compare it to anything as I don't know what it looks like. That engine rGriffin has is a "beast" but I wouldn't even begin to imagine where i'd store that . We don't have 7 bedroomed houses over here Casey I want to store mine in the Living room cabinet the Wife has her pot figures in. Only problem she is not having any of it MooseMan Fantastic engine Grif, I'm green with envy The biggest engine Jensen made is the #51, but they no longer make it.....the only one recently produced is an amazing reconstruction job by Roger (http://www.indianarog.com, do go and have a look). The picture below is from his website - I post it below to illustrate the size of this beast, check out the #5 sitting next to it - that's about the size of a Bowman 122. The #51 dwarfs even the Wilesco D32EL, previously the biggest engine I'd seen Mamodman123 Griffin wrote: Mamodman123 wrote: what is a #5 though? I can';t compare it to anything as I don't know what it looks like. That engine rGriffin has is a "beast" but I wouldn't even begin to imagine where i'd store that . We don't have 7 bedroomed houses over here Casey I want to store mine in the Living room cabinet the Wife has her pot figures in. Only problem she is not having any of it LOL just put it in there and see what she says Griffin Mamodman123 wrote: Griffin wrote: Mamodman123 wrote: what is a #5 though? I can';t compare it to anything as I don't know what it looks like. That engine rGriffin has is a "beast" but I wouldn't even begin to imagine where i'd store that . We don't have 7 bedroomed houses over here Casey I want to store mine in the Living room cabinet the Wife has her pot figures in. Only problem she is not having any of it LOL just put it in there and see what she says Dont need too, I already know what see will say TE1A_man I like jensen's big huge heavy construction, it will last throught the ages and then some, and you never have to worry about bending or breaking, and it is a BEAST, powerful, with good rpm's, though a 55G maybe won't make SE3 rpm's, a #70 will though, it being a double acting oscillator, electrically heated. Cedge Griffin Welcome to the Jensen Steam'n Family. We've been waiting for you to join in on the fun. Until you've actually seen one up close and personal it's very difficult to grasp the scale and mass of these engines. I'm pleased to read that we've lived up to your expectations. With proper care and affection, your model 55G will still be pleasing the crowd when your grandchildren are at the throttle, sharing it with their own grandchildren. Several times I've seen the term "too American" tossed about as if that were a bad thing. If "too american" means delivering a high quality product which provides the maxiumum bang for the buck, we'll proudly plead guilty as charged. In fact, we'll happily be found to be repeat offenders. It ain't an insult ...LOL Best Steve        The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum Forum Index -> Collections and pics Page 1 of 1