| 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. |
| johnreid |
New arrival at the Water Closet of Steam new arrival April15I got my Fleischmann Grinder Man today, it has signs of wear, but is in good mechanical condition. One to use, and maybe someday I will find one in better condition. But till then I am very happy with it.
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| James |
Looks great John!
Better condition? Looks perfect! |
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| steamyjim |
Very nice John! | ||||||||
| Les Marsh |
Well done John. 
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| Nick |
The dirtiest part is the base, not much of a problem at all.
Glad you got it John, now hook it up to an engine! 
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| johnreid |
I am still waiting for the Marx Grindstone Man, This one was supposed to be sent Priority but is postmarked Parcel Post. It wasnt that much different in cost, but I wonder why people just dont set up their auctions to state how they actually intend to ship them.
Several additions will be arriving within the week I am sure, as said, the Marx Grindstone and some Krauss Workmen, which I think will be in much better condition. |
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| steamyjim |
Are you going to build them into a workshop John? | ||||||||
| Nick |
John, I've been stuck waiting longer for these. 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI....sPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=019 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI....sPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=019 So much for paying for priority mail, 2-3 days. 
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| johnreid |
THE punch, sigh, I dont understand some people. The Marx Grindstone Man auction ended a day before the Fleischmann one did and now the guy tells me that he is going to mail it by or on the coming weekend. When I sell something, it gets shipped the day after I get paid, or sooner. | ||||||||
| Nick |
Check my arrivals thread John, it just came. | ||||||||
| steamgranny |
That looks alright
Think we can look forward shortly to a fine spate of accessory videos!
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| johnreid |
I am sure that I will be able to run my Steam engines again real soon, the after fire cleaners will be here on Wednesday and I bet by the end of next week I will be back to normal. At least I hope so. | ||||||||
| IndianaRog |
John, your little grinder man looks in good mechanical shape. I know it might sound like blasphemy, but I would give him a top to bottom repaint and he'd look like new! (heads for cover) | ||||||||
| johnreid |
Tempting, I think the base is Almond colored and if just that part was repainted the piece would be really improved. Not for now though, too much on the pallet. | ||||||||
| oldstuff |
Seems to me some toys like this could be loaded with a flint so it would spark when "grinding".
Is the little cup on top of the shroud...a flint holder? |
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| Les Marsh |
No, the cup on top is for water so the work can be cooled and also used for wetting the stone. I do not want to hi-jack Johns' thread but this is an Arnold Grinder c 1920, which already has a provision for a lighter flint. |
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| johnreid |
My Variac shorted out, I think that was due to corrosion caused by the fire. So I hit Ebay and searched, this is my new/used Variac, it is 10 Amps where my old one was only 5 and I got it for only $26!! I added the receptacles and plug
I have tested it and it works great, gives me from 0 to 149 VAC with 120 VAC input. @ 120 volts in it should handle a load of 1200 Watts, more than any Jensen I plan on owning would ever need. |
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| Nick |
Looks great John!
You don't plan on owning a 51 some day? 
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| Les Marsh |
Of course he does.
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| Manxman |
I like that John and he's an older Fleischmann man. Great model and looking a little played with, is not always a bad thing.
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| johnreid |
I got the Marx Grinding Stone Figure finally, he came poorly packed and the little man was broken in several places. An application of Duco Cement and he is as good as he was when shipped to me.
The biggest difference between the Marx and the Fleischmann is the Grinding Stone on the Fleischmann is real Stone whereas the Marx has a gray plastic "stone. I have read several places that LinMar made these for Marx to market in the US. IMHO there are a lot of LinMar items that sure look like Fleischmann clones. This was back when Made In Japan was NOT a sign of quality, those who are my age or older can remember when Japanese goods were much like todays Chinese goods, inexpensive but poorly made. 
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| Nick |
My polisher from them has white plastic wheels. | ||||||||
| oldstuff |
John, I remember the cheap, made-in-Japan era. Some of the linemar and
other Japanese toys gets big bucks now, whodathunkit? Les: Cool grinderman vid! Arnold is an early maker, if I recall. |
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| James |
I tend to think of any Chinese or Japanese stuff as cheap 
That looks good though John! Like the little cup on top
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| IndianaRog |
Not to worry, if John found an original Jensen 51, the three immersion heaters would total only 900 watts...plenty of room to spare with his new variac! |
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| James |
If John found an original #51, I'd be round at his house when he were asleep to steal it 
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| Les Marsh |
Thank you, Arnold is an early maker and the grinder dates from around 1915. |
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| johnreid |
Three more arrivals, these are believed to be Krauss, but I am unsure as to the fact that they are marked GERMANY US ZONE, however I talked to an Antique dealer about the US Zone stamp and he said most anything exported from Germany at that time was stamped and it is possible that the Workmen might have been either New Old Stock from a Merchant or retrieved from a warehouse, thus making them older that WWII but marked to appear Post War. Interesting, I wish I knew for sure, but the information is believable.
Only visiting the Water Closet of Steam is this fellow, who will be making the trip to Les real soon, 
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| Les Marsh |
John, everything about these workmen are Krauss, the part that isn't is the stamp on the bottom and with you talking to an Antiques dealer only confirms my theory that they are old stock sold on after the war. 
The Grinder does look good, unfortunately I cannot see the other three until sometime on Monday (New ISP coming) , but as I have them aswell I do know what they are like.
Thanks for your help, again. 
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| johnreid |
I had them on Photobucket as I am adding them to my Web Page and I use the Photobucket account for that purpose. | ||||||||
| Les Marsh |
I should be able to see the light from Monday.
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| johnreid |
They are heading your way via email too. | ||||||||
| Les Marsh |
I have just seen them via e-mail, thankyou, and they are definitely Krauss.
The Press is identical to the one in the book 'Steam Toys, A Symphony in Motion'. And the other two men are identical to the Press workman.
And all three are c1935. 
You have three pre-war accessories. Well done. 
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| Nick |
Congratulations on the new arrival!
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| kusuchi |
Very nice John, Look to be in good condition too.
Les? Can you see yet? |
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| Les Marsh |
No not yet  , but I do have a new ISP being installed sometime Monday.
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| mogogear |
Good luck with that new ISP installation............... | ||||||||
| johnreid |
I am a Steam ENGINE fan, but some of these workmen are just too neat not to get into them. Lots of fun and to be honest when a guest comes into my house and sees my collection, the Accessories are what they seem to gravitate to. I am really getting into liking the Tin Workmen, the Fleischmann and Marx workmen are cast with tin arms ( still very cool ) but these Krauss Workmen are tin altogether.
Any information from the Steam Toys book would be greatly appreciated. |
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| Les Marsh |
John, this is all the information that is in the Steam Toys book. 'There were a succession of companies which operated as Krauss, Mohr & Company from 1895 to 1903, Mohr & Krauss from 1901 until 1923, and Wilhelm Krauss from 1923 until 1938. The various companies made simple-style, colourful toys. They produced merry-go-rounds (roundabouts) as well as the much sought after slate dancers. Krauss toys are found in Ullmann and Englemann catalogues using the latter’s catalogue numbers. Many inexpensive Krauss toys were made for export for the United States.' I will try and get copies of these 'Ullmann and Englemann' catalogues and see what else we can find. |
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| Les Marsh |
I have found this book which I can order at the end of the month.
http://www.rueckerts-buchversand...._the_other_nuernberger_vol_7.html "The Other Nuernberger, Vol. 7. Technical toys from the ""good old times"". A compilation of the old catalogues from the firms: Fleischmann, Leonhard Staudt, Ullmann & Engelmann. The main catalogue from Ullmann & Engelmann designates all of the most beautiful items, blazoned by this publisher with many colour charts. The toy from L. Staudt is indeed the prettiest and best quality, that was built in Nürnberg before 1900, that’s why this catalogue is a special ""delicacies"". Attention: For the Fleischmann Collector this book is extremely interesting. In this book is an overview of the production from Fleischmann with Catalogue reprints from 1908 to 1964. 406 pages, well over 3500 pictures" |
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| Nick |
Very interesting Les, is there an English version? | ||||||||
| Les Marsh |
Looking at it I don't think there is but if it has model numbers and dates that is a start. |
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| Nick |
I've been searching the author, Baecker, and there seems to be several Marklin books. | ||||||||
| Les Marsh |
You have three authors, not just one. Baecker / Jeanmaire / Väterlein |
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| Nick |
I haven't gotten that far yet. 
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| Les Marsh |
I have found 7 copies and they all appear to be in Germany.
http://www.bookfinder.com/search/...7&st=xl&ac=qr&src=dir |
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| kusuchi |
John, Do you not own the Steam Toy's Book? I agree, most non steam people like to see an engine doing something. Good accessories and displays are always a big hit.
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| johnreid |
I have spent my money on the Toys, not the book 
I do have a copy of Toy Shop Steam but it basically covers British Steam Engines, I have enjoyed it a lot and acquired my now satisfied desire for a Bowman by reading it. I think the Bowman is the British Steam engine to own. 
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| Mamodman123 |
In its day a great book! I think its unfortunately heavily dated now. Shame really as it was probably a great resource before the internet etc. It still is in a way! You're right about Bowmans, although, dare I say it the Pre-war mamod/hobbies engines were "neater" although too expensive these days 
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| johnreid |
I think The Steam Toys Book would be the next one I want to get as it covers the Accessories and such. I think my interests are starting to go that way, if nothing else it is fun to read about and watch them go on Ebay for more than I can afford, however an occasional one comes along that I can get. If nothing else, I have enjoyed looking at my Krauss Workmen, I think I want more. | ||||||||
| kusuchi |
This looks great Les, I know there are a group of us anxious to expand our knowledge of these early accessories. To date we have relied on one book, but we have already discovered discrepancies and omissions. I have not been able to obtain the shire series Manxman suggested in the US. I'll have to buy them in UK. More information would definitely be appreciated, but preferably in English. Even if we have to have it translated.
At this rate you are destined to become the vintage accessory Guru
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| johnreid |
Amazon shows two in stock
http://www.amazon.com/Toy-Steam-A.../dp/0747803137/ref=pd_sim_b_img_1 Or is that the book you are referring to? |
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| Nick |
John there are 16 in the used section:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0747803137/ref=dp_olp_1 |
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| johnreid |
I have one in my Shopping cart now, am doing a bit of window shopping before pulling the trigger. | ||||||||
| Nick |
Let me check another site before you pull it.
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| johnreid |
Check away, I have more time than money
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| kusuchi |
I think that is one of the Shire books Manxman recommended. Not a bad price.
He gave me a list of three but on Amazon US they were all about $35. On Amazon UK the same books could be had for about $4.00. The book we have all been referring to is Steam Toy's, A Symphony in Motion shown further down the page.
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| johnreid |
LOL but the $3.99 is more in my budget, still trying to decide, there are only 32 pages in the Shire book, wonder just how informative it is. No use wasting $8 that can be saved up towards the better book. Decisons decisions. | ||||||||
| Nick |
The other website I checked, the cheapest you can get it is $4.18 with $3.89 shipping, total of $8.07. Amazon is $3.99 with $3.99 shipping, toal $7.98. Looks like Amazon is the best so far. |
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| kusuchi |
I think that is one of the Shire books Manxman recommended. Not a bad price.
He gave me a list of three but on Amazon US they were all about $35, when I looked. On Amazon UK the same books could be had for about $4.00. The book we have all been referring to is Steam Toy's, A Symphony in Motion shown further down the page.
These are the books Manx recommended: ttp://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/ftopic9983-0-asc-15.php |
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| johnreid |
I think I will pull the trigger, it is $8 including postage. | ||||||||
| Nick |
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| johnreid |
The other Shire books mentioned are not easily found in the US, I fear that postage makes them expensive books. | ||||||||
| Les Marsh |
I am definitely ordering this book and when arrives I shall reveal how good it is or isn't.
http://www.rueckerts-buchversand...._the_other_nuernberger_vol_7.html "The Other Nuernberger, Vol. 7. Technical toys from the ""good old times"". |
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| kusuchi |
Looks great, Les. A gold mine of information. But is there an English translation? |
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| Les Marsh |
I have been trawling through the web and all I can find is them in German text only.
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| kusuchi |
Thanks John, Yes, one of them.
Got it now. It's in the mail. |
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| johnreid |
I got my copy of the Shire book today, to be honest I am glad I paid the used price as it isnt all that great. At least that is my first impression. I have a meeting tonight and when I get home I will spend 5 minutes and read it, no thicker than it is 5 minutes should be more than enough time to go cover to cover and even pause on a few pages.
My impression might change after reading it, but it doesnt look to be very big, lots of Black and White pictures though
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| Les Marsh |
It is a start and give a small insight to what is out there.
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| Les Marsh |
Have only now been able to see these and they look to be in very good condition. The bases are warped slightly and there is a small amount of rust, but when you realise they are over 70 years old, they are looking great for their age.
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| johnreid |
I have a few minutes before I have to go.
As far as the book goes, I read it a couple of times while eating, I will admit that there is some information in it and to that extent it is useful. Most probably though I never would have bought it if I had seen it first, that being said I now have it and will enjoy it. I cant wait till Les gets on Freewebs and does his web page as it will have a thousand times more info even if just what has been in the threads in this section. I am sure that I have said this many time, I do appreciate something that has aged well. My Krauss accessories show their age, but are not in terrible condition, in fact the bases can be straightened if I desire. I will concentrate on cleaning them better real soon, the house has been a in a mess after the fire but now is clean at least. I like them looking to be in good condition considering their age, anyone who looks at them knows they are not new but items that are of age. |
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| Les Marsh |
Although it is a small book it is surprising how many times I have refered to it even for those small snippets of information.
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| johnreid |
I agree there is information there and when it comes to the Steam Accessories there is very little info out there. | ||||||||
| Les Marsh |
I agree and sometimes have to grab what we can. It was through that book that I found out about the Sausage Makers and I was fortunte to be able to buy the actual Bing Grinder that appears on page 12.
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| Dampfzauberer |
Oh i have got this book right here. I can tell you there's not much interesting in it. Jsu the fleischmann pages, including the steam engines. The other makers are unknown to me, also they made no steam engines |
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| Les Marsh |
Does it have the accessories in there as well?? |
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| Dampfzauberer |
Yes it does: fleischmann engines and accesories.
Catalogues from pre war (1936) till after war (1960's ca.) Also lots of train stuff of course... The steam engine pages are maybe all in all 10-15 pages |
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| Les Marsh |
I will have to think about getting it now.
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| Dampfzauberer |
If you tell me what you need i could look it up for you ? |
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| Les Marsh |
Thankyou for your offer but I was going to get it as a reference book. |