Nik from Norfolk

zzubnik · Nik from Norfolk

Hi guys!

I've been reading this forum for a few days and decided to register. This seems like a great forum to be a member of!

My father bought me a Mamod SP1 back in 1978. which I have recently restored. Much to my shame, I abused it and didn't appreciate what a fine object it is as child. My collection is tiny right now (and will stay that way if you guys don't stop outbidding me on Ebay!), but I hope to expand it as much as my meagre expenses will allow.

I currently have my SP1, which runs like a dream and looks pretty mint. I purchased parts to restore it on Ebay. I absolutely love this one, as it has sentimental value. I also have a Wilesco D14. Technically, I think it's better than the Mamod, but I love Mamod more as it's British!

My wife bought me a TE1a for my 40th birthday last week, I've been trying to get one for a couple of years. My first post will probably be about this one, I am having a few problems with it that I'd like to solve.

I am hoping to learn how to maintain and restore steam engines, which is something I've always wanted to do. Expect loads of stupid, baffling, and ill-informed questions from me in the future! (you have to start somewhere, right?)

Pictures of my tiny collection can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zzubnik/sets/72157622707682640/detail/

Thanks for reading, and allowing me into your community.

My other interests are 3D computer modelling, photography and wasting many hours on the Internet.

Regards,
Nik

Les

Three very nice engines and welcome to the forum.

Steve_S

Hello Nik, and welcome to the forum!

steamyjim

Welcome to the forum Nik!

Bugsy

Big welcome from chilly Sweden, Nik!

Burnmafingers

Welcome to the friendly forum.
They are very tidy engines you have

Sandman

Hi Nik, and a great big Scottish welcome.

You've come to the right place for friendly advice from some of the best people in toy steam.

We've all got the steam bug here, and you may find that your collection will grow rapidly, once you start chatting with your fellow members.

So don't be afraid to ask about anything you're not sure of.

That's what we're here for.

Kritika

Hi Nik

to the forum from the South of England.

johnreid

Welcome from Indiana USA

IndianaRog

Hi Nik, another welcome from one of three Indiana, USA steamers. It sounds like you have the makings of a fine collection there. Maybe we will ease up for a week or two and you can double it's size via eBay!!!

again, welcome and no question too dumb...we've all been there.

cheers,
Roger

Atticman

Welcome from Gloucestershire Nik, no question is too dumb.
Dont be ashamed at abusing your SR1, wevr probably all been there. If i hadnt had my fun as a yougster with my Dads engines i wouldnt be so interested in them now. Every dent tells its story

You have a nice collection, keep going!

Lenny

Hi Nick welcome from Australia

SlideValve

Hi Nik, and welcome from sunny California!

gd9704

Hi Nick! Your engines look great. You will find yourself very welcome here!

Greg

madeinenglang

A very big welcome from West Yorkshire

verithingeoff

G'day mate, from the Sunshine Coast......what's that old saying about little acorns and huge oaks?---

tmuir

Hi Nik, from Perth Western Australia.

If you want to have a hand at restoring engines, there plenty of help and advise here as well as a number of members that manufacture and sell parts for older engines you can't buy spares for off the shelf.

Feel free to ask advise on an engine you fancy buying to restore as some are easier to ffix than others.
A couple bits of advise though is to stay away from any Mamod TE or SR that has a wobbly whistle as this means the bush has stripped out of the boiler and this is a right paint to fix and nearly impossible to do neatly.
ALso if you are buying an engine to restore get one with the overflow plug rather than a site glass as the site glasses can be troublesum if you have to remove it.

logoman

Welcome to he forum Nik, from London town's forum members.

Alf

STEAMPROPULSION

A WARM WELCOME FROM AN ITALAN MEMBER

kevininasia

Hello Nik, and a warm welcome to you, from Singapore. I really like the SP1 - I'm looking for one myself.

zzubnik

Wow!

I've never had such a warm welcome in my life. I think I'm going to love it here! What a warm and friendly place this is.

tmuir, thanks for the advice. That's exactly the sort of nuggets of info I am looking for. The next few evenings will be spent reading all the old posts here to find out everything I can. I have so many questions and unknowns.

Thanks guys

Mamodman123

Welcome to the forum

Stick around

MM

Ross

Welcome! from rainy lincoln

MooseMan

Hi Nik, welcome from windy Cardiff!

dampfmaschinenjoe 1967

Hi, Nik; and welcome from Germany.
It´s not the mass of engines that counts. It´s the story behind each engine wich makes it interesting and collectible: So three at the moment is a good start I suppose ! I was pleased to hear that your understanding wife made you a special birthday present !

That are the stories wich make an engine unique !

cheers Joe