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| igy569 |
New Amazing find!!!!Hey all!This is the new Wilesco I just got. I was recently in North Carolina visiting some friends. I was telling them about my hobby. Well, she went in the house and came out with what I could see was a Wilesco, with a couple of accesories. All covered with a THICK layer of dust and grime. So I bought the engine and both extras for $50 U.S. So, here are the pictures of my new stuff. If anyone can tell me how old this engine is, I would really be grateful. I have already figured out that it is a Wilesco D12, and the add ons are an M52 & M53. My friend said she bought them new in 1961, but I do not know when Wilesco stopped using that type of whistle/safety valve. Thanks!!! 
It took many hours to clean and polish all of it. Had to take it all apart... it was that dirty. 
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| Dampfzauberer |
Looks good, i would say it is from the 60's or 70's....
And i think wilesco stopped using the SV with the weight in the 80's But that was already the era of the blue baseplates. Yours has the earlier, grey type |
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| Nick |
Did you get the Weeden Lineshaft too? Because that is an old model, it has the raised lettering on the base. | ||
| Les |
What a nice find and it looks almost brand new. Well done. 
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| igy569 |
I got the Weeden off ebay. It was really bent up when I got it, seller gave me half a refund because it was so bad. I managed to straighten the pulleys some, so it mostly works. I really would like one in better shape tho. I do know that the D12 was purchased in 1961. That is for sure, so I guess that is its actual age. I just was not sure if it may have been an older left over when she bought it. I just can not beleive how nicely it came out. Exceeded my expectations. I am SO pleased. It iss now officially the oldest in my collection (besides the Weeden lineshaft) would anyone happen to know how old that might be? I am still new to this stuff, so I do not know much at all, I can recognize brands, and identify models, but thats about it. 
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| igy569 |
Ironically, it looks even better in person. It could not have been fired more than once or twice. It is all original, I did not have to replace anything. No burn marks, scratches or rust. No heat discoloration on the firebox. My D21 I bought brand new just a few months ago, and have fired a 1/2 dozen times, and it has more heat marks than this one. I am SO happy! (I just wish it had a throttle control!) The table saw and grinder are Awsome!! Matches the real ones I have in my shop! BTW.. I finally have my drill press up and running, already made a steam valve.
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| Dampfzauberer |
If this wilesco would be mine, i would leave it as is and not try to fit any additional steam valves.
Just think of this engine survived almost 50 years without any cratches.. So why modifing now? If you want to controll the speed, try pulling out the burner a tiny little bit. See also this thread: http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/about10095.html |
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| igy569 |
Oh no!!  I have no intention of making any changes to this at all!!! The steam Valve I made is for "Project Fleishmann" which is on hold for now (was not going well  ) I would never think of messing up a vintage engine in this good condition. Modifying my Jensen 76 was no big deal, cause it is not that old, had plenty of wear, and is REALLY common. How often does one come across a find like this? Took me 15 hours to drive home, and all I could think about was restoring it when I got home It has been 3 days and I am still excited about it!!! I only finished it last night, have not fired it yet, just run it on compressed air (its perfect, love the sound it makes)
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| Dampfzauberer |
Ok
Good to heat. I just wanted to mention it... 
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| igy569 |
Thanks! I love old toys and models (I used to own a Hobby shop) I will alwas keep things of interest as close to original as possible!! |
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| pauly |
great find wish my friends where like that got an uncle who has an old minor which he hasnt touched in over 40 years wont let me near it
its broken an all are you going to make a video of it running for the forum |
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| mc_mc |
Looks like it cleaned up very well. Next time try to remember to take the "before" picture. But I never remember to do so either! | ||
| igy569 |
I would... but I do not have any video equipment! My camera will take videos, but without sound. So I figured why bother. The sound is some of the best part. Besides... I figured out how to post pictures... would one put the video on youtube and link it? Never tried, so I am kinda clueless....lol
But...if I figure out a way to take a video WITH sound, I would be happy to!! I think this D12 has a better sound than my D21!!!
But I still have not live fired it yet. I want to enjoy its shiny glory for a bit longer. I will probably fire it next Sunday (after I get back from a really cool estate sale for a guy who collected movie memorabilia, ans was a record producer) I am just a glutton for punishment!!! 
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| Wallace |
Very nice find and nice buy.
Great price too 
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| IndianaRog |
Igy, that engine and accessories look they they have been in a time capsule for 50 years. Beautiful job of cleaning them up, you certainly got a wonderful deal!! |