| 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. |
| kusuchi |
VI Wilesco Showman's Engine PicsOk. Here are the handrail pics.Very happy with the pristine condition. By the time you view these photos, however, it will no longer be unfired. Andrew has it set up to go already and is just waiting for me to finish this post. 
Some general observations: This is my first Wilesco mobile and it feels lightweight compared to the Mamods. The canopy does not detatch so I can see filling the boiler being more of a challenge. Like the snug fit of the burner in the engine. Like the dual slide valve piston and clutch mechanism Like the forward and reverse motion, (forward only on the Mamod). Of course the lights will only work in the forward direction but you can easily reverse the polarity on the dynamo. Anyone know what the tube on the roof is for? 
Think I might get the RC unit fot this one. Off to go steaming. |
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| Mamodman123 |
Very nice indeed!
Wonder how well the lights work?
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| Les |
Great pictures, nice looking engine.
The tube on the top is what the full size showmans use when lighting the fire. It is put into the chimney and it helps draw the fire. |
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| Nick |
Looks Great!
About the RC conversion, I thought it was for the Old Smokey roller, do they make it for more engines? |
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| kusuchi |
Talks about a Z361 RC for Traction Engines and Steam Rollers in the, (generic), instructions. 
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| James |
It's to carry the smoke above the rides 
Great pics mate!! BTW - my mate owns the showmans that this model is based on 
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| Manxman |
That looks just great. The chimney on the roof is not standard issue on all Showmans. So it's either been added at a later date or Wilesco have made more than 1 version of the model.
I love it.
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| kusuchi |
Well they definately work. How well is very hard to say in the midday sun here. We'll run it after dusk to see.
We haven't got it run in yet, but after three firings: It's fairly stately, although very elegant. I was expecting a little more performance based on our experience with the Mamod dual slide valve. Even with the dynamo disconnected it's not as fast as my 40 year od TE1A. The dynamo draws quite a bit of power. I need to take a close look at the clutch, it has a tendancy to jump out of gear. |
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| Mamodman123 |
When I got the mamod one I was suprised at how much more power it has compared to its Wilesco counterpart. A picture at night should tell us all we need to know
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| IndianaRog |
Richard, you seem to have the nicest things steam by on your handrail!!!
Really a very attractive engine you should be happy with. The motion or stationary lever and gear setup that engages or disengages the wheels is a bit tinny on these. I found on my roller I needed to add a couple of tiny washers to shim the firebox mounted gear so that it meshed as it is supposed to. A bit of tinkering is always on tap, but it's a beautiful piece worth perfecting. cheers, Rog |
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| steamyjim |
It is used for both of those things James
A lot of TE owners have extension chimneys not just for showmans' to help light up
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| johnreid |
I bet Andrew will enjoy an after dark steaming. Let us know how much he likes it once that has happened. | ||||
| DLR |
for the clutch lever get a small G clamp and crush the pivot gently untill it becomes stiff. A very nice engine , i might have to get one on day 
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| kusuchi |
Got any pics of the original? I know a young lad who'd be very keen to see them.
Andrew would like them too! 
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| kusuchi |
Thanks Rog, Although not as dramatic performer as some of the Mamods, we are extremely happy with it. Andrew is currently setting it up for its seventh firing. It is, however, a very good looking engine and rolls along with a certain understated regal elegance. I've looked at the clutch in more detail and the problem is just a little too much play in the flywheel shaft causing the toothed gear wheels to wander. I think your suggestion will fix it. Cheers |
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| kusuchi |
Thanks Manx, Any idea of it's history? It was part of an eatate sale and the lady told me it had been sitting, unfired, on display in a glass cabinet for some time. |
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| Cranko |
Very nice piece Richard , 7th firing in one evening,,,I guess he likes it
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| Les |
7th firing.  Andrew or you are determined to wear it out.
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| toxx |
Congrats, Richard! The D409 is a great engine - I had one myself and was very much pleased with it. The only thing I didn't like was the whistle - turn lever and hard to get at. You can replace it with Wilesco's pull-chain whistle (you need the M6/M5 adapter). A 100% improvement! Here's a picture:
Kind greetz, Tom 
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| James |
Have you still got yours Tom? | ||||
| toxx |
... no, I had to sell her when I started the D455 'crematory' project. 
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| Nick |
Well worth the money then! |
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| kusuchi |
Sunday Morning, I've lost count now
Think the video was # 10.
It ran twice before I even got up this morning.
No shelf queens around here. (TE1 excepted).
I buy esbit by the case. Thanks for the whistle tip Tom.
James, Do you have any pics of the original? |
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| Mamodman123 |
I use mamod tablets for my Wilesco roller, well ever since mamod sent me about 15 boxes
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| Manxman |
Richard, the Showmans was first made in 1990. That part I know. Now this next part I can't prove and I don't remember who told me or where I read it, but, I'm 90% sure I was told that to mark the introduction of the Showmans in 1990, Wilesco made a limited run of 'upgraded' models, which included a Chimney extension. Now this is fairly standard practice and Mamod and MSS have in recent years got quite good at making the first few of a new model, a little different. So, if your chimney looks all original and made for the model, I'd think you may well have something a little bit special. I have no idea how many were made like this and numbers can vary loads. Hope that helps. |
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| kusuchi |
It certainly looks original and made for the model.
Thanks for the info |
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| Manxman |
Then I'd guess a 1990 special.
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| kusuchi |
Perhaps I'd better slow Andrew down then before he wears grooves in the Kitchen Floor Tile.
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| James |
Here you go mate - Lincolnshire show 2007.
It's based on William Foster (of Lincoln) showmans engine "Victorious". 
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| kusuchi |
Awesome James, 
I'll go get Andrew.
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| James |
LOL!
It's a beast of an engine! |
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| kusuchi |
Dear James,
Thank you for the pictures of the real showman's engine.
I like steaming the showman's engine every day. I like to see the lights flash. I hope the temperature gets warmer there. Andrew. |
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| kusuchi |
Andrew's first ever forum post.
Entirely composed and typed in person.
Very small amounts of spelling and grammatical assistance by me. |
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| Minor1PJG |
While you wait for it to get dark, here are a couple of videos of mine. It really is a nice engine.
Great to see those photos from James of the real thing
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vjkvY1MTiKQ&feature=related http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HHnVhk1RnEQ&feature=related |
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| kusuchi |
Great videos, Did you see ours under the video topic? Whereabouts in Surrey are you? We lived there for a while. |
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| Reid |
All so nice to see, an early Wilesco Showmans' and also to see the original!
James, when was the original built? Is there a history of it online? EDIT: found this! http://steam-up.co.uk/dsf2k1/show/dsf2k1_shwmns.htm The pictures, Richard, are snap-crackle sharp and professional quality. The engine is so much fun looking! Andrew and Richard: a mutually lucky and talented team of Engineers! |
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| Nick |
I love looking at these showmans engines on this forum. All I ever see are old, black steam engines, plain and simple. | ||||
| Les |
They are even better when you see them up close.
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| Nick |
I wish I could have the chance. | ||||
| Les |
Starting from May, we have a steam fair every weekend up to the end of September, and one of the best I go to is a private gathering where the owners of all types of engine are invited, but there is no publc, with two organised pub runs on the Saturday and Sunday.
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| Nick |
Shows I go to don't start until mid-July and end in late October.
I have a very private gathering I go to at a farm near me. We do some threshing and have a big meal. |
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| Minor1PJG |
Richard
I'm in Guildford, Surrey No I didn't see your video. Do you have a link? Thanks
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| kusuchi |
http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/about9134.html Used to live in Godalming. My eldest daughter was born in Guidford.
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| Minor1PJG |
Thanks for the link. It looks great with the lights on It's a more sedate performer than the Mamod. Great fun
Well, Godalming is just down the road as you know. |
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| kusuchi |
The Wilesco is a pretty good reproduction of the original I thought.. Thanks for the link, Reid, (and the kind words).
BTW: At the top of page 3 was Andrew's first ever forum post. He composed and typed it himself. I'm sure a little feedback would make his day
Nudge, nudge, everyone.
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| Mamodman123 |
Hi Andrew! Mamodman here, keep up the good work when you steam your engines. Really enjoyed watching your loco in steam and the new Showmans
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| Les |
Well done Andrew and welcome to the forum. 
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| Nick |
Andrew,
to the forum from Minnesota!
I have been looking forward to hearing from you after watching your movies. You have a great collection that you should be very proud of. You do a great job running those engines. |
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| Dampfzauberer |
Sorry, i just read this tread. I can definetely say it is not original, this extension smokestack. The exlenation is very easy: IF this was the very early wilesco showmans, it would have a different dynamo 
The first dnyamo they mounted on was their standard metal-dynamo, painted in black. Not this showmans has got the newer black-plastic dynamo. So this wouln't fit together. |
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| kusuchi |
You're right, the dynamo housing is black plastic and not painted metal.
Whoever added the smokestack extension did a great job though, just check out the photos again. The engine was mint, unfired, part of an Estate Sale and the lady made no special claims about it. I paid $237 for it. Whatever it's provenance, Andrew and I are having great fun with it as I hope you can see in the video.
Looking at the number on the left, I think I'll let Andrew do the next post, hopefully thanking you all for your welcomes.
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| Nick |
I will be looking forward to post #300 from Andrew! I like how in Andrew's 1st post, you took out your signature and let Andrew have his own. |
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| bessytractor |
hello Andrew! Well done on that eloquently composed post!
I'm not surprised you steam the engine so much, I know I would! |
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| Sandman |
Hey Andrew. Great to hear from you. We're very lucky here as we can go to shows and see real Showmans engines. Last summer my wife Mary actually drove one.
Sadly It was women's day so I didn't.
Hope you keep posting. Hear from you soon. Sandman. |
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| James |
Ayup Andrew!
Great to have you posting here mate! Really hope you enjoy it
You're doing a grand job with your engines! Cheers James |
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| IndianaRog |
Hi Andrew,
Glad to see you posting AND running those engines. Seems you have taught your dad a lot about steam!!! Keep up the good work, and feel free to post here any time!! cheers, Roger |
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| kusuchi |
#300
Thank you for all the replies.
We have more steam engines comeing so more videos.
I went on a small steam engine in England. Here is a picture. 
I'm looking forward to the boat.
Andrew |
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| kusuchi |
Going to run the showman's now.
Andrew |
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| Sandman |
Good for you Andrew. Maybe you could shame James into running his.
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| Les |
You are more than welcome. Looking forwards to some more videos. Where did you have your train ride? |
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| James |
Good on you mate! Enjoy! I'm off to bed now at 11:10pm cos I've got to be up every 2 hours and I'm completely and utterly tired out 
Enjoy your steaming mate! |
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| tmuir |
Welcome Andrew!! Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think you are our youngest poster. Feel free to drop in and post when ever you want and even have your own log in as long as your dad is ok with that too.
Tony |
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| kusuchi |
He's gone, Les, firing up the Showman's Engine in the kitchen.
The picture is Audley End Miniature Railway, near Saffron Walden, Essex, taken September last year. Can you believe the weather? Just as well, my wife is from here, and starts shivering when the temperature drops below 72F.
A big thank you to all of you for welcoming and supporting Andrew, he is certainly an excited little boy at the moment. James asked me a while back if he read the forum and at that time I told James he was interested in following the threads that we posted. Since then he has become interested in other threads, particularly videos. We have Wilescoman to thank for the Fairground project. 
It was his request to see the original Showman's Victorious that James posted. Now he says he wants to post. All of the above, we do together, so I see no harm in it. I even taught him how to import the picture from photobucket tonight. The question is: Do I make him a member in his own right? Maybe I should start a Poll? If only I knew how
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| Nick |
I think it would be a great idea to make Andrew a member. You are there when he does his posting, so I think it should be safe (no different then him using yours). This forum is also small and all the members seem to know eachother, so go ahead and create one, you can always delete it if you felt the need. | ||||
| Les |
You will be watching over him, so I cannot see the harm.
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| Minor1PJG |
Similarly, as we all know he is young, I'm sure extra care would be taken by posters and moderators to ensure everything was as it should be. We are pretty much focused on sharing our enjoyment of everything steam on this forum as you have both found out .
Maybe if Andrew received PM's you could open those together
The Wilesco Showmans is a fine model keep steaming and enjoying it Andrew
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| Nick |
Can you block pm's from being received, so this wouldn't be a worry? | ||||
| kusuchi |
OK. I like it.
He may do well for engines, but he doesn't have his own computer yet. Everything has to come through me. Let me think about an avatar..........and a screen name . Any ideas? |
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| Wallace |
A very late Welcome to the forums Andrew. 
Good to see you have an interest in Steam. Very Cool. Note for kusuchi. No idea on a name. My name is Andrew, and I use Wallace, so it could be anything.
If there is anything you would like set up in your sons account let James or myself know. We can block the PM system for full safety
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| Reid |
Can't beat "Andrew" for a screen name.
It's why I use my own first name. It's just more real, yet perfectly anonymous. |
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| johnreid |
Only a fool would use their real name for a screen name
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| Mamodman123 |
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| Nick |
I don't know what Reid was thinking.
I'm still waiting to see Andrew pop up as the newest registered user. |
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| Nick |
I see Andrew is the newest registered user! Congratulations!! I think he is the youngest member on here. | ||||
| kusuchi |
Working on an avatar.
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| Nick |
What did you have in mind?
You can always change it later on. |
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| kusuchi |
Two possibilities I see
or 
It's going to be up to him and he may not like either. We have a great photo of him working in safety goggles,.......would be a nice parody of Johnreid's. Or he may want a whole new photo.
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| Nick |
I like the sound of the goggles one. You can take a new picture too, but I think you need the background of where you live in it too, so it kind of matches yours. It will be great to read the first post by him as a member. | ||||
| kusuchi |
It's not going to be either. He wants his avatar to be his favorite Engine. (So it may change fairly frequently. ) Either way it's probably not a bad thing that he isn't in it.
I've asked James to disable his PM, so please use my account if you need to contact him. First Post tonight
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| Les |
I look forward to it.
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| Les |
Just clicked on Andrews profile, thats a grand looking avatar he has chosen.
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| Nick |
I like how he has the real showmans engine down in his signature line. 
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| Nick |
Check this chimney extension out, but don't show Andrew.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAMOD-TE1A-...iewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262 |
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| bessytractor |
I've got that one (but it came painted). Well worth the money, it looks great with the engine running stationary with the steam pouring out the top. |
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| Nick |
I think the brass looks very nice, but it doesn't really match the stock chimney, so a black one might be better. |
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| Les |
Painting it's not a problem, just etchprime it first. | ||||
| Nick |
Or look at Mark's bluing thread. | ||||
| kusuchi |
Loks great. Isn't CJW a forum member? |
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| kusuchi |
Looks great. Isn't CJW a forum member? |
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| Nick |
I know John said we get a discount if we mention we're a member. | ||||
| Nick |
I found him listed on the memberlist too. | ||||
| kusuchi |
Incidentally, I think the package I was expecting to be Gil's Jensen 25 ia probably the Elliott Bay Steam Launch. Just have to go get Andrew from school to find out.
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| Nick |
Take it to school with you.
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| kusuchi |
Incidentally, I think the package I was expecting to be Gil's Jensen 25 is probably the Elliott Bay Steam Launch. Just have to go get Andrew from school to find out.
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| Les |
We are on half term here, so I am having a weeks holiday.
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| Les |
Can't wait to find out what's in the box.
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| kusuchi |
[quote="Les Marsh"]
We are on half term here, so I am having a weeks holiday. [/quote
So you've got time to build a launch for me?
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| Les |
[quote="kusuchi"]
Just send me the tickets and I will be on my way.
2100 |
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| kusuchi |
2100 Congrats!!!
You do crack me up.
One of these days I just might
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| Nick |
Would you like my address while you're at it.
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| Les |
I keep checking the post.
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