The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum

Cedge · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:29 am Post subject: Who is Cedge?...hmmmm

Looks like this intro thing is snowballing. I thought I'd already done this but I can't seem to find where, so here goes.

At 52, I'm one of the more seasoned members of the board. I'm the eccentric grandfather of 4 delightful crumb crunchers. They number 2 boys, 5 and 8 and 2 girls 18 months and 13 years. They take up the majority of my attention these days, but luckily the boys love steam and enjoy sharing the fun with me. Since I'm retired, I get to work regularly on being the eccentic grandfather they've grown to expect and have managed to polish my act up pretty nicely...(grin)

I've been collecting steam engines, old gumball machines and other odds and ends of a mechanical nature for nearly 25 years. It all began with a wreck of a Jensen model 25 and just kept growing until no available shelf space remains. Mine was one of the early steam engine web sites online and I suspect it's been at least part of the reason for the astounding revival of interest in small steam engine collecting. It also means I've become the victim of my own success as I've watched prices escalate beyond my ability to buy the kinds of engines I used to "steal" for a song.

I've been the web master, animator and graphics designer for Jensen Steam Engines since 1995 and was asked to come on board as sales manager a few year back. I'm still working with this marvleous little company to help build their sales network, both domestic and international, while trying to help them develop new products and to improve their existing ones. The introduction of the Jensen model 95G Turbine power plant was one of my most satisfying Jensen projects to date. Working closely with Karsten on the project was a lot of fun and quite an education.

Other interests, past and present, include collecting antique newspapers, maps and documents. Volkswagen rail buggies, saltwater reef keeping, graphics software development and directing pre-release testing have all taken my interest at one time or another. I'm self taught in computers, graphics, 3d graphics, 3d animation and raytraced graphics and have taken several first places at international competition in both advanced graphics and animation catagories.

Today I'm learning photography and teaching myself to machine metals so that I can eventually build my own engines instead of buying them. I also do steam engine restorations for a limited clientel and buy and sell a few toy engines to cover hobby related costs, when I can find good stock.

It's been an ineresting life so far and I plan to pack a few more adventures and alot of new friendships into it before my collection falls to the stewardship of my grandsons. They've already laid claim to every engine, so the "Widow Cedge" will never have to worry about how to dispose of them...LOL

My main interest these days is to do what little I can to assure this hobby lives on to be enjoyed by the young turks I've witnessed getting interested in things steam related. The younger voices on this board give me reason to believe it's already begun. It's certainly been fun to watch the growing collectiions of the members on this and a few other boards, as well as the growth of new steam related web sites.

I try to stay active on the board, but sometimes its a wee bit difficult to weigh in as often as I'd like. It doesn't mean I'm ignoring things if I'm absent for periods of time. I'm usually just tied up doing something for Jensen or for one of my repair clients. I can promise you that I'm at least reading the posts...LOL

Thus doth the witness say no more....
Steve
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Graham-Jilly · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 5:46 am Post subject:

It is great to read your story Steve and a pleasure to have met you on this forum. Thanks for all your input and hope there is a lot more steaming going on in the future
G-J
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http://www.freewebs.com/aclr

Sandman · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:11 am Post subject:

Thanks for the info Steve.

It's been a pleasure having you on board.

I hope you continue to keep us informed of all that's new at Jensen.

Good work.

_________________
Ouch! Where's the burn cream

Did someone mention Bowman?

tony gregory · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:58 am Post subject:

tony gregory · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:59 am Post subject:

tony gregory · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 8:06 am Post subject:

You are right about the snowballing.Good luck for the future.

Wallace · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 9:05 am Post subject:

Cedge that is great to read.

Only earlier today I was looking at the Jensen Website (looking for models, planning to spend money I haven't got yet)

Anyway, what really caught my eye, and what I really admired was the title, Jensen Steam Engines title. I love the graphics especially on the "J"

Anyway, thanks for sharing
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http://www.freewebs.com/mamodsteam/

Chris · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 9:31 am Post subject:

Cheers Steve,

I think it is great to have someone here who works closely with the industry. It is a shame, and maybe rather telling that we don't have people here who work with or for the other manufacturers.

At least with Jensen we can feel that our voice, as the purchasing public, might get back to the manufacturer.

I'm not (yet?) a Jensen owner, but I'm sure the guys here that are really appreciate you being here.
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Chris
http://www.chrisfisher-photography.co.uk

Mamodman123 · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 10:39 am Post subject:

Great introduction steve

the forums Mr Jensen

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Solid Fuel tablets explode

You could get a nice flatbase for that

www.mamodsteam.tk

MooseMan · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 12:05 pm Post subject:

Steve, you and John O'Rear are jointly responsible for getting me back into steam collecting.....I used to peruse your websites during nightshifts to keep me awake.

So, in other words - it's in large part your fault that I'm permanently broke - happy now?

_________________
Stands the glass half empty,
Or stands the glass half full?
Blast your Buddhist mantra, man,
I'll take another pull.

IndianaRog · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 12:50 pm Post subject:

Steve,

I have known you now for maybe 4 years and still learning that you are a wild and crazy guy with a finger in many pies. "Reef keeping"...never even heard the term!!!

Glad you took the time to explain yourself, and a bit of time it took !!!

cheers,
Rog
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Visit IndianaRog and The Temple of Steam: www.indianarog.com

John Chapman · Guest

Hi Steve,

Great to read your story.

JensenSteamMan · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:20 pm Post subject:

As always Steve you are very interesting to learn about!

If you dont mind me asking what are Volkswagon Rail buggies?

I used to be facinated with aquariums, but after a while the constant labour of keeping one in tip top shape grew old.
I guess you could compare it to having to keep fixing an engine
that is constantly having problems?

I suspect my life story would be much shorter and less interesting.
(I wonder why?

)

Cheers,
Casey
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In case you were wondering, I am not on the Jensen payroll!

erikl · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:42 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the introduction steve!
Interesting to read. Your website was one of the sites I found on the internet when I just started to get interessted in steam engines. I didn't know it was around for this long.
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My site: www.steam-toys.com
I also like the bigger toys: www.stoomtrein.org

Griffin · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:53 pm Post subject:

Steve,

Thanks for taking the time to do your intro.

You have a wide array of interests and talent.

It's always a pleasure to read your posts.
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Make time to take a step back, and appreciate what you already have.