The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum

Nick · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 12:01 am Post subject:

After removing the screws, I lifted the engine off that ugly base. The base was very dirty, so it has probably been on their most of its life.

When I flipped it over, it was much cleaner than other Jensens I have seen, no rust!:

I also like how the corners are on this:

I just wish the owner hadn't screwed it to the base.

rangerssteamtoys · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 12:29 am Post subject:

jensen 60's are great models and meccano models are sweet
_________________
Best Regards, Ranger Moore

IndianaRog · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 12:48 am Post subject:

I can't help you much Nick, but this is what I have heard:

- base...I understand in the early years of the Jensen 60, Mr. J. bought up some German made blank bases (Fleischmann?), later introducing his more traditional smooth/pressed bases with an industrial paint finish called Dimenso that gives it that shimmery look...blue, blue/green being the colors used over time.

- lack of a steam regulator...I've not seen that before, but it would not surprise me if again that was an early iteration of the Jensen 60 along with the bases sourced from outside the Jensen shop

- screw in the boiler face...I HAVE seen that once or twice before and it does appear to be "factory". Perhaps it was an alternative to a sightglass, where you left it off and filled with water til it flowed out the face...similar to Mamod but mounted a bit lower.

- unpainted flywheels...those have been alternated with painted on several Jensen models, so not unusual to find one as you did here.

- on your OTHER Jensen 60...if it has an ID tag saying it is electrified, it is either something added later by a subsequent owner OR Mr. J hit the bottom of the ID barrel and opted to use an ID meant for an electrified type, but stamped "60". He did use other tags when he ran short, but that's the first I have heard of an electrified tag mounted on a flame fired engine.

Maybe CEDGE or Gil can add to the above.

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

Nick · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 12:58 am Post subject:

So could this be one of the earliest Jensen 60's?

I bid for the lack of the regulator. I didn't know about the screw in the boiler. Ebay auction didn't show this. The seller probably chose not to show it thinking it was wrong.

IndianaRog · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 12:59 am Post subject:

I personally think it was probably the EARLIEST Jensen 60 version, 1959/1960. Again, I'd like CEDGE and Gil to weigh in as the metal based types are not that familiar to me.
_________________
Visit IndianaRog and The Temple of Steam: www.indianarog.com

Nick · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 1:05 am Post subject:

Here is all I had for ebay pics:

(that size too)

Here is the item description:
HERE WE HAVE AN OLD JENSEN #60 STEAM ENGINE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT THIS VINTAGE PIECE IS MISSING. TAKE A LOOK AT THE PICTURES AND SEE IF THIS FINE ANTIQUE WILL BELONG TO YOU NEXT. SHIPPING WILL BE 10.00

I would also like to know what kind of wooden handles would have been on this (thin snowman or straight).

I hestitated on buying this, but it looked odd so I really wanted it. It is missing the whistle and SV, easily replaced, but I'd like the right handle.

Here is the ebay link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI....sPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=024

johnreid · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 1:06 am Post subject:

Wow, I never even thought that it might be an overflow plug like on a Mamod, that just makes too much sense. take the screw out, fill till water comes out, replace the screw and go.

I almost bid on that one too, but when some unexpected expenses hit me I decided not to. I am still thinking that I am going to try to stick to electric Jensens, unless I decide to get a 85 and make a mobile out of it. Might happen this summer.
_________________
Your life is an occasion...Rise to it

Nick · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 1:07 am Post subject:

That is what I thought of it being too. I plan on cleaning it up before running it. I can't believe how nice it actually is under the dirt and grime.

CCairns · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 1:09 am Post subject:

Nick, your more common engine is a MEC 1 Meccano engine, which was built by Mamod to Meccano's specification and only supplied to Meccano direct, and not to Mamod's own dealers.

Produced from July 1965 until 1976 with a total production of 83,519. It was the first Mamod engine to have a reverse control.

It looks in good condition and will clean up well, and that soldering is the same as on my MEC 1. See my posting for my MEC 1 and the SP3 that replaced it in 1979 - http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/about7039.html

Nick · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 1:15 am Post subject:

The SV is on one end of the boiler, but what is on the other end on top of the boiler?

CCairns · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 1:29 am Post subject:

That is a steam dome which Mamod did not use on the SP3 but put a whistle in that location instead. So the MEC 1 should have a drier and cleaner steam outlet than the SP3 in theory.

johnreid · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 1:33 am Post subject:

Whistle?
_________________
Your life is an occasion...Rise to it

IndianaRog · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 2:42 am Post subject:

Nick, given the vintage of that Jensen 60 (1959/60), I would think the straight red dowel handles would be correct.

Other Jensens of that vintage (collector & hobby types)...have those red straight handles, but those gave way to the skinny snowman type by 1961-62 timeframe.

Looks like about $35 in new parts you could use would be a modern SV, whistle, stack and fuel tray (get one that is meant for a Jen 60). You could then strip a new pink painted stack to reveal matching copper plated steel beneath...just use repeated coats of paint stripper and avoid aggressive steel wool rubbing...that paint WILL come off.

Cool piece of Jensen history!!
_________________
Visit IndianaRog and The Temple of Steam: www.indianarog.com

Nick · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 3:26 am Post subject:

I already have a spare whistle (fat snowman handles) and a spare stack that is the older style without the paint. I also need a new boiler strap as those don't clean up nice (cost is like a $1) and two rivots for it.

Nick · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 3:28 am Post subject:

This is a pm I received from Cedge:

Nick
Very early model 60.somewhat rare with the front face overflow port and a square cornered wilesco metal base. You'll see these from time to time. It's pretty much a straight up, 1961 or so, early iteration of the same engine we still make today. Not a lot of value, but plenty of notable Jensen historical quirks, all in one small engine.

Steve