Other model reviews and posts you might like
Review: Mamod SP4 Stationary Live Steam Engine
Review: Mamod SP4 Stationary Live Steam Engine
This beautiful model is the Mamod SP4 steam engine. You would expect an engine of any kind to not be too aesthetically pleasing, they are designed to be the power unit, not the focal unit everyone lusts after. However, second best is never good enough for Mamod and their live steam engine units always look and play the part.
This steam engine is engineered in England using the highest quality metals. Not straying far from the classic Mamod use of colours, the SP4 is made up of bold red, silver and black colours. These colours create a glossy and tasteful finish to the model. Each model is:
260 x 208 x 185mm
heavy duty brass boiler and piston & cylinder unit
a water gauge connected to the boiler
a chrome plated fire box
solid fuel, oil and filler funnel (for hours of fun running the unit)
The SP4 resembles an old fashioned steam engine that would have typically been used in the past to run a range of things: pumps, mills, machinery and more. Stationary engines had no purpose without the other pieces of equipment and Mamod knows this very well. Never missing an opportunity to allow their models the ability to mimic the real world from times gone by, Mamod has created the SP4 steam engine with the opportunity to connect with other models. This live steam engine can be used to power pieces from the 1336 WS1 workshop and running them has never been easier. The SP4 is already assembled, so you don’t need to be an engineer to work out how to run this engine. Simply add water, light the fuel and the engine will work. This would be great to connect to other pieces – you could be running your own mini mill in no time.
This engine is suitable for a huge range of people due to its versatility. If using alone to just appreciate the power unit, it’s a fantastic educational tool for little ones and adults alike. It is worth noting, however, that children under 14 years old should not be left unsupervised with this product. That’s nothing to worry about, though, because adults will have a great time teaching their children and grandchildren all about the times of the past! Your kids are going to come top of their history class with their new model. The unit is also a fantastic gift for hobbyists who already have units from the 1336 WS1 series. Once they acquire the Mamod SP4, they’ll be able to fit all the pieces together and they’ll help each other work! Even if the hobbyist in your life does not have any other Mamod models, this is most certainly still one to think about for them. It’s a given that engines of the past were only used to power other units, but Mamod have made that a thing of the past by creating an engine one can appreciate by itself and will look perfect amongst any model collector’s pieces.
If you’ve already got a collection of live models, but not a stationary engine, the SP4 should most certainly be at the top of your list!
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Review: Bachmann Branchline 31-465
Review: Bachmann Branchline 31-465
The 31-465 Bachmann OO – Class C Wainwright 0-6-0 31579 in BR black with late crest is another great model from Bachmann. This locomotive model is an astounding addition due to its excellent speed, well-balanced design, and an economical price. The model belongs to the Class C Wainwright category. The entire structure has a great glossy finish which makes it more attractive for the consumers. It can be used for modeling purposes in the railway industry mainly.
There are many excellent and astounding features that make Bachmann Branchline 31-465 an extra special item from Bachmann’s locomotive model collection:
It belongs to the Class C wainwrights category
OO Gauge (1:76 scale)
It has a 21-pin DCC ready sound decoder in a socket
It has a 1.1 ampere with plug decoder and back emf
More information
It is not suitable for younger children and to be used in toy making. It is strictly not a toy. It is used for modeling purposes in the train industry, in museums and in educational institutions. 4
There have been some reports regarding the crest not being in line and not sturdy enough, but this issue has been resolved with subsequent models. Check with your supplier before purchasing to see if this is an issue. The model is a very good representation of the real locomotive, which is something that will delight model enthusiasts.
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Review: Wilesco D5 Steam Engine Model Kit
Review of the Wilesco D5 Steam Engine Model Kit
This is a gorgeous, highly detailed steam locomotive engine that is also a working model that produces actual steam. It’s ideal for beginner steam enthusiasts, especially younger ones as it can be used by children as young as eight years old. There is always something very special about steam engines, and the way they powered the industrial age. Models like this are a good introduction to this time period, and a hand-on way to learn about history and engineering.
If you are giving this to a child, bear in mind that it will require adult supervision and is most certainly not suitable for children under three years old. It is also a working steam engine and it does turn the flywheel quite fast.
The D5 Steam Engine from Wilesco is in kit form, so you’ll have to assemble it, but that’s more than half the fun of having a working model. Assembly is straightforward; there’s an easy to follow manual, which includes illustrations so you don’t feel lost trying to work out what goes where. No soldering is needed; the components are put together by screwing them into place.
It’s an attractive model, with a faux red brick platform and chimney stack, rather like a Victorian factory might have had. The boiler has a shiny, brass effect thanks to the nickel finish, as does the oscillating cylinder and the piston. There is also the red and brass effect fly wheel. There’s an inspection glass that is the water level indicator at the front of the boiler, with a dome steam powered whistle on top. The spring safety valve is also located here, and this is where you need to insert the water using the funnel. The piston and wheel generate power, and once in motion it gets quite a speed up. This is a noisy toy, and you do get a lot of steam, all of which makes it quite exciting to watch in action. The engine used a dry fuel to heat the water for steam. There is no need for additional batteries.
It really does bring to life the age of steam, and it has identical specifications to Wilesco’s D6 steam engine. The D5 is the kit version, and the D6 comes fully assembled.
The Wilesco D5 Steam Engine Model Kit is quite light, weighing just 739g.
This is not a huge model, even though it is fully powered. But it is a good enough size for an entry level type of kit at 21 x 15 x 15 cm. It should be possible to use the engine to power small devices by connecting to a dynamo too. There are lots of possibilities, and you are only limited by your imagination. There are other Wilesco models that you can attach to the engine, and you can drive other Wilesco models from its range.
Comes in kit form, no soldering required
Has a brass effect boiler with nickel finish
Boiler house has a brick finish, brass oscillating cylinder and also pistons
There is a dome steam-powered whistle
A driving pulley powers the flywheel
Uses a dry fuel
Weights 739g
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Review: Wilesco D21 Steam Engine
Review of the Wilesco D21 Steam Engine
Wilesco D21 is an operating model of steam engine whistle. This Wilesco D21 is used to operate the mechanical workshops like a drill press, table saw, and grinder because this steam engine provides the output as mechanical energy. This steam engine whistle uses steam and steam is transformed by boiling water through the heat in the boiler of Wilesco D21.
How it Works
First thing first, you have to add the water in the boiler. Fill the boiler 2/3 at least and then apply boiler fill cap. That cap inserted over the boiler is also the whistle. Start burning the boiler now. You can burn the boiler through gas burner or solid fuel tablets of Esbit. Now you have to oil the piston and other parts of the Steam Engine. In the meanwhile, water gets boiled. Release steam through the piston to operate the engine and the workshop attached to it.
Appropriate Age Group
The manufacturer group Wilesco recommends this model D21 for the children of 12 years and more. But if your child is 10 years old and you feel that your child is sharper than the other kids of the same age and he can handle a bit of technicality then you can think of buying one for him as well. Wilesco Group recommends that D21 Steam Engine Whistle must be used under the direct supervision of an adult so that any discrepancies may be avoided. This product is strictly prohibited for the children of less than 36 months.
Special Features
Wilesco D21 is a TUV (German Test Certificate) certified model of a Steam Engine Whistle. It has a metal body. No batteries are required to operate this steam engine model. You cannot operate Wilesco D21 by remote control. You can only run this steam engine model manually. This manual operation ability provides in-depth knowledge to a child operating this model.
Wilesco D21 has a firm body. Its body is made up of metal, and the presence of safety valve means this manufacturer does not compromise on quality. The pressure gauge can help you to be aware of the internal condition of the boiler. You can easily keep an eye on the readings to prevent any unpleasant incident. Wilesco D21 has a 500ml tank capacity which is more than enough for a child to operate its workshop using this steam engine model.
Steam Engine Model D21 by Wilesco is not very huge. It weighs only 2.7kgs, so the shipping costs are not massive. It is not very difficult for the children to handle it because the children of 10-12 years can easily handle this 3kg steam engine model by Wilesco.
There is no need to set up this Wilesco D21 because it is already assembled before delivery. When you receive this Steam Engine Model D21 by Wilesco, you may need to put on just a chimney and a couple of other things. So you have not to pay any setup cost if you purchase this Steam Engine Model.
In my opinion, the D21 Steam Engine Model is a fantastic design and a classy piece of product from Wilesco.
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