The Hornby Santa’s Express Train Set presents to you a colourful and fascinating decoration for your Christmas tree.
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Review: Corgi 1:50 Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 Steam Vehicle Model
Review: Corgi 1:50 Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 Steam Vehicle Model Model collectors and enthusiasts that are looking for another model to add to their collection might just be interested in the beautiful Corgi 1:50 Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 steam vehicle model. Having been building steam engines as far back as the 1880’s and primarily for powering fairground rides, Showman’s completely revolutionised the way rides were driven. Previously these rides required horses to power them, which was obviously more labour-intensive and would provide a limitation on the sizes of the rides. Usually distinguishable from other road-going steam locomotives of the time due to being painted in bright colours and using brass decorations, Showman’s were always good on the eye. This is just one of the reasons why models of these fabulous automobiles are always sought after by collectors. This is a highly detailed die-cast model of one of Burrell Showman’s, creators of some of the earliest steam locomotives, most beautiful models. Initially built in 1912, the Philadelphia No 3413 has quite a story attached to it. A Model with History Originally used by its first owner, a certain Joseph Smith, to operate a fun fair ride in Southampton, it was later sold by his family after his death to Alfred James Bartlett. Put back to use at powering funfair rides, the 3418 was eventually requisitioned for involvement in the second world war. Used in agriculture during the war and up until 1948, it was eventually left in a shed for almost 50 years. John and Brenda Newton who now own the Philadelphia first tried to purchase the Philadelphia in 1966 but after many years of negotiations, the sale only went through more than thirty years later in 1999. What You Get With a scale of 1:50 and made from a die-cast material, collectors and model enthusiasts will be getting a highly detailed model of the Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 Steam Vehicle. The Corgi Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia 3413 is certainly not a model for children and is primarily for hardened adult collectors. Scale – 1:50 Length of 130mm Highly detailed Colourful piece One for collectors A piece of history, a fascinating story and a truly beautiful model, the Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 Steam Vehicle Model is one that most collectors will want in their collections. Die-cast and with extremely high detail, a model such as this will prove to be a fantastic addition to any collection.. Furthermore, built to be sturdy and to last, this model can be displayed with the peace of mind that it can withstand a bit of use here and there with the right care and attention. Anyone that has not added this particular model to their collection as of yet, should seriously consider doing so as it really is a gorgeous piece. CHECK PRICES
30. Sep 2017
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! CHECK PRICES
30. Aug 2017
Review: Sunnytech® Hot Air Stirling Engine Model Educational Toy Sc02
Review of the Sunnytech® Hot Air Stirling Engine Sc02 The Sunnytech Single Flywheel Hot Air Stirling Engine is a well-crafted, fully working model which demonstrates the operational principles of Stirling engines. What is a Stirling engine? A Stirling engine is an external combustion engine. That is, it is an engine that gets its energy from an external heat source, in contrast to the internal combustion engine where the heat input is generated within the engine itself. The Stirling engine was invented in 1816 by Robert Stirling, who wanted to create an alternative to existing steam engines, whose boilers could often explode because of the high steam pressures used and the strength limitations of the materials available to engineers at the time. How does a Stirling engine work? Like all heat engines, the Stirling turns heat energy into mechanical energy. The key feature of the Stirling engine is that it uses a fixed amount of gas – usually air – enclosed in a sealed container, with the heat consumed by the engine applied externally. This means that the engine can run on just about any heat source, including coal or gas, solar energy, chemical reaction and nuclear energy. It can also work with very low temperature differentials, which means a Stirling engine could be powered by body heat or even the steam from a cup of coffee. And because it uses heat from a constant source and does not, like an internal combustion engine, rely on a succession of explosive ignitions, the engine runs very quietly. The heat source used in the Sunnytech Single Flywheel Hot Air Stirling Engine model is supplied by a small methylated spirit burner, which comes included, and the engine’s output is delivered – as the name suggests – by a single flywheel. Model features The Single Flywheel Hot Air Stirling Engine is robustly constructed from steel, copper and aluminium, and comes fully assembled, which means that you can have it up and running within minutes of taking it out of the box. Just fill the burner with meths, light the wick, let the working fluid (air) heat up for 30 seconds, give the flywheel a spin, and off it goes. The model’s main features are: Specification: Single Flywheel Hot Air Stirling Engine Model No.: SC02 Speed: 1300-1500rpm Size: 130mm X 80mm X 115mm Materials: Aluminium, Copper and Steel Weight: 500g Colour: Silver The Single Flywheel Hot Air Stirling Engine is an ideal collector’s item for engineering enthusiasts, as well as an engaging educational demonstration model. Most importantly, it is lots of fun. It should, however, only be used under adult supervision, and it is not suitable for children under 10 years old. Customer reviews of the Sunnytech Hot Air Stirling Engine are consistently excellent. People who have bought it are particularly impressed by its quality and performance. In today’s world, where everything is made from plastic, the look and feel of a solid, tactile piece of high-quality workmanship is immensely satisfying. It has an elegant design, is well engineered and constructed, and runs like a dream. CHECK PRICES
6. Feb 2018
Review: Mamod SR1A Steam Roller
Review: Mamod SR1A Working Live Steam Roller Young boys and older men who are interested in vehicles of all types are going to love the Mamod SR1A Working Live Steam Roller. This delightfully coloured model is a perfect replica of a 19th Century British Road roller and will provide males from every generation a chance to let their imagination run free. This is the perfect model for creating fun stories, characters, ideas and scenarios. Also, even though this is a boy’s toy, mums, sisters and daughters can still have fun playing and creating these wonderful stories and worlds as a family. The Mamod SR1A steam roller comes fully assembled, so for those of you out there who love the finished model product, but aren’t really too keen on the building process, this is the perfect model for you. Father and son duos looking to either build up an existing collection, or start a new hobby together can jump right into the fun. Due to this model not needing any assembly, it’s perfect for boys who are just starting out their model collecting hobby and because it’s suitable for ages 14+ for non supervised use, the worries of mum and dad concerned about what to buy their teenage son are no more! (Also suitable for dads needing an excuse to add to their collection!) As the pictures show, this model is exceedingly beautiful. The steam roller is simply designed using the most durable metal materials, giving the model a realistic overall look. A more modern and pristine look is given to the steam roller by it being finished with top quality colourful paint. (Get your hands on the model to help give it a more used authentic look! Real life steam rollers wouldn’t look this luxurious afterall. Of course, hardcore collectors wouldn’t dare ruin the exterior appearance of this fine piece, but that’s the beauty of the SR1A – it’s suitable for all!). The model’s dimensions are 255 x 177 x 144 mm, making it a perfect size to handle and not so big that it takes up too much room in a collector’s room. The Mamod SR1A live steam roller is exactly that – live! The model is fully functioning as if it were an actual steam roller used on the street. The model uses solid fuel tablets (which are much safer than the fuel used for models similar to these in the past) and water. Water is poured in, the burner is lit and the steam roller is set to go. Once the model is fired up, it can easily be controlled by using the steering rod to control the front chassis. The flywheel controlling the belt to the rear wheel is powered by a brass piston and cylinder, just like a vehicle in the real world. Steam rollers in real life obviously have the ability to move forwards and backwards; Mamod have put thought into this too, giving their product the ability to travel in reverse, as well as forward. What really gives this model a special touch is the sound it makes; because of the real life components making up the steam roller, the sound made mimics that of a steam roller of its time. This is made possible by the chimney billowing steam from the model’s exhaust unit. There isn’t a live steam roller quite like the SR1A on the market and the high quality materials making up this model ensure a longlasting product you’re going to enjoy today and for many years to come. CHECK PRICES
3. Oct 2017