This started when we recently visited a model steam society. I found this engine on Ebay and decided it was perfect for restoration project.

I found this engine on ebay, having searched dozens of listings, selling for a good bid price. The seller described it as a "Mamod SE1 stationary steam engine, circa 1954 - 1957. in working order.  Light repairs to end of burner, funnel not perfectly upright. See photos.". 

One of the listing photos showed the funnel was ascew (see above), but it looks to be in better condition than most others, and the age and condition shown of it made it perfect as a restoration project.

I ended up bidding more than double the original price to get it, but it was still worth every penny. 

It arrived 2 or 3 days after I paid for it, in a solid box and well packed with cardboard and newspaper. The Mamod itself was in a plastic bag and the seller had also taken the time to put a bag of desiccant in - a very nice and thoughtful touch.

I immediately checked the boiler - it was strapped down with a simple metal strap to the base on top of the firebox, so I carefully rotated the boiler so that the funnel was straight again, then onto the inspection;

The engine arrived exactly as pictured in the ebay listing (thankfully, I'm looking forward to cleaning it up). It has seen modeate use for its age, as has definitely been adjusted multiple times over the decades. 

The boiler has soot, which appears to have been rubbed down since last use. There are small dent and deformations here and there, but the boiler looks structurally sound otherwise. The forward tap insert looks to have been replaced, as there is a large solder patch surrounding it. The boiler flat surfaces appear to be original, with no signs of repair work or re-soldering. The inside of the boiler has light scaling, evident from the inside of the fittings and safety valve.

The firebox has definitely seen better days, with very little of the heat resistant paint left. Water corrosion is present with the rust and oxidisation, but otherwise appears to be little evidence of heat warping or damage, a good sign.

The flywheel and piston base appears to be in great condition too, with no visible paint chips or deformation - the base is constructed from a single formed plate. The flywheel turns very freely without the piston arm mounted, although the grub screw holding the accessory pulley to the shaft is damaged.

The main base has a few paint chips, but also looks to be in good condition, with normal wear and tear. The boiler strap screws have been removed before, judging by the scrapes from a tool used to remove the nuts (see underside photo). 

The pipework looks to have been Adjusted a few times, and the presence of solder at some of the ends suggest they have been removed and re-soldered to the fittings. I may replace these if I cannot straighten them.

The piston has a good fit to the cylinder, but the shaft is slightly bent and not true - this does not appear to affect the stroke. The tip of the piston had water on it, suggesting it had been tested before shipping. The valve gear is very dirty and needs further inspection once cleaned up, but appears to be free and there is very light wear to the joining surfaces.

Finally, the safety valve and front cap seals are very old and need replacing. the valve springs and parts look to be in good condition, with scale being the only real issue. 

All in all, this is a well used, well maintained engine, in need of a good cleanup and some minor repairs - I look forward to getting to work on it.

This section is coming soon - Stay tuned!