Toy steam engines

I have collected Mamod steam engines since I was a boy, I got my first engine, and SR1a Steam Roller in 1973, since then I have aquired many over the years - I mainly concentrate on wick-type burner stationary engines made prior to 1954 as well as some of the rarer mobiles such as the TE1 and SR1. Having collected these wonderful toys for over thirty years I have amassed a varied selection of engines, the earliest being a 1937 SE4 and the latest (new purchase) being a 2002 SP5. 

The build quality of present day engines is sadly lackin when compared to the quality and workmanship of the engines built over 50 years ago, as the latest SP5 and SP6 demonstrate.

 

Todays Mamod models are built more for adult collectors than young children, the range is very biased towards the mobile steam engines, the stationary range is very much reduced although the Malins inspired SP4 and SP2 are still available - the recent SP5 is a mere shadow of the orignal SP5 of 1979 - stripped of everything to offset the cost of a motor/dynamo. The new SP6 with the latest (for Mamod!) piston valves is a capable performer, but somehow the grace and charm of the Malins design is not there (just see the new piston valved TE and SR). This emphasis is on features to try and catch up with the competition ie Wilesco, but there is lack of direction and non-existant detailing seems to be indicative of the range now - exhaust to chimney, reverse, whistles and quality firebox chrome sides all go to offset the cost of gimmicks like dynamos and piston valves.