The Mamod Steam Wagon

Mamod's third mobile engine . . .

The Steam Wagon is regarded by many (including myself) to be Mamod's finest mobile steam engine. Largely attributed to Steve Malins for its creation, the engine is a very well made and enjoyable 'lump' to own.

 

The Wagon was introduced in January 1972 and is a very realistic version of an overtype wagon. The engine cleverly used many existing parts to keep costs down; hence it uses an SR1a power unit and TE1a smokebox and front end, along with the standard firebox of the TE and SR. The wagon used new pressings for the main body which was hindged at the end to allow access to the engine and scuttle. The whole set up was attached to the firebox by two sturdy chassis members. The rear wheels are a faithful copy of the type to be found on Foden Steam Wagons and this model is sometimes known as the 'Foden Wagon'. The engine used a double reduced drive, which gave greater traction power and also allowed the 'engine' to propel the 6lb model at a much more realistic speed than that of its mobile cousins - the Roller and Traction Engine.

 

The first SW1s were painted green and employed an over flow plug type boiler with meths burner. From 1978 the wagon was painted blue and employed a sight glass and solid fuel burner. In the late 1990s a brown version with cream wheels became available, along with wooden 'beer' barrell accessories. There have also been a number of limited edition versions of this model both in a darker green and black liveries too.

 

Still in production today, this model still is a good seller and testiment to the skill and imagination of the Malins family.