Freesteam

Spokesmann

A comment that Mike (Mamod Collector) made the other day made me think - what of the SP (Steam Power) range of engines? - true they were the first engine range 'properly' designed (Barry Hares/Steve Malins) - but what do we think of them in an historical context and what of the newer SP5 and SP6 models?

I for one have always liked them, they were well designed and well built, although the current SP5 and SP6 leave something to be desired in the build quality and design stakes (IMHO) - both steam well enough.

Let's hear your SP views (if any!!).

For information I own an SP1, SP3 and both the original SP5 and the newer (2002) SP5 . . .
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steamyjim · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 7:32 am Post subject:

I think they are a turning point in Mamods history, for many years they had been producing essentially the same range of engines. They were something new and exciting (i prefered the old range personally).

I think the origional range were good. But now i realy dont like them, aulthough the SP6 looks good. The build quality is terrible.

I have a SP1,SP2, 2X SP3s, SP4 and a SW1
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Mamod Collector · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 9:07 am Post subject:

I'm sorry to say this, but I don't like the SP range of steam engines at all
For me the SP range represents the decline of Mamods style and quality
I don't like the bases they seam to be drilled at random
Note the 3 holes drilled at the side Confused

Note here the 3 holes where the optional extras (Dynamo) is fitted
Looks messy Evil or Very Mad

I don't like water gauges, or solid fuel trays
I don't like the shiny alloy burner housing covers
And I don't like the whistles, or the way the steam pipe is soldered directly into the boiler,
(Use a union nut Mamood) Twisted Evil

There is one exception to the SP range which I would tolerate in my collection
And that's the WS1 (Workshop) and that's not a steam engine Laughing

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Mike
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old_timer · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 9:59 am Post subject:

The SP range is not something that particularly appeals to me either, and that is possibly why I don't own any ... yet.

I prefer the older style firebox, all black and not covering as much of the boiler as the SP range. I don't like the chimney either, prefer the green rather than the blue colour, and don't even get me stated on solid fuel (but, to be fair, that was changed due to todays nanny state rather than a pure design decision. I'm wondering if the size of the firebox was changed for a similar reason?).

As I say, I don't actually own any SP model, so it's a bit unfair to comment further, but what I would say about quality is that any deterioration is not limited to the SP range - I have a 2004 TE1a and it's quality is extremely poor compared to earlier models so much so that if I'd have bought it new I'd have probably returned it!

e.g dirt in paint! Sad

Mamod Collector · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:21 am Post subject:

Spokesmann · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:50 am Post subject:

Spokesmann · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:51 am Post subject:

Spokesmann · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:57 am Post subject:

New SP5 in steam...

Runs well enough, although the build quality is poor as is the spec...

Probably their worst model (apart from Harry) - the SP2 is fine as is the SP4 (both Malins inspired).

The sides are badly discoloured after 2 steamings - the metal is not even plated.

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