Spokesmann
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Transitional SE2I'd like to share this with members, my latest acquisition a Mamod SE2 dating c1958.
This is an unusual engine. For those of you who know their Mamods will know why. For those that dont Ill go through my reason for labelling as a transitional engine.
In 1957 Mamod introduced the legendary SE3 twin. With it they ushered in the use of a new type of lamp (for them) - the vapourising spirit burner. Now this type of lamp was eventually rolled out across the entire range in 1958, except for the Minor 1. At the time of the SE3s release the SE1 and SE2 had their fireboxes changed to the newer type we see here, a type that was to continue right through to 1985 with the SP3. Now this new firebox had a wider firebox hole and a more enclosed top edge. They however carried on with he 3-wick burner until c1958 and here we see a mix of the new and old. Note also that this engine has a wire type boiler retaining strap, this too was first used on the SE3. This type of securing strap did not last long, maybe a year or two, for later we find 1960s SE1s and 2s with the more familiar flat type of boiler band. The engine still has the characteristic thick rimmed flywheel as well as embossed crank and one-piece con rod. Finally we still have screw fixings for the pressed steel engine frame. So here we have an engine which show a company's design and technical spec in a state of change... So this engine in some way is a last direct link to the wick burner engine era, but allows us to see the design cues which were coming in for the future. Of course the SE1 and SE2 underwent more incremental changes in the 1960s, with rivet construction, steel vap burners and different decals and engine paint. But it is this version which exhibts this curious mix of old engine baseplate with new firebox design and boiler strap, but old lamp idea.
A fascinating cross over period and as always Malins never wasted any inventory...
This engine is photographed in 'as found' condition, it needs a new whistle and collar as well as a repaint and de-rusting. It moves, but the piston is a little stiff to say the least...
The engine will receive a full and proper make-over in the next few months. I'll post its progress here.
All in all an iteration of the SE2 which I have been after for a while and one which can be rightly labelled as a 'transitional' SE2. Enjoy the images.
(Now do I solder the collar from the outside or inside..... oh and has anyone got a spare turned brass whistle!!  )
The engine is in complet(ish) but totally original condition...
Thick rimmed flywheel and screwed engine frame...
New and old technologies make an interesting combination, curiously the wick lamp fits in quite well with the wider firebox hole.
A new collar is needed...
Thankfully the lamp has not been lost....
Lovely period features, still very much in the 1940s and 50s tradition...
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Spokesmann
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The 54 SE2 for comparison, to me, arguably one of the best looking SE2 variations.
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8_10 Brass Cleaner
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The bush would have been an external collar type, so you should be able to replace it without taking the endcap off.
You'll have to make a bush or buy an internal one and 'doctor' it
I put a piece of 1/4 BSF studding in the drill chuck, then put the drill in the vice (no lathe at home), then screw on the bush with the larger diameter against the chuck jaws. Get it all going and get the file out. Easy peasy.
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Spokesmann
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Thanks, I thought as much as it might be fitted form the outside as the end caps have not been disturbed and the collar isn't rattling around inside the boiler.
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Mamod Collector
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A nice winter project there Mike, was it off ebay ?
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Spokesmann
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| Mamod Collector wrote: | | A nice winter project there Mike, was it off ebay ? |
Aye. 
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Spokesmann
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| 8_10 Brass Cleaner wrote: | The bush would have been an external collar type, so you should be able to replace it without taking the endcap off.
You'll have to make a bush or buy an internal one and 'doctor' it
I put a piece of 1/4 BSF studding in the drill chuck, then put the drill in the vice (no lathe at home), then screw on the bush with the larger diameter against the chuck jaws. Get it all going and get the file out. Easy peasy. |
Hedd, sorry to sound thick but can you expand on this procedure!
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Spokesmann
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I TOOK THE SE2 APART TODAY.
It's clear that this little engine had not been taken apart in its life.
The base shows the faded red paint, red paint does faid quicker and shows it!
The baseplate is almost orange in places, removal of the engine frame show the difference. By the looks of it the firebox had been put on crookedly juding by the stain/marks left once it was taken off. The engine will be completely repainted with all parts getting a respray. The firebox will receive a new decal too, and the lamp will be treated to some super-wick.
The firebox has a slight buckle at the opening end, which will be gently pushed out.
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Spokesmann
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Whilst waiting for the decal paper for the final nameplates for the Arrow 2, I had an opportunity to get stuck into the dirty work on the SE2...
Flywheel is in good shape, Ill leave this a faded red/orange...
Botched repair on the missing insert using epoxy, a chisel was used to removed the time-hardened remnants of the 'repair'.
Overall looks...
The lamp is a nice snug fit. Could it be that Malins had to use up old inventory in the shape of these and mix it with the newer wider 1958 firebox? Hence this strange concoction of old and new parts?
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Mamod Collector
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That will come up a treat Mike
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Spokesmann
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It will indeed.
Im enjoying this one.
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Spokesmann
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A little bit of painting today and more rubbing down too!
Newly painted items on base...
Work in progress...
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silverfoxsteam
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Just picked up this thread - going to be a good one Mike!
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Spokesmann
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Thanks Steven, its nice to bring an intersting engine back to life and working order.
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John Chapman
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Watching progress with interest Mike.
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Mamod Collector
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You dont hang about Mike, at this rate it will be done for the weekend 
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Spokesmann
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| Mamod Collector wrote: | | You dont hang about Mike, at this rate it will be done for the weekend |
I HAVE SOLDERING TO DO ON A NEW BOILER INSERT, THAT WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I COME BACK OFF HOLIDAY.
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Spokesmann
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Prime time...
3 coats of light primer on each side, lightly rubbed down between each.
The open topped engine frame makes it easier to put the cylinders back on, this feature seemed to be sporadic on the engine frames of the steel pressed type, I have seen SE3s with the open type here as well a fully closed hole for the trunnion pivot...
The con-rod is the integral type, reassuringly thick and tough...
This part is complete, I gave the round headed screws a little clean up too...
The crank and shaft on this one are brassed...
Flywheel has been cleaned but the paint left as is.
Work so far, I rather like this colour scheme!
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silverfoxsteam
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[quote="Spokesmann"]Prime time...
The open topped engine frame makes it easier to put the cylinders back on, this feature seemed to be sporadic on the engine frames of the steel pressed type, I have seen SE3s with the open type here as well a fully closed hole for the trunnion pivot...
Nice Marklin design!
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Spokesmann
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Dont start that one again!
That aside the similarities are very obvious!
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Spokesmann
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Splashed a bit of paint around today. im using Hammerite smooth on the firebox and for the red A Nissan red fitted my minds eye for baseplate colour...
Once the firebox paint is hardened I will apply the decal, Ill leave the paint to harden for a few weeks before I consider firing this engine. it will be on display at Exeter though.
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John Chapman
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Super job Mike, look forward to seeing it at Exeter. What colour did you use for the light green?
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Spokesmann
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| John Chapman wrote: | | Super job Mike, look forward to seeing it at Exeter. What colour did you use for the light green? |
For Highland green as usual. Im hoping to have the new boiler insert soldered after I come back off holiday.
Mike the Arrow 3 is my winter project!
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Spokesmann
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Work continues on this little engine. Baseplate and firebox are now complete. The baseplate had an extra coat of clear lacquer for good measure. I need to fit new wicks in the lamp and pick up the insert from the PO tomorrow. Once soldered I can finish cleaning the boiler. I need to source an 'O' ring for the union and also a whistle. finally apply the decal and then the engine can be considered complete and ready for steaming once the paint has had time to fully harden.
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Mamod Collector
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Very nice, even Mr Malins would be pleased with that one 
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Spokesmann
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Hopefully when its finished he will/would!
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Spokesmann
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Just finishing bits to do today, including soldering in a new insert...
Here is this mornings work...
I am using a turned whistle from another engine, which can use a sprung type since it is 'in period' for that engine. The SE2 now has the correct whistle, I used an internal type insert. I could have taken of the end cap and soldered form the inside of the boiler, but I do not want to disturb them - no point. The new insert looks perfectly acceptable as is.
Burner has some new super wick...
Nearly there...
I have posted images of the completed engine in a new dedicated thread.
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