My own E101 stationary steam engine.
I purchased this engine from a well known Bowman enthusiast in June 2005, knowing that is was not quite complete, but a runner. The idea was that I would, at least, improve the cosmetic appearance, during the following winter. Needless to say, I have done nothing except run the engine since purchasing it, but have absolutely no regrets. It really is a big, beefy engine, and I will work on it, just as soon as the 0 gauge layout is finished. This probably assumes that I live to be at least 120 ...
This is how the engine was described, very fairly, to me. Note that the engine arrived with the safety valve carefully soldered in place - it is missing, in the photos.
Main issues:
BOILER :
Chronically bad soldering of the boiler fittings. I have started to rectify this, and have unsoldered the
safety valve bush and cleaned up the great globs of solder, but the whistle and steam pipe are still
to be done.
I've no idea what the whistle is, but it certainly doesn't work - it has been soldered into the original whistle bush.
The boiler stay rod is, as always, gone. There is a rusty bolt in the front of the boiler, and again, a glob of solder on the back. There is no level plug, nor is there anywhere for it to go.
There are various small dings and scratches on the boiler, I have made a start at polishing these out.
There is a safety valve, but it is NOT a Bowman. The safety valve bush is there, but needs cleaning and soldering in - thread is fine.
ENGINE :
In good condition with healthy compression - the current cylinder and conrod are a replacement, but
I will include the (badly run out) original as well. The false cylinder covers are missing. The steam
pipe is soldered to the block, this wants replacing with a nut union - functional as it is though.
FLYWHEEL, SHAFTS, GEARS AND STAND :
All present, correct and in fine condition, just need polishing. The head of the grubscrew on the
gearwheel is missing. The stand has been partially stripped.
FIREBOX AND STRAP :
Fine and strong, just need painting.
BURNER :
Good strong condition. Some denting to top. Plug is present. Burner tube has been replaced long
ago, replacement is good and very strong.
CHIMNEY :
Absent. Base fitting for chimney is present.
BASE:
Strong, no splits or cracks. Holes drilled in corners. May not be original as there is no evidence of
the Bowman transfer. Some scorch damage inside firebox area, not severe.
DRIP FEED OILER :
Absent.
SUMMARY :
I'd describe this engine as "tatty but restorable". All the missing parts are still available. The biggest
job will be tidying the boiler end caps.
Before I started restoration this engine was run regularly, and I can testify to the fact that the boiler WILL hold steam. All the problems described above could be rectified with a bit of graft.
