Steaming up a Mamod Traction engine

In this weeks video we are unboxing and preparing a Mamod steam traction engine. I decided to but a Mamod steam traction engine as Iam fascinated by Victorian machinery and engineering. I chose the Mamod model over the other German manufacturer Wilesco as I wanted to buy British Engineering. So join us on this Wednesday evening video as we use the solid fuel burner to steam up the boiler on this Traction engine. This is a wonderful live steam model review and unboxing.

[@jetsons101]

I really admire grown men that can still go out and have some childhood fun here and there. This was a FUN watch.

[@nilo70]

WELL DONE THAT MAN !

[@stormshadow9659]

Lol 😆 I'm 63 and I still have my green mamod steam engine too virtually identical to yours and still great fun 👍 Great channel Martin keep it coming.

[@a11oge]

same here, 69 and still got mine. Bought some new parts for it a month ago, so will have it running soon. ps parts are expensive

[@stormshadow9659]

@@a11oge o'dear need some new parts for mine too .pressure valve and new fire box 🙄

[@a11oge]

@@stormshadow9659 that’s what I needed plus the drive wire between the flywheel and the road wheels

[@bunston1000]

I’m 63, and I still have my green Mamod Steam Tractor (Traction Engine). I absolutely treasure it, and recently steamed her up. She doesn’t appear to run a long as I remember she did, but I guess it’s due to age, maybe some replacement parts needed as well. Given to me by my Mum and Dad one Christmas in the late sixties, that engine is so treasured for so many very happy memories.

[@carlpeel5151]

Fantastic half way through the vid I realised I had a big grin on my face, happy days

[@michaelhayes8479]

If you open the whistle while your filling the boiler you can get the water in faster, great video 👍👍

[@markdavies794]

Like a lot of people of a certain age, I had one of those with a green body. The fuel burner on mine took methylated spirit directly and the wheels on mine didn't have fancy tyres, that was some 45 years ago. I gave mine to my brother when I moved house in the 90s, I am sure he still has it.

[@martin4787]

I had the same model as yours Mark back in the mid 60's as a 7 year old boy and seeing Martin with his made all those memories come flooding back.

[@lilmmissmuffet]

I still have one of those

[@brianartillery]

Great video, Martin. The fact that Mamod still make model steam engines, in England, made me very happy. I never owned one (if I had, I'd never have got a look in, as dad would have 'had a little go, just to make sure it was safe' etc.),but a good friend at school did, and we played with it for hours in a large park in our town. Great memories. Beautiful stationary engine, too, and 'Vulcan' is a great name for it. I had a great aunt Bessie, too; she was my dad's aunt, who came from Wales, with her husband Gwilym, and they always fascinated me as a small kid, as they spoke no English, only Welsh. My nan always translated, and I remember that they were lovely old people. Sadly I only saw them a few times, as they very rarely left home to visit my nan, who lived near London. Seem to have wandered there. Sorry. Thanks for sharing. Nice one. 👍👍👍

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Brian 👍

[@countesscable]

I think a lot of us will have been reminiscing about visits to Aunts and Great Aunts. I thought that brown bread snd dripping with salt and pepper was the best thing ever!

[@rjcraine]

My wife bought me one of these 20 years ago exact same model and colour. looks like they have upgraded the wheels with rubber tyres now! Was going to hook mine up to a small model dc generator to power some led lights when I got it. Think it's time I revisited this project! Great memories!

[@frankintegrity7996]

When me and what's is left of my family occasionally meet up.The story of a borrowed from a mate Mamod traction engine and my burnt foot often crop up.A pair of 70's nylon socks soaked in mentholated spirits. A version of the Can Can was performed across the kitchen as my foot blazed melting the nylon to my foot.My frantic kicks only feeding the fire.My old fella trying to grab my flailing leg to pull off the shrinking remnants of my sock.The Mamod fired up ant chuffed along the lino as all this was happening.

[@brmbrm6016]

Beautiful. Memories of my Meccano steam engine powering up and down the hall in the 60s and my Dad's Mamod in the 70s. - Both of which I still have. The pungent smell of methylated spirits and steam filling the house.

[@jamessr79]

Nice to see you reliving your childhood with your steam engines. The smile says it all.

[@IN_THIS_DAY_AND_AGE]

I didn't know that they were still making them. Decades ago I used to have the steam wagon. Burning meths on the floor, lovely.

[@StuartTaylorEsquire]

Always wanted a mamod steam engine or traction engine. BTW Martin, Bridge street near to the old Masonic Hall, they have dug up the street to reveal the old cobblestone and tram tracks.

[@leonjones7120]

My dad used to be a railway driver of up to 45 years experience. He could drive 28 different types of engines. He bought me one of these, Mamod, with mine with a green boiler. Its great fun when I was a teen.

[@eflyguyandy]

My dad bought a Mamod from the UK back to Africa when I was young (late 70's). It sits now on a fireplace in front of me. Have the trailer with the foam tree logs as well.

[@deltafoxtrot2]

We had a Mamod steam engine as a kid in the 1970s, it used to use methylated spirits, me and my brother thought it would be a good idea to use it in the house as it was raining, we overfilled the pan and set fire to the carpet as it ran.

[@comedyhunter]

Maybe James could use it to make your brews in !

[@christopherbraiden6713]

Thanks for the mamod video, this is your childhood coming back again. As I told you I collect steam engines and I'm 56 😆 and brought an old 80s motor bike 🏍 when I was 50. Cheers Martin 🍻 enjoy being back young again!! 😎 👍🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🇬🇧🇬🇧🇺🇦

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Christopher

[@garethparr9482]

Love aunty Bessie Martin. Fred dibnah would be proud of you 👍

[@theusher2893]

This is great. My dad found a Mamod steam engine in a yard sale in the 70s for two dollars. He still has it!

[@frizzlefry5904]

Martin, I got the steam roller when I was 7 or 8, I still have it today and im 63, I stripped the green boiler paint so it looks the same as you traction engine....awesome buddy !

[@sus8e462]

Nothing silly about "toys" that makes us happy! So glad Bessie's spirit is mobile, and can't wait to see your Vulcan running!

[@tardismole]

My uncle had a green trtaction engine (I don't recall the make), which he would set off around the courtyard. Sod, it was fast! And the peep peep of the whistle was so high pitched it hurt. He used to take it to the traction rallies at Ardingly every summer. Smashing times. Thanks for bringing back such amazing memories.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers. I think they do run a little bit too fast. I prefer it ticking over static

[@tardismole]

@@MartinZero Definitely.

[@jeffjones6107]

Great video Martin had a traction engine in the early 70s .Nearly burnt me mams house down when my meths container caught fire to get it fired up. Nostalgic memories of bygone happy days.

[@MartinZero]

I think I had a "nearly burnt mi mams house down moment " as well 😀

[@sadieals]

Good old aunt Bessie. Great name for a neat engine!

[@user-sd7ms1vq1g]

I don't need to revisit my childhood I'm still there.

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

A beautiful Mamod Traction engine, steam is beautiful. Had a steam engine as a child, a wonderful hobby.

[@MartinZero]

I can see myself getting addicted

[@chromiumphotography5138]

I still have the one I was given as a little boy, still with it's box, labelled as Toy of the Year 1972. Back then they ran on methylated spirits rather than little tablets. Great fun!

[@MartinZero]

I remember mine used to run on Meths

[@chromiumphotography5138]

@@MartinZero Off to get some meths tomorrow to fire mine up. Cheers Martin, nostalgia fest 👍🏻liking the different Wednesday videos.

[@martindooley4439]

Yup I've got the Meths. Version in original colours somewhere in the deep dark recesses of the shed. My parents encouraged me to play with Meths fire and steam 😁 Different times

[@Basaljet]

Meths version was extremely dangerous. I still have mine. I remember spilling the meths over the kitchen unit. The flame was invisible over the surface and briefly everything was on fire. Solid fuel much safer

[@keith800]

Still got mine from the 70's love the smell of hot oil and meths , one day I want to build a garden railway and have a Mamod locomotive chugging around it.

[@MartinZero]

Great arent they Keith 👍

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

I think it is great you have a hobby that you can do indoors now. I collect to many things and always excited when someone like yourself starts a new hobby. Great video and wonderful steam engine and static station.

[@fac51nh]

Wow those bring back some childhood memories i had a small standard engine in the 70s kids toys was dangerous back then 🤣

[@rachel4300]

Coo, when I was a youngster I always fancied a Mamod. I was always attracted by the stationary model. I had visions of driving some of my Meccano constructions with it. Could never afford one though :(

[@The_Smith]

Aunty Bessie moves faster than Fred's "Allison" !

[@freddiebozwell7049]

Got my mamod minor 2 from Redgates, Sheffield in 1979, I'm 15 all over again!

[@lescampbell4196]

I remember these in the window of our local bike shop as a kid in the 60s

[@Satters]

I had no idea these were still made, the Mamod factory was just up the road from home but closed down when I was a youth, I do recall my father had a traction engine model but I've no idea what happened to it, my school had a stationary engine, but i don't think it was ever fired, would like to have one of my own one day funds permitting, meanwhile thankyou Martin & James for bringing joy to me from making your films

[@MartinZero]

Thank you, glad you enjoy them 👍

[@christopherescott6787]

I have mine 43 years on. Got it for Christmas 1979.

[@gharker55]

Got mine 1973 still have it

[@petersmith6974]

I’ve got a 70s steam tractor.Sits on the shelf.

[@davidgmail6844]

"The difference between Men and Boys, Is the price of their toys"...... nice one Martin, cheers from Vancouver :)

[@MartinZero]

Cheers David

[@steveg4iwr]

They are great to "play". With. I have had one about 30 years. 😀😀

[@lindamccaughey6669]

That was great Martin. Just love Aunt Bessie what a beautiful piece of machinery. Look forward to seeing Vulcan come alive

[@garrylearmonth9313]

Awesome Martin..................The pain in the wallet will be long forgotten with the fun and memories these bring back from the past and also the fun it will create in the future.

[@01cthompson]

Here in the US we have demonstrations of the real life antique steam powered farm implements at agricultural fairs. Lots of fun. I'm sure you have them there too.

[@wideyxyz2271]

Nice birthday prezzy for me lol... Yup 58 today ! Be careful steam is very addictive before you know it you will have a steam railway running round the garden and a 7 -1/4" gauge loco in the shed! Yup it happened to me.

[@nickcooper1260]

Lovely video, Martin, I still have my Mamod from about fifty years ago (now it is an orniment), and having seen Aunty Betty steam-up I think I will get mine going again. Thanks for bringing back happy memories.

[@MrGridStrom]

Very cool, it turns out my most recent video is about a steam engine I made back in high school. I really love these things.

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi, that's a Ken Wells engine you have there👏👏👏. He was my metalwork teacher when I was at school. Will watch rest of your video tomorrow it's getting late for me in Spain now

[@MrGridStrom]

@@davidberlanny3308 Oh really that's interesting. I remember that we were given the designs for the boiler, and then had to design our engine based on the oscillating steam engine. The boiler design looks to be a Ken Wells deigns indeed.

[@NOMADCREATIVESOLUTIONS]

Hope its a Lancashire boiler!! my great grandad helped design the Lancashire boiler as he was a boilerman in the mills in East Lancs

[@MartinZero]

Definitely a Lancashire boiler

[@pdsrenos]

Martin, everything you put out is fascinating. Love it all. It is really neat when you include your crew also. Tea Time is a big hit! Thank you sir for all your hard work! Thank the guys for helping with these adventures also.

[@peterkilvert2712]

Very enjoyable watch. I hope that you have many lovely times with Aunty Bessie and Vulcan.

[@brianwalton9907]

Love it Martin I'm 61 and I wish I had one.

[@lazyhazeldaisy9596]

What a sweet little engine I love the little whistle, it seems to go faster than a real one though doesn't Martin, I look forward to your next trial hope you don't blow yourself up! Toot! Toot!🚂

[@barney2051]

Can't wait for the next video on Vulcan. Keep them all coming.

[@simonharper4199]

Great steam models. I still have a stationary and traction engine i had as a kid (christmas 1977) Recommend putting plenty of steam oil into the cylinder. The brass wears quickly otherwise. It also helps seal the piston and you get more power and a longer run time. I like to run them on the meths burner tray (plenty on ebay) They run for a lot longer than the solid fuel tablets and smell way better. Meths ,steam and oil -the smell of my childhood. And empty the water out at the end of the run. Mamod used to have issues with dezincification (forms holes) of the brass boiler from leaving the water in them for prolonged periods. I know this from experience with my se3

[@greghilton7797]

Look at you Martin. The fountain of youth is a small steam engine. A bit of RC steering on the front wheels and she's a real goer. Cheers

[@dn744]

That's very fitting for old exploration 🤘🤗🙌

[@autisticlife]

My father bought me one of these in 1969. I still have it and its box, it goes well.

[@darreno9874]

Awesome, I have been looking at mamod engines for 50 years and never managed to get one. I think I need to try harder. The stationary engine looks great. Keep em coming. God bless

[@davidberlanny3308]

Just brilliant. We used to make a similar version at school. I didn't know it then but our Metalwork teacher designed them and published them in one of a series of three books, back to video .. ..

[@stuckintheeighties487]

Great video. Mine has pride of place in my front room. Never had one as a kid, but always wanted one, so bought one when I was in my forties! I steam it up and it never fails to make me smile. ATB

[@r3dshed]

A kettle on wheels.... Don't forget the spoon!

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Yes Martin, they are beautiful machines. I have one but it’s not as perfect as those because I built it in school . Absolutely every part was fabricated by me . The wheels and chimney were cast . The axles were threaded by me and even the nuts were made from hexagonal bar . It got me 2 X O levels ready to become an engineer back in 1985 , long story short I went on the YTS and became a bricky 🧱🧱👍🏽😆

[@Phil-M0KPH]

Great video. I got mine for Christmas in 1977. It’s probably 40 odd years since it got steamed up.

[@MartinZero]

Get it going Phil

[@Urbexy]

Both of those are like works of art. Really looking forward to seeing the static engine brought to life. The way things are going you might end up needing it to generate power lol

[@marksadventures3889]

"Turned out nice again" - Auntie Bessie's Engine - sounded like a song by our George to me. Hey up, it's little Lancashire (German) Boiler.

[@philburr4075]

Great video Martin and belting story about aunt Bessie

[@Boating_David]

Always wanted a Mamod as a kid, that's brilliant!

[@eliotreader8220]

my Dad got the version of it with the green boiler back in 2004 for my Grandad who wasn't into steam engines so I ended up getting it. me and my brother loved steaming it up. just had a new boiler fitted

[@danielbarrows7144]

Martin bought a fancy new tea kettle, looks like your brew is ready 🫖☕️🚂🤣

[@Anita6687]

That was brilliant , worth every penny.

[@dieselmanmike]

Great video. You definitely overfilled the boiler as I can relate to that when I drive a 7 1/4 gauge Hunslet locomotive and have left the injectors on too long while chatting and you get a free shower when you depart the station ! 😆🚂

[@slimboyfat3306]

Auntie Bessie's just the best and so pleased that you're training James's up on it 🤩 The name Vulcan for the static engine is absolutely appropriate as this legendary engine works isn't remembered as much as it ought to be. Fantastic vid as ever Martin 👏

[@philiplettley]

Another great video Martin, and 2 real works of art in those models. Though I can see this being the end of the exploring videos as you spend all your time playing with your new toys lol. Can't wait too see you get the steam engine up and working, looks awesome. Keep up the good work

[@aniwilliams3370]

Absolutely wonderful, Martin 😍 My brother had a Mamod as a kid and I still remember it running - for some reason I remember the smell of paraffin attached to his! Will look forward to seeing the static one fired up.

[@nicklowe536]

Love it they are fantastic fun. My dad has passed on his 1960x.roller to me.. Sadly its. Been sat in a shed for 20 yrs. But we now have a Grandad dad and Lad job to rebuild it hope you have many years enjoyment. There is a great mamod face nook group

[@mottmott5156]

Wow how exciting. It’s beautiful.

[@stevesrepairs5778]

Thanks Martin, I had a Mamod static steam engine that my grandad Albert bought me when I was a little lad. Maybe I should buy my grandson Albert one eventually as he's only 14 months old but I bet he'd like it now as he's a clever little fella (not so safe though eh). Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@MartinZero]

Get him it when he's 4 😃👍

[@michaelmiller641]

I have steam locos, but they're a lot smaller than that! 4mm to 1 ft scale! Great fun you're having there, Martin!

[@paulyates2548]

Thank you for calling your second steam engine Vulcan as my late father served his apprenticeship at the works were they made engine not just in this country but all over the world but what not many people know is that they actually built a ww2 tank and named it matilda so perhaps you rename your tank bot the same name in honour of the hard working workforce all those years ago so once again thank you

[@robertfletcher3421]

martin you certainly know how to open up the memory cels. As a kid, I had a static steam engine. It was smaller than yours but everything like the piston was fitted to the boiler. It was fitted with a Mecano base with project drive by the steam engine. I don,t know what happened to it. back in those days, we had proper toys.

[@WHITTONZ]

Happy childhood memories flooding back, now! Was given a Mamod stationary engine for passing the eleven plus in 1963. Bought from Joseph's toy shop in Sunderland. Had to look at it in the window every time me and my mam went shopping. Excellent video as usual, thank you.

[@allan010101]

You brought back memories. I had one of those static steam engines. I also had a little factory with different tools you could run. I even built a generator from a magnet and scrap wire. Such a cool video.

[@MartinZero]

Thats what I want to do Allan

[@Pytchblend]

The static is gorgeous!

[@dtb2654]

I want one now Martin, that static one is awesome, cheers for the video.

[@Paul-pb3vq]

Yes Martin had one of these years ago well two many to remember. In those days it ran on methylated spirits not a fuel tablet like today. Well I steamed up the model on my mum and dad's dinning room table. It had a table cloth on it. Well I accidentally knocked over the bottle of meths which was probably a half a pint of methylated spirits not knowing that methylated spirits just loves stripping French polish. So when mum wanted to wash the table cloth there was a huge white circle on the table. But I didn't get told off that bad really. I agree Martin we never grow up and are always kids at Hart. I've always fancied a quarter scale traction engine. Absolutely coal fired. If I ever won the lottery that's a huge if. I would treat myself to one. Keep the videos coming Martin just love them and all the history.

[@Qugar666]

As a youn boy I playded vith a steam engine like the one you have bougth. There was various different tools to hook up to it, like a sav and other stuff. Remembering it as great fun. Thanks yet again for a video.

[@johnthompson3605]

About time, I,ve had these engines for ages now and I,ve just recently started making them, Steam engines are great and are a very important part of world history, a great addition to your channel .

[@gerryegan4872]

Great video guys.. This is one thing I can get involved in. I have a model mamod static boiler unit with lots of attachments Great hobby, I am into steam trains. Can't wait for the next episode. Thanks

[@oliversimms]

Enjoyed having a Wednesday vid too, nice one

[@petertrevena804]

I got one as kid and they are around amazing

[@richardfox9795]

Magical. still have mine from when I was 11 still makes a smile

[@billfunk1219]

Martin-- cool stuff!! Stay the kid in ya and Crack On!!

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Bill

[@MrKb1959]

loved it but could never afford as a child 😢 great video , thanks .

[@davidedwards5920]

Martin that takes me back, I had one virtually the same but green body for my main Christmas present 1963. It doesn’t look like they’ve changed the spec. much I was absolutely thrilled with it being only 10 years old played with it constantly with a big elastic band on the flywheel driving all my meccano projects. Happy simple uncomplicated days. Great stuff 👍

[@navigator902]

Ahhh ... Antie Bessy....reminiscent of the past, I'm from the sixties. Had an Antie too.

[@grogalot2]

Love it, a man and his toys.

[@nigelt1218]

Very nice engine. Your great aunt and my gran from the same era. I remember the coal fire, beans on toast for tea (and a slice of cold ham, if you were lucky!), while sitting at the card/games table with a cloth over it. No fizzy drinks, except Lucozade, in a glass bottle with orange cellophane wrapper. And the clock, with the loud tick-tock 😉

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

Should call it ‘Dibnah’. Bessie reminds me of Pertwee’s old t model car.

[@Doobie3010]

Looking forward to your channel going full-STEAM-ahead in the future! 🚜

[@bmcd9490]

I look forward to next week

[@pegasus5247]

Like so many in the comments, this brings back memories of the 70's and watching my Grandfather steaming up a static version, great to hear they still make them and in the UK, enjoyable video.

[@notwenjohn6852]

Excellent video Martin. I had a red and green one as a kid, loved it. Probably still got it somewhere. Ran on the purple methylated spirits! Can't wait for you firing up the Wilesco!! ;-)