A live steam car - the Mamod Roadster
This is my birthday treat (from myself!), and I thought some of you might be interested. It's a vintage steam-powered car, styled on an edwardian-era roadster. I believe Mamod started making these in the 1960s, this example I would guess is 1970s. I only picked it up yesterday and some research is in order... Fuel tablets placed in a burner - essentially a tray - are lit and slotted under the boiler, where the bonnet is, turn water to pressurised steam which is pushed to the single cylinder and tiny piston which thrashes back and forth, regulated by a small flywheel. Power is transferred via metal belts to the rear wheel. It is not quick, but I had a lot of fun playing with an alternative means of propulsion, especially getting high on the hexamine fumes! It is tatty, but it has it's story to tell, and it means I can still use it as intended without concerns of ruining it. Naturally, I'm considering putting in some R/C for the steering - it's all over the place at the moment. This is my kind of antique. Thanks for looking!
Comments
Percymon
What a great model. radio control for the steering would make an interesting project, what about brakes ?
Crash Cramer
Very cool, now you can change your name to Steam Punk.
CAVS995
Cool, my Dad has one of these he bought new in the 70's. It used to sit on top of the tv and I as a young lad wasn't allowed to touch it! He also still has a traction engine with a log trailer! I loved watching it steaming along!
hammerstien
just need will sat in there and would look mad .. love these old steam toys had the fairground steam engine version as a kid
Pintopower
That is awesome! I would love to see that run.
Doc007
Great to see someone else who appreciates these - I have one that was given to me by my Dad when I was a boy for Christmas - again well used but good memories of x-mas day!. Have another used Mamod (flat bed), a used Wilesco (steam engine), 2 new Mamods (Bus and Fire engine) and a lovely Wilesco fire engine. You should look up Hornby Stephenson Rocket - these are great also, gas burner for heating the water, rocket on a track - again still have my original and a NIB but they had a tendency to catch fire from the gas cylinder that leaked (mine did and almost set the house on fire) when I was 12. Do you have a steering handle for this? They came in several guises - think this one had a wooden handle, connected to a metal rod that then connected to the steering wheel with a 2 fingered spring-clip. anyway - Great to see another, have fun and mind the hot water tank
Eleck_Rider
Thanks guys! Percymon, this car dosn't quite get enough speed up to need brakes - I wish it did! Crash, that is not a bad idea...CAVS995, my dad had the TE1 traction engine, which is how I discovered Mamod. Hammer, Willy would look great as a steam punk! Pinto - check Youtube for 'Mamod Roadster - there's got to be a few on there. If I successfully get some R/C steering in I'll film it. Doc, thanks for the info! I will have a look at these. I think the handle is missing on this, but it doesn't matter, I like steering the wheel. It could do with being more lockable so it doesn't change direction all the time. I love toys that you are *meant* to set on fire!
bunny555
I love these things. The smell of steam and the sound of that piston wizzing about. My dad was into these in the 70's and had this as well as several others. I still have my steam roller from that period and my dad bought my son the Old Glory traction engine and trailer with logs, that has never been run but sits in pride of place in out lounge. Would be great to see it running . cheers. Paul
SteveAdair
This is great. I have the Mamod Steam truck and have loads of fun with it but I've always wanted this car !
MAD-BEE
Very cool.
smitchos
Great, good to see someone else with teh same interest! I've just sold my Mamod steeam engines, I had one of these plus the pick-up truck. I never did but Ihave seen someone fit a single acoms servo under the chassis to steer it. There are lots of parts for these available, particularly on Ebay. New steel drive belts and top water filler plus side water level plug would be a good thing to do.
You don't sem to have the red plastic funnel nor more importantly the wooden handled rod for operating the steering wheel. Again, these items can be found on Ebay. If it's the tablets type burner (not meths type), I'm sure this makes it very late 1970's / 1980's onwards. ENJOY!
Eleck_Rider
Thank you people - I guess we can all appreciate a cool model! Smitchos - it has a newer, beefier cylinder/piston fitted and I strengthened the safety valve (SV) for more pressure in the tank. The front 'radiator' is a sight glass for the water level, and it's filled where the SV undoes. I would certainly benefit from a tiny funnel, it is tricky. I'm going to hunt for a servo...
Wyoming
That is just lovely I love steam stuff.
Eleck_Rider
Thank you kind sir.
RC racer
You have something really cool there. Enjoy.
ModifiedMan
I love your kind of antique! Very nice!
megadeth
Wow i had one of these as a kid.mine had a tap on front instead of the glass screen.tap needed re theading so i met a chap who took it to fix it and i never see him or car ever again.played with so much.
Eleck_Rider
Cheers guys - that's a real shame Megadeth. Maybe check out a certain online auction site?
Puffdog
Wow, i just seen this. Its absolutely amazing. Even if you don't do anything to it and just put it a clear display box, that would still be awesome!
Eleck_Rider
Thanks Puffdog. You know, this poor car is tucked up in a box in the loft at the moment, after a house move. I must get it out and set fire to it again!
Want to leave a comment?