Mamod MM1

 A few years back I decided that I wanted a Mamod stationary engine, simply because I always wanted one as a child. I chose a MM1, probably the most basic model in the range, as I knew that I'd only use it a few times before either putting it on the shelf as an ornament or putting it in the loft. In fact it just had a clean up and a new safety valve and headed for the loft, until today.

It didn't come with a funnel, so I used a couple of syringes to fill the boiler and burner;

Both were used for dog medication. I'm a modeller, I never throw anything away unless I have to. A few drops of Singer sewing machine oil provided lubrication, probably too refined for the job but that's what I have to hand as I use it for the Unimat and my aged Singer.

And we have fire;

Whizzing away;

I must have gone a bit mad with the lube as there's emulsified oil everywhere. 

With it's original box;

I've run it a few times today, and made a few mistakes simply because I didn't read the instructions on the box. I overfilled the boiler and burner, so nothing happened and I had fire everywhere and bubbling paint on the base. Still, I've now gotten the hang of it and to be honest it's a fun toy to play with. I'll probably run it some more before giving it another clean and putting it back in the loft. I need to be careful as I can see these toys becoming addictive!

I've found that the easiest way to empty the boiler is to turn it upside down and use a syringe to suck the water out.

Paul.