After several stationary engines, the steamroller known as “Old Smoky” was first introduced to the production line as a mobile model in 1966.
This was followed by a steam tractor as well as a fire engine, inspired by an original model by the MAGIRUS co. in 1904.
The latest motorised model is the “Mighty Atom” tractor. This is a detailed model of the original from 1932.
The phrase “Quality and Safety” not only stands for Wilesco steam engines, but also represents the overarching policies of our company.
The normal working pressure of the boiler is approx. 1.5 bar.
The safety valve mounted on each boiler opens at 1.8 bar, so that there is not an excess of pressure and that safe operation is guaranteed. The boiler and the boiler house, as well as all steam-handling components of the steam engine become hot and should not be touched during operation. Please read the detailed user’s instructions enclosed to every engine BEFORE use.
All of our boilers are made of highly polished brass tubing, and partially plated with nickel. Each boiler has a safety valve and a glass water gauge in order to check the level of the water in the boiler. Additionally, almost all engines are equipped with a steam whistle. This provides an acoustic manner of checking the pressure in the boiler. The boiler houses and base plates are made out of high quality tin, with modern coats of paint.
The cylinders manufactured with a special brass alloy come in two kinds:
- oscillating and
- reversible (double action) cylinder.
The oscillating cylinders only work in one direction.
Engines with reversible, double action cylinders can rotate the flywheel in both directions, resulting in a higher energy yield (more power) able to move M-models. The zinc five-spoke flywheels are either painted or gilded. All of the engines, with the exception of the fire engine and the marine steam engines, have a pulley system that drives the model using coils. Many machines have a chimney to direct the excess steam, living up to their name. The steam engines are generally heated with solid fuel (Witabs), and some machines are using an electrical heating system.