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Office of Steam Forum for Model &amp
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;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Hot Air Engines
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(DIR) Return to: Restorations
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#Post#: 60244--------------------------------------------------
Yet another GIFT engine: Empire B-43
By: Paula Date: February 10, 2024, 3:11 pm
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Hi again, everyone. I'm back with another "project" engine, this
time generously donated by Richard
([member=712]RichSteamTx[/member]). Thank you, Rich!
As the title says, it's an Empire (or "Empco") model B-43.
According to the Stilson book, the B-43 model was introduced in
1930, and is among the most common models (including the No. 43
model) produced by the Metal Ware Corporation. I'm not sure when
this particular engine was produced. Maybe one of the experts
out there has an idea.
At any rate, it's of the reciprocating, double-acting type.
Other than the failed paint, it's really not in bad shape. The
heater works, and most of the plating is in good condition. It's
missing a couple of parts, such as the throttle screw, and the
shoulder bolt which serves as the crank pin. The cap which fits
on the whistle is broken off, but still present.
Here are some "before" pictures (the whistle and smokestack have
been removed, and are shown in a separate picture):
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
This should be a rewarding project. I'm planning to fabricate
the missing parts, just for the fun of it, and may even renew
some of the nickel plating to achieve a new appearance. I've
already started taking the engine apart, and preparing some of
the pieces for new paint. Stay tuned...
Paula
#Post#: 60250--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yet another GIFT engine: Empire B-43
By: RichSteamTx Date: February 10, 2024, 7:18 pm
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Awesome, you have started!
I want to say this is more of a early model since it has the
"round" sight glass fittings and the glass tube slips into the
round fittings. Just like a Empire B30 or B31. So I am
thinking early 1930s. I love The "round" sight glass fittings.
Not only by the looks of them but they are also easier to seal
with O-Rings.
I can't wait to see how this turns out and I hope you enjoy the
engine!
#Post#: 60251--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yet another GIFT engine: Empire B-43
By: St Paul Steam Date: February 10, 2024, 8:30 pm
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That base will take paint very well as you said, the nickel
looks pretty good.
#Post#: 60268--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yet another GIFT engine: Empire B-43
By: txlabman Date: February 11, 2024, 11:39 am
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I have posted this before.
The correct paint color for Empire Engines is Krylon Number RTA
9230 Cherry Red.
Good luck with the restoration Paula.
I look forward to following the thread.
Charlie
#Post#: 60270--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yet another GIFT engine: Empire B-43
By: RichSteamTx Date: February 11, 2024, 11:51 am
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[quote author=txlabman link=topic=6883.msg60268#msg60268
date=1707673158]
I have posted this before.
The correct paint color for Empire Engines is Krylon Number RTA
9230 Cherry Red.
Good luck with the restoration Paula.
I look forward to following the thread.
Charlie
[/quote]
[member=4]txlabman[/member] That paint color changed at some
point and is too dark now IMO. At first I had one or two cans
that was perfect but its a shame its too dark now. Start here
(HTM) https://www.officeofsteamforum.com/restorations/project-resurrection-empire-(empco)-b43-strapped-boiler/msg58329/#msg58329<br
/>where I posted the YouTube when I did my B-43 Strapped engine.
I then moved to [font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica,
sans-serif]Dupli-Color Perfect Match BGM0398 Bright Red paint
(auto paint). But it is pricey and half as much paint.
Another guy that I got a engine from used Krylon Dual Superbond
"Banner Red" but it doesn't seem like they produce "Dual
Superbond" anymore. There is a Krylon COLORmaxx Gloss Banner
Red but I am not sure if that is just rebranding (I sent in a
question to Krylon about it). I hope it is as it is a really
close color to Empire Red for B-43s and onward.[/font]
[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]EDIT:[/font]
[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The EMPCO B-43 that
I got in yesterday that the PO painted with
"[color=#000000][size=2][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica,
sans-serif]Krylon Banner Red" but for whatever reason didn't
paint the wheel (just stripped it bare) I just painted it with
Krylon Number RTA 9230 Cherry Red. I figured it would better
than bare metal. Luckily I'm giving it to my brother, so it
will be out of sight of out mind! Once it is dry I'll post a
comparison between what I believe is a original painted Empire
B-43 reverser/pump engine and this B-43 Strapped Boiler with
Banner Red & Cherry Red Wheel.[/font][/font][/size][/color]
#Post#: 60272--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yet another GIFT engine: Empire B-43
By: Paula Date: February 11, 2024, 12:25 pm
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Thanks for the paint info, guys. I'm planning to use Rust-Oleum
"Ford Red" engine enamel, like I used on my last two Empire
engines. Mainly because it's a heat-rated engine paint, it's
what I have in house, and because it will "match" my other
engines. ;D Also, it dries slowly, so it flows out better than
some of the faster drying paints I've used. It's held up well so
far, and I just like the color.
Here a couple shots of my B-31 base, with the Rust-Oleum paint:
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
#Post#: 60273--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yet another GIFT engine: Empire B-43
By: RichSteamTx Date: February 11, 2024, 12:30 pm
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That's a nice red and as you say:
[list]
[li]You have it in stock[/li]
[li]It matches your other engines[/li]
[/list]
That's a winning combo for sure ;D
Edit:
Here is color compare between what I believe is Original Empire
paint on the B-43 Pumper/Reverser, then Krylon Cherry Red and
Banner Red on the B-43 Strapped Boiler.
#Post#: 60382--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yet another GIFT engine: Empire B-43
By: Paula Date: February 14, 2024, 11:39 pm
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Richard, thanks for posting that color comparison, and for
showing us two nice engines.
I try not to get overly concerned about different color
shadings. If the shade is way off, then sure, it can affect the
quality of the job. But how sure can we be about the
authenticity of a color when the paint film is 50-60 years old?
Paint films are subject to oxidation and fading over time. And
I'm almost certain that color shades at the factory varied
slightly from lot to lot. I am more concerned about the
durability of the paint film -- and how well it holds up to heat
and moisture -- and how easy it is to apply. I also like when it
doesn't dry too fast, as that can lead to "orange peel".
Just my [attachimg=1].
Paula
#Post#: 60389--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yet another GIFT engine: Empire B-43
By: RichSteamTx Date: February 15, 2024, 5:46 am
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All very true! I hate painting, it sucks. LOL
#Post#: 60410--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yet another GIFT engine: Empire B-43
By: Paula Date: February 15, 2024, 2:16 pm
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PROGRESS REPORT
I've got the engine disassembled. Everything came apart pretty
easily, except the rivets of course, which had to be drilled
out. The crankshaft is knurled on one end and pressed into the
flywheel. A 3/16" pin punch can be used to press it out:
[attachimg=1]
Cleanup of the parts was fairly straightforward. Some parts had
light corrosion, and were soaked in vinegar or lacquer thinner,
then polished with fine steel wool. Here is an overview of the
(non-sheet metal) parts. (I found out that the knurled-base
smokestack shown here is not correct for this model, so Rich
(RichSteamTx) is swapping it out for the correct one):
[attachimg=2]
As shown in the "before" pictures above, there was a lot of
paint missing from this engine. I used paint stripper to remove
what remained:
[attachimg=3]
And here are the newly-naked sheet metal parts:
[attachimg=4]
Next up: media blasting and priming...
Paula
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