This little steam engine worked fine and there was a belt to run off the wheel. Today, this would certainly be considered dangerous to children. I suspect it is about 50 years old or so, maybe a tad older. We have antiques but can't get to them to get photos! A particular lovely walnut table with a turtle top of marble is nice..and some older ones. Remodeling at the moment and stuff is packed away or scooted together. I got burnt at least twice on the "boiler" of this toy steam engine. TomDart.

thumbnail of steam toy

When I was young, a friend of mine had a little steam engine. It was really heavy, I remember. Those were during the times when Monopoly (houses and hotels) pieces were made out of wood. And, you're right. These days, if allowed, they'd be covered in warning labels.

I sure am liking this months challenge. Good one - Added

Wow amazing how times have changed eh? I can't imagine children today playing with something like this unless they were maybe teens! lol Very interesting and I'd love to see pics of that table when you get it back Tom. :-) Excellent entry!

Never saw such a thing before and I have no idea what it is! I mean, a steam engine ok, u said that, but what was the use for it?! O_o

Pascale, this is a toy. Kids would put in water, plug it in and wait for the steam! Then the piston would move and turn the wheel. A belt could go to the wheel to drive another device. It is really neat...but "too dangerous" for kids to have today.

That's a TOY??? O_O Jeez!!! I would have never thought!!!

too cool tom! :] amazing the kids of the past ever survived eh?

LOL so true cynlee!! :-)

This steam engine is pretty sophisticated,the one my father built for me had a spirit burner to heat the water. You youngsters have it all too easy!!. I still have that engine stored away, it didn't occur to me to shoot it for the challenge.