Empire Steam Toy Windmill

[Paul Spence]

Empire Steam Toy Windmill missing the fan and tail, BUT the other day at the local flea market, I found these replacement galvanized tin fan's that were a string of Christmas Snowflake lights for $2.00. A little modification to one of the snowflakes and my missing parts Empire has a fan (close enough since I can't seem locate one). While at it, I got out the tail pattern I made for the other one, and made a tail for it. Now all I need to do is make up a piston/rod and check valve for the pump. Might as well ask if any one knows if any reproduction parts are being made for these . Always having fun, even in NJ , with my toys on the way through.

[Harry]

Finding Empire parts (Metal Ware Corp.) is a problem. I still need a half dozen staks for my steam engines.

[Paul Spence]

I got busy today making the pump piston and rod for one of my Empire windmills today. Sure was pleasant to find everything I needed right in the shop . Most of it came from my frequent flea market trips .

A piece of 0.550 brass round for the piston, a piece of 1/4 x 1/16 flat brass for the connecting rod, a piece of 1/16" brass rod for the check ball stop/piston pin, and two brass 1/4" check balls . After some lathe and drilling work, and a bit of fitting I got it all done. Here are a couple of photos of the work in progress and the final pieces. I put them all together in the pump, added some water, and it even worked .

[Alan R]

Hey Paul,
Took the grandkids to the Crayola Factory yesterday in Easton and went through the Canal Museum. Lo and behold there sat an Empire as part of the display. It was much taller than what I expected. Looks like it would make a nice addition to my display.

The trip was well worth it , you might want to think about a "field trip" so you can go too. You would probably enjoy it as much as them.
Alan

[Scratch built]

I really like those windmills, I didnt know they exsisted untill I found this thread, I need to check out American ebay more often