Marklin Hot Air Engine

[Junkologist]

I bought this Marklin hot air engine from an antiques dealer in the UK through ebay about 10 years ago. I have never seen another one. I was told one time that it dates to about 1915 and that it's all original. Anyone else have one or know something about it?

[Brent Rowell]

What you have is a Marklin model 4178 hot air engine manufactured from 1912 into the 1920s. They were made in at least 3 different sizes. There are a fair number of them in collections in the states and in Europe. It does look complete and original with the possible exception of the chimney. Very nice.

[Junkologist]

Brent,
What is it that makes you say the chimney may not be original? It sure looks original to me and fits perfectly. Just wondering.

[Brent Rowell]

Mike,
At first glance the flare of the chimney isn't typical for this model--most of them have a simple flared chimney top. But I did some further searching and a few Marklin steam engine models from that period do in fact have a chimney like yours. Since this model was made over quite a few years, it's possible the chimney style changed. The images in the catalogs were often not updated when minor changes were made.

[Junkologist]

Brent,
Any thoughts on what it might be worth? Have you seen any sell recently? I don't want to sell it, but would just like to have some idea of what it might be worth. I think I only paid about $130 for it. I know it's worth more than that. Thanks.

[Brent Rowell]

Mike,
I'm not too comfortable doing apraisals on a public forum. It partly depends on the size, paint condition, etc. Feel free to send me a private email with a couple good photos and dimensions. You certainly got a bargain.