Weeden, National Playthings Era

National Playthings Era

Weeden Manufacturing was purchased by National Playthings in 1942, six basic engines were manufactured, four vertical models: a No. 41 alcohol heated model and an identical No. 42 electrical model, a No. 420 and No.500. A pair of horizontal boiler models were manufactured, the No. 43 and No. 44, similar engines, the No. 44 had a wider base so that the crankshft could be mounted in a separate bracket rather than through the firebox on the No. 43.

The numbering system on some of these engines is confusing because they are duplicate model numbers of earlier Weeden Manufacturing engines.

National Playthings halted production of the line of steam engines in 1952. The remaining machinery, parts, dies, molds and patents for the steam engines were purchased by “Security Signals Inc.” for around $800 and kept in storage, until finally destroyed years later.

Weeden No. 41

Weeden Nos. 41 and 42 are similar in appearance, the No. 42 is electrically heated. It stands 10 3/8" high with a 4 3/8" diameter base. It was introduced in the mid 1940's and produced into the early 1950's. A previous No. 41 engine was produced in the late 1800's to early 1900's.

Weeden No. 42

Thanks to Dave G.

Weeden Nos. 42 is similar in appearance to the No.41 but is electrically heated. It stands 10 3/8" high with a 4 3/8" diameter base. It was produced most likely in the mid to late 1940's. A previous No. 42 engine was produced in the late 1800's to early 1900's.

Weeden No. 43

Thanks Dean W.

Thanks Dean W.

An inside the boiler heater was used on this model rather than the under boiler ceramic blocks common to the earlier electrically heated models produced by Weeden.

Weeden No. 43 was manufactured from the mid 1940's to early 1950's, base was 6 1/4" X 9 1/4" and it stands 7" high. Boilers were either polished brass or nickel plated. A previous No. 43 engine, an upright model with a stairway, was produced in the late 1800's to early 1900's.

Weeden No. 44

Thanks Steamrgene

Weeden No. 44 was manufactured from the mid 1940's to late 1940's, base was 8 7/8" X 10" and it stands 8" high.

WEEDEN No.420

Thanks Tim Gaughan

Thanks Tim Gaughan

The Weeden No. 420 was an electrically heated model manufactured from the mid 1940's to the early 1950's. It stands 10 1/4" tall and has a 4 3/8" diameter base.

WEEDEN No.500