Mamod

SC, SE and Minor series stationary engines (1937–39)

The SE range of engines traces its origins back to 1936, when Geoffrey Malins began manufacturing engines for Hobbies of Dereham. These engines were loosely based on the Bowman engines previously produced by Geoffrey Bowman Jenkins for Hobbies up until 1935. The main distinction between the Bowman and Malins engines was that the latter were smaller, came only on metal bases, and had the chimney attached to the top of the boiler in a locomotive style. Starting in 1937, Malins decided to create his own line of engines in addition to those made for Hobbies. With a few minor differences, such as lighter paint shades and a Mamod badge, the engines were almost identical to the Hobbies range. Over time, the differences between Mamod and Hobbies became less noticeable, and a Mamod-badged SE4 engine could be found in the 'Hobbies colours.' This marked the beginning of a philosophy that aimed to sell engines promptly and minimize waste. By 1940, any remaining distinctions between the two ranges had practically disappeared.

With the outbreak of the Second World War, Malins severed his ties with Hobbies, and the SC series of engines became the last steam toys sold under the Hobbies brand. Malins realised that focusing on his own engines would be more profitable. As the war intensified, the St. Mary Row factory was put on hold, and wartime interests took precedence, although Malins continued producing a limited number of engines throughout the conflict.

After the war, the business was revitalized, and by 1946, a limited range of steam toys, including the SE1, SE2, Minor 1, and tools, were being manufactured. The pre-war SE3 and SE4 models were discontinued, along with the short-lived twin-cylinder Minor 2. The post-war engines, except for the Minor 1 (MM1), featured base-mounted chimneys. However, in the following years, the design reverted to the locomotive-style chimney, resembling the pre-war models. Apart from these changes, the pre-war and post-war models remained largely identical. The SE1 and SE2 were produced in their new form for several months, but due to challenges in acquiring production materials during post-war rationing, the SE1 and SE2 switched back to the locomotive-style chimney. The MM1 engine remained almost unchanged. Until 1948, the models still utilized flat bases and cast iron bodies.

By 1948, the SE range underwent an update, incorporating brass engine frames branded with the Mamod logo and hot-stamped brass flywheels. The SE1 and SE2 models also received regulators. Additionally, a new model called the Minor 2 (MM2) was introduced, featuring a single-cylinder engine unit and serving as a larger version of the MM1. Wick burners with 1, 2, or 3 wick tubes were used in all engines. In 1949, with the company's relocation to Camden Street, the expensive brass engine frames were replaced with pressed steel ones as a cost-saving measure. The design resembled that of some Marklin engines. The SE1 and SE2 models now feature superheating in their boilers. The SE2 retained its regulator, while the SE1 had it removed. The MM1 engine became the first in the range to have a raised, pressed base. This configuration remained unchanged until 1953, when cheaper Mazak material was gradually introduced, leading to the replacement of brass flywheels. The company's approach emphasized continuous product development to maintain competitive prices. During the immediate post-war period, several other manufacturers, such as Plane Products, Cyldon, SEL, Luton Bowman, and Burnac, were also producing steam toys.

At the beginning of 1954, the SE range received raised bases and underwent cosmetic updates and changes. By 1958, all models except the MM1 were equipped with new vaporizing spirit burners, introduced in 1957 along with the twin-cylinder SE3. Additional cosmetic changes included updated boiler bands and fireboxes. Engines produced during the late 1950s period featured combinations of old and new parts, commonly referred to as 'transitional' engines. By the mid-1960s, pop rivets were used for securing the engine frames, along with other aesthetic alterations, across the entire Mamod range. In 1967, the SE range underwent another update, resulting in the introduction of the SE1a and SE2a models, which replaced the SE1 and SE2, respectively. The superheating feature was removed, and simplified pipework was implemented. The SE2a also received a reversing lever, similar to the 'MEC1' Meccano engine introduced in 1965. Gradual changes were made to the paint colour, boiler end cap, whistle design, and decal layout.

From 1967 to 1972, the Se1, Se2, and Se3 models occasionally had different green paint finishes on their engine frames. This paint, resembling a hammered effect, was likely obtained as a cost-saving measure by the managing director at the time, Eric Malins. Steve Malins confirmed that this was the case as the company sought to reduce production costs. However, the Minor range did not receive this paint finish. The SE3 remained unchanged, except for the introduction of a Griffin and George (educational suppliers) version in 1969. This engine stood out as a notable variation among Mamod's largest post-war stationary engines. It featured a silver-soldered boiler (at the insistence of G&G) and had a steam pipe union nut at the boiler instead of the usual stopcock. It also sported an additional foil G&G lozenge logo by the engine. Approximately 2,000 of these engines were produced until the mid-1970s, exclusively sold to schools and accompanied by a manual for use in laboratory experiments. Later examples of this engine were standard SE3 models, but with a revised G&G logo design. In some cases, the Griffin badge could be found alongside the warning labels applied to all stationary engines in 1976, explaining the use of inappropriate fuel containers and refueling techniques.

The 1970s marked the peak of Malins Engineers. In 1970, the MM1 received a vaporizing burner, and in 1975, both Minors were fitted with overflow plugs. In 1977, the engines were converted to solid fuel for the domestic market (a change that had already been implemented for export models). In 1978, the entire range, except for the MM1, had sight glasses installed on the boiler in place of the overflow plug. Towards the end of the 1970s, the SE range was considered outdated, leading to its replacement by the SP range in 1979.

The SP models were modernized versions of the earlier SE models, incorporating changes for safety as well as cosmetic purposes. There is no strict correspondence between models in the SE and SP ranges. A comparison between the two ranges can be seen in the following table: