Bidspirit auction | 1980s Wilesco D40 Dampftraktor Live

1980s Wilesco D40 Dampftraktor Live Steam Traction Engine - A West German live steam traction engine constructed from a mix of nickel-plated brass and painted sheet steel. The model features a horizontal boiler with a single-acting cylinder, a red flywheel, and a drive chain connected to the rear axle. The chassis is finished in blue paint with red-painted spoked wheels. Functional components include a steering wheel at the rear, a pressure relief valve, and a steam whistle with a red lever. A white corrugated metal roof is supported by vertical struts. The front of the boiler bears a circular blue and gold label reading WILESCO and TRAKTOR around a central symbol. The side of the chassis features a red and white decal reading Wilesco Dampftraktor. The original cardboard packaging is present, featuring the Wilesco logo and product name in multiple languages, including English (Traction Engine), French (Tracteur à Vapeur), Swedish (Ångtraktor), Dutch (Stoomtraktor), and Spanish (Máquina de Tracción). A label on the box side states Made in West-Germany. The length of the vehicle is approximately 11 inches, measured along the side (photo 9). The height to the top of the roof is approximately 7 1/2 inches (photo 8). The engine shows signs of light use and storage wear. There is visible surface oxidation and loss of finish on the bright metal rims of all four wheels (photo 1, 2, and 5). Small paint chips and surface scuffs are present on the blue chassis, particularly near the steering column and lower frame (photo 1 and 4). The white corrugated roof displays minor discoloration and small spots of surface wear (photo 3). The drive chain shows surface darkening consistent with age (photo 5). The original box is in poor to fair condition, displaying significant structural damage including a partially detached end flap, heavy creasing, corner blunting, and edge tears (photo 6 and 7). The burner tray and additional accessories are not visible in the provided images and are assumed missing.