Bidspirit auction | 1980s Wilesco D 409 Showman's

1980s Wilesco D 409 Showman's Engine - A West German live steam model showman's tractor manufactured by Wilesco. The model features predominantly metal construction, including a red-painted chassis, brass boiler fittings, and a white corrugated tinplate canopy. The mechanical assembly includes a horizontal boiler, a single-acting cylinder with a decorative flywheel, a pressure relief valve, and a steering mechanism connected by brass chains to the front axle. A handwheel at the rear operates the steering. The engine is equipped with an integrated dynamo mounted at the front, wired to a series of yellow light bulbs positioned under the roof line. The side of the black-bordered canopy features printed yellow text reading T. PETTIGROVE, STONEBRIDGE PARK, MIDDX. A red and white adhesive label on the rear water tank bears a stylized red script Wilesco logo, a GS safety mark, and the printed text Made in W.-Germany. The item is accompanied by its original pictorial cardboard box, which displays the Wilesco hobby-technik logo and model number D 409, along with multi-language product identification including Dampftraktor mit Beleuchtung and Showman's Engine -live steam-. Based on the provided ruler, the model measures approximately 12.5 inches in length. The model stands approximately 7.5 inches high at the top of the canopy. The model appears largely complete but shows signs of age and previous use. There are scattered oxidation and rust spots across the white corrugated canopy roof (photo 1). The red paint on the chassis and boiler housing shows minor surface wear and light dust accumulation (photo 5). Visible white mineral residue or dried polish is present around the steering gears and select brass fittings (photo 8). The steering chains remain intact and functional. The integrated wiring for the dynamo system is visible, though the functionality of the lights and steam mechanism has not been tested. The original cardboard box shows significant wear, including creasing, corner dings, and small tears to the end flaps (photo 6).