Whats it worth

grizz02 · Jul 21, 2021

1883 Minneapolis moline what do you think its worth , now and if rebuilt , its about 1 hour from home

grizz02 · Jul 21, 2021

One more pic

Gambles · Jul 21, 2021

I would really, really hate to see that sold for scrap and melted down. At the same time, I suspect restoration costs would bankrupt Warren Buffet.

Patsdeere · Jul 21, 2021

Figure a boiler is going to be $40-50k. I was bidding on one in an auction the other day that sold for 6800 and it looked better than that by a bunch.

If you really want it, I would be in the $4-5k range max and figure 50-65k to be all ready to go.

ss55 · Jul 21, 2021

If you are thinking about getting it back in safe running condition, I would look into what it will take to get the boiler re-certified and maybe rebuilt. Also look into what it takes to get a operator's license if you want to run it in public. A regional steam engine club might be able to help you.

Even with parts missing, as a display or lawn art it is pretty cool. I would think it would sell for several $1,000 even if the boiler is beyond repair. I really doubt the boiler could be rebuilt and re-certified for anything less than $50,000.

gmccool · Jul 21, 2021

I'm not a Minneapolis guy but I thought the first year for Minneapolis steamers was 1890. But to answer your question. It is probably worth 4-6K as a yard ornament and it would be a really neat yard ornament. Not to discourage you but what is it worth fixed up with all the state certification. Probably about 20-25% of what you would have in it. IF THAT. Parts are getting so hard if not imposable to find. To replace missing parts you will probably have to find a identical machine & get exact measurements & then find someone to cast them for you & then find someone to machine them for you and hope they aren't off a few thousands of a inch. Some parts on a steam engine a few thousands is way to much. I'm not trying to discourage you because it would be a fun fun fun Project. Just know what you are getting into before you jump with both feet.

rustred · Jul 21, 2021

all depends what the guy wants for it. dont think it can be bought for less than around 4k. use it as an ornament they actually look good like that. to get restored is big money that would be hard to recover, but never know. people restore cars for 100k and think nothing of it. this will be way more.

Pete in Holland MI · Jul 21, 2021

It's current value heavily depends on the condition of the boiler. Repairs could cost $5000, and go up to $40-50,000 for a full replacement. Most of the critical parts appear to be there. Before you bid on this, have someone savy in this type of boiler look at it for an evaluation. Either way, it needs to be picked up by someone, even if restoration is not financially feesible today. Once these giants are gone......they're gone. There are people with amazing talents out there, and some with deep pockets, that can bring this engine to life. It would be a near sin to let the scrap man get it.

Traditional Farmer · Jul 21, 2021

Turn it into an EV put the batteries inside the boiler.

Patsdeere · Jul 21, 2021

Where is it?

jCarroll · Jul 22, 2021

We had a Minnie like that in the mid-fifties. Ours had serious boiler rust where the front axle pedestal attaches because the insulation kept that location wet.

I see the smokestack is missing.

This is a situation of when it's gone - it's gone. They don't make them anymore........

ss55 · Jul 22, 2021

Some shows bypass poor boilers and cycle the steam engine mechanical parts using compressed air. That makes a nice stationary display. They do NOT use the boiler as an air reservoir. The steam pressure ratings of farm steam engines were not very high compared to railroad steam locomotives of the same era, but railroads engines often benefited from better maintenance, scheduled inspections, periodic boiler and running gear rebuilds, and much deeper funding.

grizz02 · Jul 22, 2021

Eastern WA

Whats it worth

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