Make: Chicago Ferrule & Nut Co.
Model:
Country: USA
Manufactured: c1920
Toy Type: Stationary

Power Source: Electric
Boiler: Vertical
Engine Type: Vertical
Cylinders: 1
Cylider Action: Single
Valve Action: Oscillating

Type Code: EV/V1SO (?)

Train Figure (if present)

Notes:

In 1920 the Chicago Ferrule & Nut Company introduced at least two electric steam engines. The vertical shown in Jan 1920 Toys And Novelties "Buddie" ad could be powered by both electricity and alcohol. This engine is electric-only and has a slightly different design and matches the vertical shown in the Oct 1920 Electrical Record. Here the vertical towers over the D.C. Hughes Elektro. In only a few months, Hughes would receive a patent for electric steam engines. See SS330.

Note that the plug is not the usual two-prong outlet. Electricity was fairly new, so this toy has an Edison base connector allowing the engine to be connected in place of a light bulb. This may also explain why the wires come out of the smokestack. The ad for the horizontal notes that it will work on both AC and DC. The "Current War" between Edison (DC) and Westinghouse (AC) was not yet settled.

Has parts in common with SS096.