Latimer
Not a lot is known about the engines produced by Latimer Products of Latimer Road, Teddington, Middlesex, England. They produced two models in the years immediately following the second world war. There was the small L4 and the much larger and more substantial L5. Curiously the two engines shared virtually no common components.
Latimer Products engines were sold under the name "Plane Models".
Plane L4
The Plane L4, with its horizontal boiler and vertical cylinder, has an unusual layout for a British made engine. Another novel feature is the combined chimney and safety valve, which also acts as the boiler filler cap. It is quite a small engine, the boiler is about the same size as that on a Mamod Minor 1.
This one was in good condition when purchased and has been left as found. The original burner was missing so I have made a replacement from a paint tin.
I had been after an L4 for ages and I was very pleased to be able add this one to my collection. Thanks go to my good friend Odilon Marcenaro for pointing it out to me on ebay and for the idea of making a burner from a paint tin.
Plane L5
I bought this lovely engine from a friend at "Steam Toys In Action" at Abbey Pumping Station, Leicester. It is in superb condition and totally original. Unfortunately, at some point in its life the whistle has gone missing. That said it came complete with its original box, instruction sheet and a little brass funnel.
Interestingly, the name and address of the young man who originally owned this engine is written on the bottom of the box. It would have cost him, or more likely his Father, 44 shillings which is £2.20 in modern money or about $5!
The Plane L5 is very well engineered engine and it performs every bit as well as it looks.