Jensen Steam Engines is a manufacturer of model/toy steam engines, located in Jeannette, PA USA. Established in 1932 by Tom Jensen Sr. They are still making steam engines using traditional technology and methods.
History
Tom Jensen Sr (1901–1992) was born and educated in Denmark and was interested in steam engines from an early age. In 1923 he made a large model steam engine which is still in working order and is now unofficially known as the Jensen #1. As a young man, he moved to the United States looking for work as an engineer. While waiting for a "proper" job to come along, he made a few samples of steam engines, hoping to sell them in a local department store. These were seen by a buyer from the F.A.O. Schwarz Toy Store in NY, who placed an order. The first batch of engines created much interest from other stores and catalogues and Jensen Steam Engines Inc. came into being in 1932.
The factory temporarily closed at the start of World War II but soon reopened to make equipment for the army. In 1992, George Bush wrote to Jensen, thanking him for his "...unique contribution to America".
On his death in 1992, Tom Jensen Sr. passed on the business to his son Tom Jr., who has continued the business until the present. Jensen Steam Engines is still a small family-owned business making steam engines using the same traditional technology as used by Tom Sr.[1]
Of historical significance: The world's first nuclear power generated electricity was produced in September 1948 with the