These pieces are generally NOT available on eBay, in antique stores, flea markets or the other usual sources. Each example I have was either a private sale, purchased directly from the gent who made them or in a few cases from an online retailer representing the maker's commercialized offerings.
How does something become a "collectible" when it's newer than the car many folks drive including myself? I guess it happens when word of mouth demand is larger than the supply available. You see, these engines are all made by a young model steam engineer named Karsten Gintschel of Gintschel-Modellbau, in Cottbus, Germany, a part of former East Germany.
I would never have heard of Karsten's work had it not been for noticing several of his turbine designs in the Steam Gallery website. Steve, owner of the gallery was not interested in selling his finds and I can understand why.
I don't have examples of all of Karsten's pieces, in part because I simply can't find a few of them I would like, given the low numbers made. A few of his other pieces just didn't strike a chord with me but I always have an eye out for one that does.
Karsten's offerings have appeared in five distinctive styles...
I have previously had examples of all five types of Karsten turbines and engines, but have since reduced my collection to the ones I really enjoy the most...those in category 3 & 4 above.
If other Karsten collectors are reading this, I'd love to share information and see what you have.