Just some daydreaming...

[Henri]

As I have never paid live steam any serious attention, I really don't know much about it.
But now I am a 'trainee stoker' (passing the theoretical exam a few weeks ago) knowing a lot a little about the working of a steam locomotive, the urge to own one one day is increasing!

What brands & models could I start orienting at that do have a near 'real live' steam experience? For example, I could pass on an oscillating engine as I definitely would like it to be valve operated. Coal fired. Injector(s)...

Of course I'd like to start 'simple', as in a two or three axle locomotives. Regner once offered the Stainz as a kit, now that would be extremely fun to start with (to give you an idea of what might interest me).

So I'm open to suggestions for orientation!

 

[maxi-model]

Given your location and if Narrow Gauge is your thing, Henri, a German made Regner product would be a good starting place. Otherwise a UK made Roundhouse product, like a Bertie or Lady Anne,. These two models, with slide valve operation, make good starter locos if full control of the loco, speed and direction, is required. As opposed to a slip eccentric's operated loco's limitations - i.e with oscillating cylinders. Their after sales service is exemplary and their products are well developed, reliable and pretty much bomb proof. For more European oriented subject matter the German division of Accucraft, MBV Schug, offer some very fine scale models of prototypes from your side of the English channel. As do their UK counterpart, if you prefer UK and Colonial types.

Gas fired is the way to go for starters. Simple to operate, with or without radio control. Coal fired locos are out there but expensive. Choose the right gas fired starter loco and you might be able to acquire a conversion kit for it to allow coal firing at a later date without the need to invest in a whole new loco - A new multi tube boiler with firebox, grate and ash pan, usable water tanks and axle driven water pump are required for coal fired operation. Rather than the single flue passing through a water filled boiler used in a gas fired loco.

Most product sold, as 16 mm, 15 mm, 1:22.5 & 7/8th" scale (and let us not forget G1, if you like standard gauge prototypes, in 10 mm/1:32 scale), is made to run on 45 mm gauge track. The UK made products, if stated as 16 mm or 7/8th" scales, will usually offer options to run on both 32 mm & 45 mm gauges, either as an option when purchased (wheels outside frame wheel designs) or readily re-gaugable (wheels inside frame). Oddly, models produce to 15 mm (and 1:22.5) scale do not usually offer this option as they tend to represent models of prototypes that ran on 3 ft (or European 600/750/1000 mm) gauge lines. That and their intended primary sales markets only use the 45 mm gauge standard. 32 mm gauge is seen very much as a "British" idiosyncrasy. Max

 

[dunnyrail]

Knowing your interests in the RTM a Roundhouse Stanley Steam Tram is a good option. However if the price hurts the about to be / or recently released Mamod Steam Tram may also be a good starter. Mamods these days are a very different animal to when first introduced in the 80’s.

Roundhouse Stanley

Stanley 41/100 arrived on Tuesday evening, and had his first run on Wednesday. This was on 32mm gauge as the 45mm line needs some fettling to the R1 check rails to accommodate RH flanges. http://youtu.be/X8w4DpP1wEc I`ve since applied some Trimline:- [attach=1]

www.gscalecentral.net

Mamod Steam Trains and Mamod Locomotives from MPB Model Supplies

A range of Mamod Steam Trains and Mamod Locomotives are available for Sale from MPB Model Supplies based in Droitwich, Worcestershire

www.mpb-model-supplies.co.uk

 

[Paul M]

As I have never paid live steam any serious attention, I really don't know much about it.
But now I am a 'trainee stoker' (passing the theoretical exam a few weeks ago) knowing a lot a little about the working of a steam locomotive, the urge to own one one day is increasing!

What brands & models could I start orienting at that do have a near 'real live' steam experience? For example, I could pass on an oscillating engine as I definitely would like it to be valve operated. Coal fired. Injector(s)...

Of course I'd like to start 'simple', as in a two or three axle locomotives. Regner once offered the Stainz as a kit, now that would be extremely fun to start with (to give you an idea of what might interest me).

So I'm open to suggestions for orientation!

Roundhouse are the best for beginners, try gas fired locos first, coal fired is great, but takes a lot of learning

 

[dunnyrail]

Roundhouse are the best for beginners, try bass fired locos first, coal fired is great, but takes a lot of learning

Sound advice forgot to mention that, but as Henri is learning the real thing that does give him a head start with coal firing in our scale. The reason why many struggle is due to little knowledge of tge real thing.

 

[palmerston]

• coal firing
• Roundhouse
• Living in the Netherlands

There can only be One choice: https://www.riverdale-loco.com/index.html


His name is Joep and lives in Son near Eindhoven

 

[dunnyrail]

• coal firing
• Roundhouse
• Living in the Netherlands

There can only be One choice: https://www.riverdale-loco.com/index.html


His name is Joep and lives in Son near Eindhoven

Hm that link did not work, this one takes you to the home page.

Home

Information and help on coal-fired steam locomotives in the garden

www.riverdale-loco.com

 

[Henri]

That is a wealth of information! I'm taking notes and enjoying reading the posts as well as the sites mentioned!

This Riverdale products... that is just criminal... Now that makes my heart skip a beat... Whoooo

 

[Fred2179G]

Mamod Steam Tram may also be a good starter

Henri did say 'no oscillators'.

 

[dunnyrail]

Henri did say 'no oscillators'.

Ah but it is a Steam Motor with a geared drive, therefore as I mentioned a very different animal to the early Osci Mamods. Ah yes here is the link to the reported live steam one. The one I linked earlier was the electric one.

Mamod Live Steam Tram

As I haven't found any other reference to it here, you may not all be aware that Mamod are about to launch a live steam tram. It will have a twin-oscillating cylinder geared motor and probably the option of R/C. It's 240mm long and 120mm wide, so will go well with G-scale stock. It appears to...

www.gscalecentral.net

 

[justme igor]

sit down, get a tissue or two:

Exclusive Models

Exclusive Models

www.exclusivemodels.nl

Dream away....

 

[dunnyrail]

sit down, get a tissue or two:

Exclusive Models

Exclusive Models

www.exclusivemodels.nl

Dream away....

Interesting site. The Accucraft Dora as they say appears to be a good not too expensive starting point for live steam. Easily converted with a new metal body to a Dutch Steam Tram. Might be just the thing for Henri’s first dip into the water.

 

[justme igor]

Interesting site. The Accucraft Dora as they say appears to be a good not too expensive starting point for live steam. Easily converted with a new metal body to a Dutch Steam Tram. Might be just the thing for Henri’s first dip into the water.

And i have a feeling not to far away from his house(normal driving distance in the Netherlands ~30 min).
It does not hurt to go over there, i believe he has several "open days". incl for learning to drive them.

 

[Henri]

That are some very intriging posts, gents!!! Thanks!
Although I said ‘NO OSCILLATION’, that tiny Dora is quite the engine… Having its cilinders inboard it is quite resembliing the setup of a Backer & Rueb ‘square’ tram locomotive.

This might be a nice start into live steam on a budget. With endless tuning and appearance options.

Awww, maybe I first start putting down some track…

 

[Fred2179G]

The Accucraft Dora as they say appears to be a good not too expensive starting point for live steam. Easily converted with a new metal body to a Dutch Steam Tram.

Ah, Mr BramMoos of Exclusive Models. Did you know he offered a Dutch Tram on a Dora some years ago. I said I'd take one but haven't heard a peep since. Lots of really nice videos of his.

I had a Dora and it was fun. I put it in an Aristocraft doodlebug and ran it as a steam motor. It did tend to melt the plastic until I insulated everything with plywood!

 

[Paul M]

I too have a Dora, and it is indeed a good engine to start with, and should be fairly easy to modify to a tram loco, even just fitting side skirts, will put you halfway there. The only small drawback is it has got a very small boiler and gas tank, so it has short run times

 

[dunnyrail]

Ah, Mr BramMoos of Exclusive Models. Did you know he offered a Dutch Tram on a Dora some years ago. I said I'd take one but haven't heard a peep since. Lots of really nice videos of his.

I had a Dora and it was fun. I put it in an Aristocraft doodlebug and ran it as a steam motor. It did tend to melt the plastic until I insulated everything with plywood!

View attachment 297188

I reckon that is a great demonstration of exactly what Henri is looking for, well at least as a starter for ten.

 

[Henri]

Absolutely! Seeing that Backer & Rueb running made my day!!!