Model Live Steam Engines - Any experience?

[Peter M. Eick]

My interest in train engines has led to model live steam engines. I can't let up a live steam G scale or similar train engine, but I figured I could at least have some fun with the system.

Fuel Fired

I am thinking about the D22 or similar model engine. Since I don't want to set up some whole layout, I was going to just get one with a generator so I can put a load on the system. I was thinking the twin cylinders make more sense than a single piston.

So has anyone had any experience or advice or am I flying into uncharted areas.

 

[Iggy]

Man those are neat. Never seen anything like that. Keep us posted on what you do.

 

[Muddyboot]

Always wanted one but have never pulled the trigger.

 

[Marshwheeling]

I have several Mamod live steam engines: a steam roller, a train with an oval track layout, and most fun of all, a stationary steam engine. The moving toys are cool, but it is tricky to regulate the speed of the train so that it does not jump the track on the curves. The steam roller pretty much chugs along until it runs out of steam, if you will.

The stationery engine invites the engineer to become more involved, sitting by with a couple of rags and an oil can, increasing the performance of the engine by adding a drop of oil to the faces of the sliding plates. Of course, there is a lot of oil/water froth going everywhere, plenty of humor for the easily amused.

Your model steam engine can become a centerpiece for a "Festival of Expanding Gases" in which you honor the memory of Robert Boyle by demonstrating his law in as many ways as you can. Steam, lighter-than-air, fireworks, firearms, internal combustion, beer, brats, beans, sauerkraut, and a couple of politicians should be enough to get you started.

 

[Onomea]

I had one in Germany, back in the '50s, that looked like the D6 on your site. Just add water to the tank and some sterno below and it would start chugging away in no time. There were all sorts of accessories for it to drive, like a little well with a bucket on a chain, or a buzz saw.

It was a lot of fun. Wish I still had it.

 

[deadin]

No live steam...yet. I have built about a half dozen engines from scratch but run them on air. No reason they shouldn't run on steam, but I haven't worked up the courage to build any boilers. (They can be hazardous if you don't know what you're doing.) I suppose I could buy a ready made boiler but just haven't got around to it.

Here's a clip of one of my later ones: MVI 0622 - YouTube

 

[captorquewrench]

My dad was a boiler operator so he built our steam engine (with his dad, as a kid) and then his steam powered van later. So i think not having to build from scratch like he did after designing and buying/building/fabricating parts would be fantastic. have fun and good luck!

 

[LedFowl]

I had one in Germany, back in the '50s, that looked like the D6 on your site. Just add water to the tank and some sterno below and it would start chugging away in no time.

As a kid, I also had one like D6, but that was here in the states. It's funny how those little details, like the copper-colored chimney and the screw-in pressure relief valve, are so familiar after all the years. I don't recall what happened to it.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I will probably get one here in a bit. I am still in the research phase and the "now what" do you do with it after you play with it a few times.

When (if) I pull the trigger I will let you know.

 

[venomballistics]

I have been subject to an intermittent itch to reduce some scrap metal into a steam engine. Never did it though / yet.
depending on your tools and ability .... Slide valve - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
its a clever double action setup if you can pull it off.