Beginner Live steam loco

[Sam95]

Dear all,

My layout is very small, even if an extension is planned. And all the curves are R1 from LGB and I can't change them, my garden is too small.

With that said do you think I can found a live steam loco able to run on my track with R1 curves ? My objective is not to pull many wagons (not more than 3-4 I think)

And if you have specific models to propose ?

[GTB]

Dear all,

My layout is very small, even if an extension is planned. And all the curves are R1 from LGB and I can't change them, my garden is too small.

With that said do you think I can found a live steam loco able to run on my track with R1 curves ? My objective is not to pull many wagons (not more than 3-4 I think)

And if you have specific models to propose ?

Roundhouse locos aren't the cheapest around, but have a very good reputation, both for quality and backup service. Their small 0-4-0 locos can manage 2 ft minimum radius curves which approximates LGB R1 set track curves. the Basic range are cheaper, but have slip eccentric valve gear. The Classic range models have more sophisticated reversing and are also available with r/c control, if you have the extra cash.

Regner is also an option. Their geared locos are very controllable, but they are a bit lightly built for my taste. People that run them seem to be happy with them.

The small Accucraft locos should be OK on R1 curves, but my experience with a couple of their US locos wasn't good. The Accucraft UK ones seem to run OK from my observation of them at steam ups.

Second hand locos are an option if you are on a budget, but be wary. Make sure you see it run before handing over any money.

My first live steamer was a non-runner. It was going cheap and I knew what I was getting into. Rebuilding it taught me a lot, but I already had a workshop and machine tools. I also had friends with experience of small locos, that I could consult. I would never have got it running with a few hand tools and working on the kitchen table. My second loco was a Roundhouse, which worked perfectly straight out of the box.

If you want a recommendation, and can afford it, I'd look at a Roundhouse Billy, or Katie. Maybe even a Lady Anne, although that might be a bit big in your circumstances.

Alternatives would be one of the smaller Regner, or Accucraft locos, or one of the Roundhouse Basic range. Unless you have a lot of small steam loco experience already and are prepared to tinker, avoid MSS and Mamod. Also be wary of secondhand locos, unless you know the seller and/or the history of the model.

Do your research. There's a lot of relevant info online, including on this site if you use the search function. Be prepared for sticker shock, live steamers aren't cheap.

Hope that helps.

Regards,
Graeme

[Sam95]

Thank you for all the informations.

I had a look on internet and indeed it is very expensive to start live steam. Maybe I can have this project in 5 years... for my 50th anniversary.

[jimmytrains_01]

running2207201a.jpg (307.66 KiB) Viewed 17142 times

my take on what would look good.
Accuraft sabrina and two P.s. Model 45mm slate wagons

[jimmytrains_01]

bertie and mayflower.jpeg (63.7 KiB) Viewed 17138 times

hopefully photo shows a roundhouse bertie with a size comparison with a merlin mayflower, these are smaller locos which would suit a smaller layout.
The bertie is pushed in the direction of travel and can keep up with a time tabled run.

[Sam95]

I love the colonel mustard !!

If I understand well you are not able to radio control it ? So once it is running you let it roll ?

[jimmytrains_01]

it is a push and go, the regulator gives the speed, you need to grab the roof for a controlled stop! doesn't quite happen when you run round a friend's swimming pool. It didn't stop at some trailing points and went swimming in another friends pond. can be controlled enough to run on a raised track until the track is switched to a side your not on.

[jimmytrains_01]

col on tour.jpg (1.82 MiB) Viewed 15139 times

[jimmytrains_01]

https://gardenrails.org/download/file.p ... w&id=21848

my regner lumber jack would be a good choice for your railway, slow and steady looks good with small wagons or logging wagons or rustic coaches. the wagons are Ps model 45mm version slate wagons with resin slate stacks

[Durley]

I love the colonel mustard !!

If I understand well you are not able to radio control it ? So once it is running you let it roll ?

Roundhouse does sell an RC kit for suitable for Bertie (Basic Series RC Kit) but it only controls the regulator (stop, go and speed). Changing direction would still require manual intervention (by pushing the loco in the other direction).

[Sam95]

Thanks for the precision

[artfull dodger]

So.....did you get an engine? Out there on the second hand side of the hobby, any 4 coupled or close 6 coupled live steamer will be fine on R1 curves. Something with RC is best. From older Merlin Mayflower 0-4-0 or Major 0-6-0, Most any of the popular Roundhouse engines, Billy, Katie, Lady Anne ect will be fine on R1. LGB/Aster did the Frank S in live steam if Euro is your flavor. Also 4 or 6 coupled models from Pearse or Accucraft UK will be fine. I do find having RC makes running on tight radius much more enjoyable unless the model is geared like one of the Regners. If your in the UK, Simon over at Anything Narrow Gauge is a great souce for second engine locos as well as new from Roundhouse. Let us know what you end up getting. Mike.