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Hi all,I'm in a group who are interested in building a live steam locomotive to 5 inch gauge. I've done a little research but as we have never taken on anything of the sort before, its like trying to decipher 3000 year old code.I was wondering whether anyone:- could point me to a website or other such source that describes in plain English the way to build a simple locomotive- could point me to a relatively inexpensive locomotive kit that a group of people who've never welded before (and to be honest, who have enough trouble soldering) can assemble (preferably an Australian Standard Gauge tender engine but any scale, prototype will do as long as its 5 inch)Basically it is going to be a ride on (or more accurately ride behind!) loco, doesnt have to be powerful, just reliable and foolproof. Probably asking a lot but I want to get started in the hobby. We will be joining a live steam society but I'd like to find as much info as possible about exactly how deep a hole we're digging ourselves into.Anyway if any of the above is possible, please let me know! Above - A Fishtank crossing the Coathangar
Here is the site for one of the oldest makers of live steam equipment: http://www.littleengines.com/I hope to do this after I retire and have the time.
Your biggest trouble will be the valve gear and the boiler. I was once a member of a club that used to run 3 1/2", 5 1/4" and 7 1/2" gauge live steam and diesel locos. To run one in public (i.e not your back yard) in the UK means that you need a boiler certificate. As far as I know, you can buy boilers in standardised sizes to ovoid the hassle of getting your design checked over (they're looking at the condition and functionality of the boiler and it's associated parts). Also the valve gear is going to be mighty complexed too, and it will require alot of skill to do (or again, just buy a kit!). Still I never had the money to do it, but when i'm rich i'll no doubt build one. I hope you have fun!
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I own 3 locomotives.Here is the website to my live steam club.I own several engines and your best bet would have someone build one for you.It took me a year and 2 months of working every other night to build my 4-6-0 it its a challenge and considering you have never welded this can be a problem.Go to my live steam club and browse around and go to the links section there are several different websites that will be of interest for you.www.midsouthlivesteamers.org Josh
Thanks for your help all! Our group is looking at getting the valves and driving gear etc done commercially, but the rest we want to build ourselves either from a kit or design. There is a live steam locomotive society nearby who we can approach for assistance, but they meet sporadically and it can be difficult to get in touch with them so whatever info we can find we'll use.Just one final question, would it be of any benefit to strip down an old lawnmower or electric wheelchair and try building a battery electric or diesel first? Above - A Fishtank crossing the Coathangar
For general experience with tools and machines, sure. But working with internal combustion can't really prepare you for a steam locomotive...apples and oranges mostly. But getting used to welding and measuring and the like I think might be a good idea.Stephenson inside valve gear is your friend...very easy to work with.Other than that just remember that it's a hobby and if you work at it enough you'll get it right. Blake Harris Manager/Engineer, Jefferson and Cypress Bayou Railway http://www.jeffersonrailway.com
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