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Advice on buying a small steam engine

To me ( and this is only my opinion) a good beginners loco would be an 0-4-0 or 0-6-0 type, pot boilered, meths fired and slip eccentric valve gear. The pot boiler and meths firing are almost synonomous and help keep the loco construction simple, the slip eccentric is also simple while still giving you a good idea of how the more complicated systems work.

These three factors usually mean a simple, low cost and reasonable looking loco. Oscillating cylinders are another step towards simplicity and therefore lower cost again but you do not get much idea of the valve gear operation on the more complicated valve systems.

Other things to look for are large controls, pressure gauge, radio controllable, cylinder lubricator, water pump and a water level sight gauge. Of these, the water level and pressure gauges I believe are essential for beginners even though they add cost. If a second hand "Lady Anne" turns up at your price range- take it. Gas firing and Walschearts valve gear will mean your learning curve may be steep but the loco is a darling. By the same token, a Mamod will also be a good buy if it has a good burner (don't even consider the pellets!) has had the boiler resoldered with silver solder and the sight gauge replaced with a glass one. A new safety valve does wonders as well.

The most important thing is to find a friend that has run live steamers for a few years that is willing to help and guide you while you learn. This makes the learning more fun and saves you from hurting yourself or family when you make the common mistakes we all have done over the years. But stick with it- you learn to fire and drive a real loco with side of the hobby and it can be a lot more fun than running electrics.

Ron Powell
July 21, 1998

I have a couple of entry level live steamers - Mamods, FrankS and a couple of real models Argyle NA and Forney. Real locomotives require a great deal of skill and knowledge to operate easily. They work well if you look after them, but it is an effort.

The mamods were my first step and they were easy to run provided they were fitted with a spirit burner and a lubricator. Out of the box, FrankS worked well. As a gas fired loco you need to get the gas temperature right by filling the tender with warm water and you need to keep the gas jet CLEAN or it will not steam well. Frank S is a dream for a beginner.

Chris Rowles
November 15, 1998