This came up in my post on bike snobs. Before bikes, my first love was steam powered engines. Live steam is a hobby for those who like fire, grease, pistons, gears, loud noises, and explosive pressures. Like my bikes, nothing is left stock. Everything is modified in some way. Here is a selection of some of my stuff.
Engine number one. A modified 0-4-0, 8 ton industrial tank engine built in 1:20 (approx. 5/8"=1') scale:
The ORIGINAL "two spot" the second locomotive on my RR is a customized model of a 16 ton "Shay" type logging locomotive featuring a full repaint, extensive detailing, custom lighting system with working headlights and cab light for night operations and custom resonator-type steam whistle. Built in 1:20 (approx. 5/8"=1'):
The BIG two spot. A 1:8 (1.5"=1') scale version of the same 16 ton shay. This model weighs 275 pounds and can haul full size human passengers as my friend Mark is demonstrating:
Custom Case style steam traction engine. Kitbashed from a british made model. Originally alcohol fired. Converted to a radiant-type ceramic gas burner that I built from scratch. The gas burner has an over size heating surface and a ceramic insulated fire box. This thing steams like crazy and runs like the proverbial "swiss watch". shown with custom threshing machine. Built in 1:20 (approx. 5/8"=1'):
Lastly, my latest creation and pride and joy. A German style Krauss locomotive heavily modified over multiple years into an 8 ton American style 0-4-0. The engine features a custom hardwood cab with working doors and windows made from real glass. 100% scratch built tender with over size water capacity. custom burner with stainless steel radiant surface for hot-rodded steaming performance. Custom dual chime resonator steam whistle (loud and deep!) And full custom paint job. Built to a scale of 1:8 (1.5"=1') Weighs approximately 80 pounds wet and can haul full size human passengers:
A view inside the cab:
Hope you enjoy the pics!
Regards,
Engine number one. A modified 0-4-0, 8 ton industrial tank engine built in 1:20 (approx. 5/8"=1') scale:
The ORIGINAL "two spot" the second locomotive on my RR is a customized model of a 16 ton "Shay" type logging locomotive featuring a full repaint, extensive detailing, custom lighting system with working headlights and cab light for night operations and custom resonator-type steam whistle. Built in 1:20 (approx. 5/8"=1'):
The BIG two spot. A 1:8 (1.5"=1') scale version of the same 16 ton shay. This model weighs 275 pounds and can haul full size human passengers as my friend Mark is demonstrating:
Custom Case style steam traction engine. Kitbashed from a british made model. Originally alcohol fired. Converted to a radiant-type ceramic gas burner that I built from scratch. The gas burner has an over size heating surface and a ceramic insulated fire box. This thing steams like crazy and runs like the proverbial "swiss watch". shown with custom threshing machine. Built in 1:20 (approx. 5/8"=1'):
Lastly, my latest creation and pride and joy. A German style Krauss locomotive heavily modified over multiple years into an 8 ton American style 0-4-0. The engine features a custom hardwood cab with working doors and windows made from real glass. 100% scratch built tender with over size water capacity. custom burner with stainless steel radiant surface for hot-rodded steaming performance. Custom dual chime resonator steam whistle (loud and deep!) And full custom paint job. Built to a scale of 1:8 (1.5"=1') Weighs approximately 80 pounds wet and can haul full size human passengers:
A view inside the cab:
Hope you enjoy the pics!
Regards,