Thank you! I'm considering getting into live steam, as I've had model trains my whole life, but want a little more. This video was very useful and informational, and I'll be sure to come back to it once I start to build my first loco. Thanks again :)
Thanks, I’m planning on explaining in a future video about why the Fell Locomotive, but the answer in short is it’s really well known locally, but not well understood. The consideration for building at this gauge was machine capability and material availability along with having access to drawing of other 3.5” gauge model drawings to help with design.
Would love to see and overview video of your progress so far demonstrating all the completed parts, maybe once you've completed the rear axel? Keep up the great work!
Considered a lot of these points myself when I decided to take the plunge and start building an 8 inch gauge railway in my backyard. The main thing that always kept me from getting started in the bigger gauges was cost, as machine tools and/or machined kits are expensive, but I stumbled across plans for making a low cost system using PVC pipe filled with sand for rails and building the engines and wagons out of wood and other commonly available parts from hardware outlets and the like. Is it to same level as this sort of project? Goodness no, but it's a start.
@@SS-Workshop Couldn't have put it better myself. I figure if nothing else what I'm doing right now is a teaching tool on rideable miniature railways, and a stepping stone to future projects. Having fun so far, so I figure I'm on the right track, if you'll pardon the pun.
The 8in system I'm working on isn't really intended to be interchangeable with regular ride-on equipment anyway, just an inexpensive diy project to get my feet wet. The wheels are solid rubber tyres and roller blade wheels with polypropylene disks for flanges, so I don't think they'd last very long on steel rails. As for why 8 inches? More stability and weight carrying potential with the materials I'm using, and all the plans I have are already configured for that gauge, saves having to re-measure.
One thing I missed in your video is the option of kit build locomotives where all parts are already produced for you which can be tempting but also has it's limitations as the options you have.
I remember as a kid, all I wanted was a 7 1/4 loco. But I can honestly now say that I really enjoy the smaller gauges. So much easier to move and I prefer the raised tracks as it’s easier on the back. The biggest issue is getting into some of the tight spaces to work but still never a regret.
I keep looking at 7 1/4 engines and thinking I should have done that then I come back to reality the next time I'm maxing out my tools making a part thinking I'm glad this part isn't any bigger. I've got the moving it around bit to look forward to (one day) but already see I won't regret the 3 1/2 when I do.
My one thing I will probably do with my next 3.5” loco is build a split smokebox where the top can be removed for ease of access to allow for piping to be done up easily. I have removed so much skin on my current one while working on the steam pipes and sniffing valve etc.
As long as you can get a good seal it should be fine and make it a lot easier. Obviously it needs to be aesthetically pleasing as well as you’ve done so much great work already you don’t want to spoil it if it looks bad.
Great video! I'm crosed between a Polly 1 0-4-0 or a Polly V 2-6-0.. How Manny people do you think a polly 1 can haul on even grade? And how much do you think the polly V can haul on even grade?
Thanks, I haven’t had any experience with a Polly to comment, but a good point about how many people it will pull, I’m sure with a quick search you will find someone running one given how popular they are and I’m sure they will be able to tell you, good luck with your up coming build.
@@SS-Workshop Thanks! Actually I've been hunting quite a bit with little luck other then watching every video I can find with a polly hauling folks. The owner said most engines in his video can haul 6-8. I'm assuming he's talking about a 2-6-0 rather then an 0-4-0.
@@PaperBagParty besides the matter of the 5 being a 2-6-0 and the one a 0-4-0 the 5 has bigger wheels and bigger cilinders (if I'm correct). This makes the 5 more powerful than the 1 if that's your preference. How ever, being a 0-4-0 the one can handle narrow turns more easy, which is something to consider if you want to layout your own track.
There are a few uk companies that sell plans and castings, you can also get hold of the LBSC drawings which were originally printed in the uk model engineer magazine with these you can get casting for a lot of them once again from suppliers. I hope this helps, good luck.
Thank you! I'm considering getting into live steam, as I've had model trains my whole life, but want a little more. This video was very useful and informational, and I'll be sure to come back to it once I start to build my first loco. Thanks again :)
Thanks, good luck with finding a loco to build.
@@SS-Workshopthank you, and good luck to you too!
Another superb video!
Would be awesome to hear some of your considerations and why you ended up choosing to model a Fell locomotive.
Thanks, I’m planning on explaining in a future video about why the Fell Locomotive, but the answer in short is it’s really well known locally, but not well understood. The consideration for building at this gauge was machine capability and material availability along with having access to drawing of other 3.5” gauge model drawings to help with design.
Would love to see and overview video of your progress so far demonstrating all the completed parts, maybe once you've completed the rear axel?
Keep up the great work!
Considered a lot of these points myself when I decided to take the plunge and start building an 8 inch gauge railway in my backyard.
The main thing that always kept me from getting started in the bigger gauges was cost, as machine tools and/or machined kits are expensive, but I stumbled across plans for making a low cost system using PVC pipe filled with sand for rails and building the engines and wagons out of wood and other commonly available parts from hardware outlets and the like.
Is it to same level as this sort of project? Goodness no, but it's a start.
As you have found the most important thing is that you build something and enjoy it, size and materials really don't matter.
@@SS-Workshop
Couldn't have put it better myself. I figure if nothing else what I'm doing right now is a teaching tool on rideable miniature railways, and a stepping stone to future projects.
Having fun so far, so I figure I'm on the right track, if you'll pardon the pun.
If you build an 8in gauge you will have a hard time finding other tracks to run it, what's wrong with 7.25 which is the international gauge?
The 8in system I'm working on isn't really intended to be interchangeable with regular ride-on equipment anyway, just an inexpensive diy project to get my feet wet.
The wheels are solid rubber tyres and roller blade wheels with polypropylene disks for flanges, so I don't think they'd last very long on steel rails.
As for why 8 inches? More stability and weight carrying potential with the materials I'm using, and all the plans I have are already configured for that gauge, saves having to re-measure.
One thing I missed in your video is the option of kit build locomotives where all parts are already produced for you which can be tempting but also has it's limitations as the options you have.
Yes, another really good option to add to the list, thanks for sharing.
Would you know where to get a set like this as I have no machining tools 👍
I remember as a kid, all I wanted was a 7 1/4 loco. But I can honestly now say that I really enjoy the smaller gauges. So much easier to move and I prefer the raised tracks as it’s easier on the back. The biggest issue is getting into some of the tight spaces to work but still never a regret.
I keep looking at 7 1/4 engines and thinking I should have done that then I come back to reality the next time I'm maxing out my tools making a part thinking I'm glad this part isn't any bigger. I've got the moving it around bit to look forward to (one day) but already see I won't regret the 3 1/2 when I do.
My one thing I will probably do with my next 3.5” loco is build a split smokebox where the top can be removed for ease of access to allow for piping to be done up easily. I have removed so much skin on my current one while working on the steam pipes and sniffing valve etc.
Thanks, I will look into that, sounds like a great idea.
As long as you can get a good seal it should be fine and make it a lot easier. Obviously it needs to be aesthetically pleasing as well as you’ve done so much great work already you don’t want to spoil it if it looks bad.
I’ve been thinking about building an Allen models steam engine since you can buy the plans for most their locomotives for about $180.
What about selectric a live country steam locomotive build?. For example i want to make a filipino type tank engine
When measuring the gauge is it measured from the inside of the track rails, the outside or the center line of the rail?
Great question, it’s between the inside of the rails.
@@SS-Workshop thank you so much!
i'm just gonna try building mine like an old bowman steam engine because it isn't super complicated or expensive
Great video! I'm crosed between a Polly 1 0-4-0 or a Polly V 2-6-0.. How Manny people do you think a polly 1 can haul on even grade? And how much do you think the polly V can haul on even grade?
5" gauge
Thanks, I haven’t had any experience with a Polly to comment, but a good point about how many people it will pull, I’m sure with a quick search you will find someone running one given how popular they are and I’m sure they will be able to tell you, good luck with your up coming build.
@@SS-Workshop Thanks! Actually I've been hunting quite a bit with little luck other then watching every video I can find with a polly hauling folks. The owner said most engines in his video can haul 6-8. I'm assuming he's talking about a 2-6-0 rather then an 0-4-0.
@@PaperBagParty besides the matter of the 5 being a 2-6-0 and the one a 0-4-0 the 5 has bigger wheels and bigger cilinders (if I'm correct). This makes the 5 more powerful than the 1 if that's your preference. How ever, being a 0-4-0 the one can handle narrow turns more easy, which is something to consider if you want to layout your own track.
I love the idea of a small G or H gauge live steam loco but I have no idea where I could buy a starter kit. Please help
Or maybe 3.5”
There are a few uk companies that sell plans and castings, you can also get hold of the LBSC drawings which were originally printed in the uk model engineer magazine with these you can get casting for a lot of them once again from suppliers. I hope this helps, good luck.
Any idea how to make an e2 class tank engine out of cardboard cans and plastic bottles (yep a tough one)
Also I'm a noob
th-cam.com/video/1LRYy0Tzdu4/w-d-xo.html This?
NO D in locomotive