Unfortunately I was not born with the mechanical aptitude it takes to efficiently or effectively run a steam locomotive. However,I absolutely love to look listen and watch one in motion or even at standstill. That being said I have recently come across your channel and absolutely love and appreciate the knowledge,work and filming that you put into this awesome channel!!!😎👍👍👍😎 🚂
Thank you very much. Excellent video and information. This is one time I wish I still lived in Northern Illinois but alas I made it to Florida to be closer to family...but I don't miss the snow shoveling.. LOL.
Hi, since I am new to this hobby and looking to build my own locomotive, is it possible you could make a video defining some the the parts on the locomotive, such as crank pins and different parts of the boiler and smoke box?
Blake, do you have any full on maintenance videos? One video that would help is how to hydro test a boiler, that would be super cool. Also videos covering heavier maintenance or say waking up a steamer that hasn't ran in several years?
Hey Blake, You should make a video of doing a boiler wash on your locomotive one of these days. it's one of the few things I've not seen a video of online.
Maybe the thumbs down is a rail hater. Keeps getting caught by trains maybe. But then that begs the question, Why would they watch this in the first place? LOL I've been known to stop at a crossing if I saw a headlight down the tracks and waited for the train to pass.
1. Would it be easy getting a miniature engine running after doing the overhaul?2. How many boiler tubes would it take to replace?3. Do you mean the boiler would explode?4. How come whistles on miniature engines work on the sides not the top?
1 probably not, 2, it depends on which one breaks 1st, but at some point you will probably have to replace all of them, 3 the boiler needs water to keep a stable temperature and without the water, the fire would heat up the boiler to a point were the boiler will no longer keep it together, and parts start flying everywhere if you dont put the* fire out, 4, its probably cause the whistle is to big to be on the top, and with all the piping, it would make it very hard to put a whistle up there, but much easier sideways.
Whistles so not scale. The smaller they are the higher the pitch so to keep as low a note as possible, the whistle is mounted at the side usually under the running board.
Just out of curiosity, I went to the Allan models of Nevada website. There are no prices and I understand depending on how you want it set up, the prices will very. But on average, what would the start up cost be for one of these?
They don’t sell locomotives, they sell locomotive castings. You have to build it yourself-or hire a competent machinist to do the work. All the castings have prices on them- I haven’t priced out a full ten wheeler kit in a while but I would estimate the cost to be between $4,500-$5,000. I actually have a set sitting on the back burner here until the UP Northern is completed. Nice castings for a beginner. Steve has started offering some water-jet cut parts-so it might be a little more. But they are much easier to machine. Hiring a machinist to finish the chassis would likely cost between $8,500-$10,000. Then you’d need to order a boiler- $1,800-$3,000 depending on where it’s being ordered from...and you’ll still need to plum it up, add the accessories like injectors, valves-finish the boiler back head (the gauges, controls, valves, water glass, etc). Plus the domes, jacketing, cab. There is a lot to it.
As I'm still rather new to the live steam hobby, I've got a couple questions regarding fuel type and construction. When it comes to the Allen Models ten wheeler, how do i go about finding a place to get a boiler made for it? A lot of people have mentioned that as a good starter loco for newcomers. I know these are small, but is it possible to use wood as a fuel on these?
Ridge Locomotive Works makes boilers to order. Just google them and their website will pop up. No, I wouldn’t go with wood. It doesn’t burn as hot as coal and you’ll have issues keeping the pressure up while running a ten wheeler.
TheSteamChannel Hello, I've always had a passionate interest in anything related to a steam locomotive. From Thomas the Tank Engine to watching your channel as often as I can. I have always wanted to drive a steam locomotive, whether it's an actual big engine or a small live steam loco. I, unfortunately, don't have any experience or knowledge when it comes to driving one, much less owning one. I have looked for resources to learn as much as I can, but I haven't been able to find much. I know that there are dozens of forums available, but I am really looking for either a book or video or some other media where I can get detailed answers. I'd like to build a locomotive, but there aren't many sources of information that I've been able to find. I was wondering if you could help me with locating the information I need to start building a locomotive within the next year or two. I don't know what type of locomotive to begin investing myself in, but I think I would like something that is oil-powered and as simple as possible to build, operate, and maintain. I appreciate any and all information you could provide, thank you.
Do live steam locomotives go thru a 1472 inspection like real size locomotives or is it just regular maintenance to keep them running in great condition
Just regular maintenance. They are not regulated...with the exception of boilers. Some states have boiler requirements, Illinois has an exception for hobby boilers.
Craig L. Young yes, brake shoes wear as well if they are functional-how fast depends on how much you run the locomotive, what material the shoes are cast from, and whether or not you are making some kind of pad for the shoes. But there are ways of avoiding that whole situation...you could use the air brakes on the train to stop your consist, and I’ve also seen people put the engine into reverse to stop. That is how the 4120 4-8-4 at ILS is stopped, her brake rigging is decorative. Some have even used a disc brake system- so again, the shoes would just be decorative. Merry Christmas to you as well!
I'm considering owning a live steam locomotive, but I have no experience with a lathe in terms of machining replacement parts. Can any of the necessary parts be bought (I understand that depends on the train in question) and how much for a complete overhaul (just the tender and/or the locomotive)? Also, what would be recommended for gaining experience maintaining and running live steam locomotives? Finally, what would be the ideal starting locomotive(s) for beginners, what prices to expect, and where would you recommend buying from? Many thanks and thank you for this informative video.
DestructiveTones unless you’re willing to teach yourself, this hobby will be extremely expensive. A steam locomotive always needs work of some kind. You can contract a machinist to make any part you need, but shop time generally is between $65-$100 an hour so that will add up fast. If you watch part one of “So You Want A Live Steam Locomotive” it will answer all of your other questions.
Although it is cheaper for you in the US as you don’t have to buy copper boilers which can cost much more than one in steel. A boiler for a 0-4-0 7 1/4 inch (British equivalent of 7 1/2) gauge tank engine in copper can cost £2000-£3000 and possibly more than that if it is silver soldered.
Very little-you just have a burner manifold to maintain, turbulator strips in the boiler tubes, and a fuel car you have to keep in shape. The rest of the engine will wear just the same.
For a part 3 can we go over tools and equipment necessary for maintaining a live steamer? Ill probably never be able to afford tbis hobby, but it never hurts to try. Want to know exactly what I would need.
I’m not really wanting to do a tooling video-aside from a lathe and a milling machine-everything else really depends on the project, the engine, what the owner wants to spend money on, etc. Death by 1,000 cuts if you would.
4120, I always just called the "shirtless dudes engine" lol
I enjoy watching you own a steam locomotive more than I ever could owning one myself.
I'll probably never own a loco like this, but this was still interesting to watch. :-)
Unfortunately I was not born with the mechanical aptitude it takes to efficiently or effectively run a steam locomotive. However,I absolutely love to look listen and watch one in motion or even at standstill. That being said I have recently come across your channel and absolutely love and appreciate the knowledge,work and filming that you put into this awesome channel!!!😎👍👍👍😎 🚂
Javan Russell thank you! I’m glad you enjoy it.
Javan Russell you should still join a local miniature locomotive club or society if you have one. :) youll enjoy it
Nobody is born with that kind of mechanical aptitude! You gotta learn it by the seat of your pants!
6:06 So, we have to take "tender care" of it? :)
* Groans *
and the worst thing after driving a steam loco all day is you end up with a tender behind))) sorry
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
Merry Christmas to all of you at the steam Channel
Phillip Bonner Merry Christmas to you as well!
Thank you very much. Excellent video and information. This is one time I wish I still lived in Northern Illinois but alas I made it to Florida to be closer to family...but I don't miss the snow shoveling.. LOL.
Wizrd378 Thank you! There are still many live steam club throughout Florida 😁👍🏻
Thank You Blake for your info.
I just love this channel
Every time you say general I salute.
Great video as always!
Hi, since I am new to this hobby and looking to build my own locomotive, is it possible you could make a video defining some the the parts on the locomotive, such as crank pins and different parts of the boiler and smoke box?
Blake, do you have any full on maintenance videos? One video that would help is how to hydro test a boiler, that would be super cool. Also videos covering heavier maintenance or say waking up a steamer that hasn't ran in several years?
Great video!
I envy those guys who have the wherewithal to build these. Wow.
Hey Blake, You should make a video of doing a boiler wash on your locomotive one of these days. it's one of the few things I've not seen a video of online.
I’d like to see that as well
@ about 1:27 heh .. that gut put Red Bull in the tender! Steam locomotive running off caffeine - no helpers needed ! I knew it!
What is the best affordable live steam engine
Why would you give this channel a thumbs down?
There must be something seriously wrong with you.
Maybe the thumbs down is a rail hater. Keeps getting caught by trains maybe. But then that begs the question, Why would they watch this in the first place? LOL I've been known to stop at a crossing if I saw a headlight down the tracks and waited for the train to pass.
@@Wizrd378 exactly why would they watch it?
Probably because they realize owning steam is real work.... if they dont change their own oil in the car...this is way beyond them.
Maybe cause if you haven't noticed it's easy to ACCIDENTALLY touch or hover over the wrong thing on a phone.
@@bradfallin2698 if somebody accidentally presses the dislike button they can always change it
Your the best channel ever
1. Would it be easy getting a miniature engine running after doing the overhaul?2. How many boiler tubes would it take to replace?3. Do you mean the boiler would explode?4. How come whistles on miniature engines work on the sides not the top?
1 probably not, 2, it depends on which one breaks 1st, but at some point you will probably have to replace all of them, 3 the boiler needs water to keep a stable temperature and without the water, the fire would heat up the boiler to a point were the boiler will no longer keep it together, and parts start flying everywhere if you dont put the* fire out, 4, its probably cause the whistle is to big to be on the top, and with all the piping, it would make it very hard to put a whistle up there, but much easier sideways.
Whistles so not scale. The smaller they are the higher the pitch so to keep as low a note as possible, the whistle is mounted at the side usually under the running board.
Now you tell why a whistle work on the sides.
Just out of curiosity, I went to the Allan models of Nevada website. There are no prices and I understand depending on how you want it set up, the prices will very. But on average, what would the start up cost be for one of these?
They don’t sell locomotives, they sell locomotive castings. You have to build it yourself-or hire a competent machinist to do the work. All the castings have prices on them- I haven’t priced out a full ten wheeler kit in a while but I would estimate the cost to be between $4,500-$5,000. I actually have a set sitting on the back burner here until the UP Northern is completed. Nice castings for a beginner. Steve has started offering some water-jet cut parts-so it might be a little more. But they are much easier to machine.
Hiring a machinist to finish the chassis would likely cost between $8,500-$10,000. Then you’d need to order a boiler- $1,800-$3,000 depending on where it’s being ordered from...and you’ll still need to plum it up, add the accessories like injectors, valves-finish the boiler back head (the gauges, controls, valves, water glass, etc). Plus the domes, jacketing, cab. There is a lot to it.
@@TheSteamChannel Thanks for the reply.
As I'm still rather new to the live steam hobby, I've got a couple questions regarding fuel type and construction. When it comes to the Allen Models ten wheeler, how do i go about finding a place to get a boiler made for it? A lot of people have mentioned that as a good starter loco for newcomers. I know these are small, but is it possible to use wood as a fuel on these?
Ridge Locomotive Works makes boilers to order. Just google them and their website will pop up. No, I wouldn’t go with wood. It doesn’t burn as hot as coal and you’ll have issues keeping the pressure up while running a ten wheeler.
I have always wondered on average how much real world horse power and tractive effort do these live steam locos produce?
Did you buy the steam engine prefabricated, build it from a kit or design and machine it? It's a beautiful engine! Great video!
Sherrie Caskie the Mogul in the video is available as a kit from Allan Models of Nevada.
TheSteamChannel
Hello, I've always had a passionate interest in anything related to a steam locomotive. From Thomas the Tank Engine to watching your channel as often as I can. I have always wanted to drive a steam locomotive, whether it's an actual big engine or a small live steam loco. I, unfortunately, don't have any experience or knowledge when it comes to driving one, much less owning one. I have looked for resources to learn as much as I can, but I haven't been able to find much. I know that there are dozens of forums available, but I am really looking for either a book or video or some other media where I can get detailed answers. I'd like to build a locomotive, but there aren't many sources of information that I've been able to find. I was wondering if you could help me with locating the information I need to start building a locomotive within the next year or two. I don't know what type of locomotive to begin investing myself in, but I think I would like something that is oil-powered and as simple as possible to build, operate, and maintain. I appreciate any and all information you could provide, thank you.
Do live steam locomotives go thru a 1472 inspection like real size locomotives or is it just regular maintenance to keep them running in great condition
Just regular maintenance. They are not regulated...with the exception of boilers. Some states have boiler requirements, Illinois has an exception for hobby boilers.
How about break shoes? How much wear before replacement? Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Craig L. Young yes, brake shoes wear as well if they are functional-how fast depends on how much you run the locomotive, what material the shoes are cast from, and whether or not you are making some kind of pad for the shoes. But there are ways of avoiding that whole situation...you could use the air brakes on the train to stop your consist, and I’ve also seen people put the engine into reverse to stop. That is how the 4120 4-8-4 at ILS is stopped, her brake rigging is decorative. Some have even used a disc brake system- so again, the shoes would just be decorative. Merry Christmas to you as well!
So, how would I do a 2.5/O gauge steam engine, yes, there are steam engines that small
Blake what size is your tender? 30 or 36
I'm considering owning a live steam locomotive, but I have no experience with a lathe in terms of machining replacement parts.
Can any of the necessary parts be bought (I understand that depends on the train in question) and how much for a complete overhaul (just the tender and/or the locomotive)?
Also, what would be recommended for gaining experience maintaining and running live steam locomotives?
Finally, what would be the ideal starting locomotive(s) for beginners, what prices to expect, and where would you recommend buying from?
Many thanks and thank you for this informative video.
DestructiveTones unless you’re willing to teach yourself, this hobby will be extremely expensive. A steam locomotive always needs work of some kind. You can contract a machinist to make any part you need, but shop time generally is between $65-$100 an hour so that will add up fast.
If you watch part one of “So You Want A Live Steam Locomotive” it will answer all of your other questions.
Cool deal, thank you so much for your reply. I'll go check those videos out and learn as much as possible. I just really enjoy live steam.
Although it is cheaper for you in the US as you don’t have to buy copper boilers which can cost much more than one in steel. A boiler for a 0-4-0 7 1/4 inch (British equivalent of 7 1/2) gauge tank engine in copper can cost £2000-£3000 and possibly more than that if it is silver soldered.
Generally speaking, a boiler for the Mogul shown runs about $3,000 here-something bigger like a northern would be around $9,500.
As a beginner, I guess a shay locomotive will be too much work for me 😅
How long do mamod TE1 steam traction engine boilers last
how does maintenance change if you use propane instead of coal? I've noticed many people switching over lately, especially on the bigger locomotives.
Very little-you just have a burner manifold to maintain, turbulator strips in the boiler tubes, and a fuel car you have to keep in shape. The rest of the engine will wear just the same.
For a part 3 can we go over tools and equipment necessary for maintaining a live steamer? Ill probably never be able to afford tbis hobby, but it never hurts to try. Want to know exactly what I would need.
I’m not really wanting to do a tooling video-aside from a lathe and a milling machine-everything else really depends on the project, the engine, what the owner wants to spend money on, etc. Death by 1,000 cuts if you would.
@@TheSteamChannelFair enough. That is a bit of help to me at least, thank you for taking the time to reply!
It’s hard to get a specific locomotive
I am under 18 and want to get into model railroading is there anything I can do?
I don't know how to build one, so I might just buy one from a website. But it cost too much. What shall I do?
You should build it as it’s a bit cheaper
Where’s part 3?
I love this channel, but the way the young lady stares at me at the end is just too cringy.
You're scared of a woman lol
Waste of money
People are free to their own money however they see fit.