Model Steam Trains have a very unique feel and sound to them because unlike electric trains, they obviously have the steam element!
But there are basically two types of model steam trains; real steam trains that use coal or timber in their engines to boil water as a real steam locomotive does, known as “live steam” (and these tend to be larger outdoor models) and then there is the smaller train that is actually electrically driven as normal model trains, but use such elements as hexamine fuel tablets or methylated spirits (methylated spirits was used widely in the early Mamod models) that is heated and replicates steam.
This second style is used for indoor steam trains and smaller models.
Model steam trains have been around for a long time just like the real thing and equally same is the way they are classified or categorized. Not only does each train have a name, but they are given classification by the wheel configuration such as 2-6-6-6.
Having a model steam train is uniquely exciting. The noise and feel of a
steam train is completely enthralling to young and old a like, but when
buying your models there are 2 tips I would give you:
Tip 1: Only ever buy model steam trains from specialist stores.
The model steam train has so many moving parts and complicated intricacies that they require expert help if there is a problem. Make sure you have that support or your new dream could become and expensive waste of money. No point spending money just to throw them in a box because you do not know how to fix them.
Tip 2: Buy small at first.
When you first start out don’t spend too much money. You may decide after a few weeks that you want to invest your money in some other hobby or that you don’t want the model trains you have or that you want to have a different gauge or style.
What a waste of money if that happens. So buy small at first and once you are fully committed then you can start investing in bigger models.
Model steam train gauge varies from 2 1/2 inch to 15 inch for the ride able outdoor trains down to 45mm (gauge 1) for smaller indoor models.
The big problem when making small steam trains is that the laws of physics do not change and the same pressures apply to both small and large engines, so when boiling water in small models careful engineering must be demanded.
Hornby Railways got round this by producing electrically operated model “steam” trains and installing electrically heated boilers, so technically it is not really a true steam train, but close enough for us to still love it.
There are a number of Z scale steam trains (1:220) and are run using a butane flame in the engine’s tender.
for fun and excitement you can’t go wrong with a model steam train.
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