Starter Loco - Live Steam Novice.

I have found it's not so much the grunt to get up the grades, but the lack of braking coming down that is the real issue! Hence my earlier comment about Radio Control. I run a Roundhouse Billie - superb easy and trouble free little loco, but out of the budget range originally quoted.
 
Like you, I am new to live steam and can recommend the Lawley. It was my Christmas present to myself last year.

Your asked for pictures, I made videos of my first attempts and posted them on YouTube ;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrSNrfvy1-E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6T7XwePLuc

As you can see, Lawley is very easy to fire and run. And the standard chuff is not bad.

My advice would to find a supply that is willing to answer lots of questions. After all you are spending hard earned cash. I found PPS Steam very helpful to the point they will be putting my second loco, a new Lyn, in the post on Monday.

I hope this is not too late and is of some help to you.
 
stevedenver said:
saving for a shay myself
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the Shay has a BIG advantage - it drops most of its oil outside the tracks. I don't get much oil on the rails at all :bigsmile::bigsmile::bigsmile:

And, you don't need any radio control, 'cos it doesn't go fast enough. Flat out is a good crawl :thumbup::thumbup:

eac6237438bf449eae0e337e90272c44.jpg



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Hi Alexander.

"Great minds think alike" someone once said. After listening to all the varied comments from those 'Live Steamers' out there, I finally decided on an Accucraft 'Lawley' - mainly due to the budget I had in mind, availability, and what I thought were good looks,but also influenced by the generally positive comments I noted on this website.

It's currently being fitted with RC ( I know, I'm a whimp for not starting off in basic format, but I didn't fancy all that chasing round the tracks), plus a Summerlands Chuffer, and an RC controlled steam whistle.

Can't wait to get my hands (should that be oiley hands) on it in due course.

Thanks to all of those who contributed to this thread - your advice was very much appreciated.
 
Hi Dave,

I am not sure about " Wimp " as I also use RC as it easier when running more then I loco.

In regards to " Oily Hands " they are more likley to be " wet hands " as Accucraft locos through out a lot of water when first starting. I wrap a piece of kitchen roll around the funnel held in place with a loose elastic band to reduce the mess. This only needed for the first couple of yards backward then forward.

The Summerland chuffer dose add to the sound of what is a great looking engine. I will also be fitting a RC whistle this winter.

Let us all know about your fist steaming.

Enjoy :thumbup:
 
Oh!! I so wish that you hadn't posted that picture.

I have been considering getting my new 'Lawley' lined, but had not thought about a colour change to the body panels etc.

That is a superb looking loco.

Is it a 'Lightline' jobbie?

Looks like I'm facing a further period without food or alchohol, to save the pennies for something similar.
 
Alexander0654 said:
Hi Dave,

I am not sure about " Wimp " as I also use RC as it easier when running more then I loco.

In regards to " Oily Hands " they are more likley to be " wet hands " as Accucraft locos through out a lot of water when first starting. I wrap a piece of kitchen roll around the funnel held in place with a loose elastic band to reduce the mess. This only needed for the first couple of yards backward then forward.

The Summerland chuffer dose add to the sound of what is a great looking engine. I will also be fitting a RC whistle this winter.

Let us all know about your fist steaming.

Enjoy :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Adding a chuff pipe will stop most of the water/oil spraying out the top of the chimney, it just goes on the track instead.

I always start running on a cradle until all the condensate is out of the cylinders and the engine is running smoothly, you can catch all the oil/water mix on a paper towel placed under the engine. Keeps the track much cleaner.
 
My Porter ( Ruby #5 ) and my newest Plantation 0-4-2 are very good about not putting condensate over them selves on starting up. They both have a large opening in the bottom of the smokebox and it all runs down onto the track. I have just returned from running the Plantation engine, and only have to wipe it down to remove my fingerprints from the engine. There is no oily residue on the topside of the locomotive at all .

Anyone thinking of getting a Plantation loco will find it is a nice runner . It has 1/2 cylinders and smaller drivers than the previous Rubies. It is a smallish 1 to 20.3 loco. The burner is very quite and has a lined smokebox and boiler front so no more burned paint. I have gotten 20 minute run times with it. I would think this would improve in warmer weather. Has a water glass and I added a Goodall valve to top up the water on the go. Lots of details on this model , it looks very good. I would consider it a good value for the money.

Charles M
 
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