Model Steam Trains
Posted: Thursday, December 03, 2009
by Jimmy Hardwick
Model Train Mastery
Model steam trains are surrounded by a fascinating history. The steam engine started the industrial revolution over three hundred years ago. Thomas Newcomen invented the steam engine in 1705 with subsequent improvements by James Watt in the late 1700's. The first successful combustion engine is still the heart of live steam trains today. Improvements in design and better production equipment have refined the process, but the science behind steam engines is still the same as it was for old Thomas.
Disney was so enamored of trains that he used them as a major attraction when he opened Disneyland in 1955. Railroads and monorails remain big features of theme parks owned by the Disney Company to this day.
To get a feel for model steam locomotives, you should see the larger scale units. A 1/8 scale, which is the size Disney had in his yard, is large enough to give a big thrill. In the United States, there are several places where you can see model steam engines displayed, and there are live steam clubs located all over the world.
For most people, the larger trains are more than they can afford, and they require a lot of area and track to run. If you get the fever and must have a live steam model, consider an outdoor setup with a G scale train. Just keep in mind that live steam trains are more expensive than electric model trains.
Consider the Aristo-Craft 2-8-2 Mikado. The train operates by remote control, and it has a butane-fired boiler. Batteries control speed, direction, sounds, and the built-in starter. This ready-to-run unit comes with a sticker price of over $1,500, but is quite a beauty. The built in chuffing, bell, and whistle sounds emit from the train, but you control them from the hand held remote.
Many people will ask, "Why spend so much on a live steam train when you can get an electric for so much less?" You can base the answer on what you may or may not perceive as important. An electric train can be a faithful reproduction of an actual steam train, whereas the live steam model IS an actual steam train. This is why they are worth more to true train lovers.
Always check pricing before you buy a model. If you check at Amazon and EBay, you may find some good deals on new or used steam models. The primary sizes you will find are O and G scales, however there are some companies producing smaller scale live steam trains as well.
I'm Jimmy Hardwick, lifetime lover of model trains and railroading. Want to know more about model steam trains? Visit my site ModelTrainMastery.com, where you'll get access to a freight car full of information to help you enjoy the greatest of all hobbies.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Hi Jim. Great article and very informative. Imagine having one of these in your backyard. Thanks for sharing. ~Nenita~Thanks for reading and appreciating it Nenita.
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