Anybody here into Tinplate Clockwork and Live Steam?

[emdmike]

Curious if anybody here is into tinplate clockwork or live steam tinplate trains?  I am preparing to build a small tinplate O gauge coarse scale layout using Bassett Lowke engines and a mix of other UK brands of goods wagons and passenger stock.  So far I have bought a Bassett Lowke Duke of York in super nice condition, 2 old Marx tinplate bridges that I have repainted red and green and 2 Matchbox UK style lorries to use on the layout.  I am in the process of buying a BL live steam mogul.  Just torn between one of the reissues from Corgie or an original version in really nice, possibly unsteamed condition.  Leaning towards the original version right now.  If you collect or operate these kind of trains, lets see some pics!   Mike

[rtraincollector]

*** theres a gentleman here that goes by JamesP that does keywind He shows up from time to time. He repair a Bubb set I have for me one time. ( it just sits in its box on a shelf somewhere) Are you in the states or across the pond as you talk about UK brands?

 

Bill

[JamesP]

I do enjoy clockwork trains, although I concentrate on American O gauge windups.  Of course, I certainly appreciate the clockworks from the "other side of the pond", too... but I only have a handful in the collection (a tiny Hornby, a Walker-Fenn and a Walker-Reimsdyk) plus a Bassett-Lowke Royal Scot project loco that I haven't tackled yet.  My little windup layout also reflects my interest in domestic manufacturers.  I do have a simple website for the clockworks:

http://oldwinduptrains.tripod.com/home.html

Although I do enjoy live steam, I have just a single O gauge live steam locomotive - a Weeden No. 1.  Due to its alcohol burner that has a habit of dribbling fire, it never runs on the indoor layout...

I look forward to seeing your progress on the layout!  Dedicated clockwork / live steam layouts are rare nowdays, so I'm always happy to hear about another one being built.  Make sure you keep us up to date on your progress!

 - James

 

 

 

 

 

[cnw1995]

I really like your layout design, James. 

I have a few Hornby clockwork and tinplate items that I have run on my 027 'Ivor the Engine' themed layout. I'll look for photos

 

[emdmike]

I am in the states but have friends in the UK.  I just recieved my two main startup engines for the layout.  A super clean original condition Bassett Lowke Duke of York in clockwork and a restored, possibly very early run, Bassett Lowke mogul in live steam.  Both are in splended LMS Crimson Red.  I am going to test fire the mogul tonight after a good lubrication job, its quite stiff.  My train room is quite small being 8 foot by 9 foot roughly.  I am planning a 3 wall shelf type layout with point to point operation with the clockwork engine, then a cutoff track will go across my workbench top and connect with the other side with a removable bridge to give my a continious loop for the steamer.  I have been fasinated with clockwork and UK trains since an article in CTT years ago called "Just like Clockwork".  I am even planning on putting a tinplate castle on my layout, using a Marx castle as its more affordable for me. And I definatly need to find an O gauge Tardis for my layout!!   I am autistic and the trains are my escape from life stress, giving me a safe world to recover after a stressfull day.  Other than my outdoor G scale loop in my garden, I have been without an indoor layout for a couple of years.  Time to change that. Here are pics of todays arrivals!   Mike

[JamesP]

Very cool Mike; thanks for sharing the pictures.  Looks like you have a great start... that is some classic (and classy) motive power!  Can't wait to see progress on the layout.

Here are some pictures of my English clockworks (bear with me, it might take a couple of tries to get the pics visible), starting with my Walker-Fenn:

The Walker-Riemsdyk:

And not English, but it is O gauge live steam... the Weeden No. 1:

 - James

[emdmike]

I am envious of the Walker-Fenn, they are supposed to be the best clockwork drives around, or so I have read.  Hope to start the benchwork for the layout soon.  Mike