Live Steam indoors?

[dan green]

I know this might be a dumb question, but im only just finding out about live steam and I was wondering the logistics on running it inside. I found a few references to it in the forums so it sounds possible but can anyone give me more details? Thanks D.

[Anonymous]

I've done it. Worked pretty good on my temporary layout at shows. Not so good at home where it set off the smoke alarm, and then kinda scared the heck out of me when it derailed and ran away under the bed.

 I also used to get a couple calls a year from steam newbies asking how to get steam oil out of their wife's carpet after they decided to run their xmas present under the tree (short answer, you don't)

 If you don't mind the mess, and open a window, it will work

[kstrong]

If you're going to run indoors, I'd tend to lean towards operating butane powered steam locos, as alcohol tends to get a bit problematic indoors should it spill and catch fire--if you catch my drift. Running on carpet probably isn't the most advisable activity, either, especially if peace in the household is a priority. On the other hand, if you're tired of the carpet in the family room, what better way to get it replaced. But if you've got a concrete basement floor to set a loop of track up on, you should be more than fine.

Later,

K

[lkydvl]

I regularly run live steam indoors on a bench level layout.  My only recommendation is to use wood ties and a catch basin built under the track for the steamup area.  It eliminates a cleaning mess and melted ties. 

 

Andre' 

[vsmith]

Live steamers also spit water and oil, all over the place, and leave water on the track, and the exhaust steam has fine oil particles mixed in.

IOWs, in the garage? OK,... on the dining table? do you have a deathwish?

[dan green]

:) thanks for the feedback from all.. I had a suspicion this may have been the case (I love this story of the runaway loco!! I guess it's a liability you never have with electric). I'll give this some very careful consideration! It sounds like a nice bench top surface would work, I'm not sure where im going with the idea but after seeing this magnificent SRRL 2-6-2... I think I'm in love.

D