Little Engines 0-4-0, good buy or not?

[JamesP]

I don't want to sound like a broken record, but if you haven't subscribed to the magazine LIVE STEAM yet, it will be your best investment no matter what scale you would like to have.  Little Engines website is http://www.littleengines.com/ - it will answer some of your questions.  Many manufacturers in the live steam locomotive realm will sell raw castings, machined castings, machined kits or ready to run, each increase in the level of finish accompanied by an increase in price.  Many of the manufactures also sell in sections, so it will help spread out the cost.  For instance, the first section will have raw castings and material for a logical starting point of the locomotive, such as the frame.  You can take your time finishing the work on that section and save your money for the next.  You then order and pay for the next section, then work on that section and so on.  Go ahead and get the catalog, it will explain pricing and what options they offer.  Other manufactures include Allen Models and Railroad Supply Corporation.  OS also offers a machined kit for their mogul in 7.5" gauge.

May I suggest that you find a live steam club (there are several in Illinois) to join for mentoring, help and inspiration.  Also, you might consider building a small 4-wheel diesel as a starting project.  If you scrounge around for an old tiller engine, metal and other parts, you can build one pretty cheap.  You can get machined wheels and axles from a variety of manufacturers.  The rest of the locomotive is pretty much fabrication work, cutting out parts, filing, drilling, welding, etc.  A live steam locomotive is usually an expensive proposition no matter what scale, even if you are doing the work yourself, not to mention a time consuming project that can require advanced skills.

My dad and I started building my first rideable train when I was 12.  We finished it when I was 16.  However, it was built for less than $300, and it was a great learning experience for me.  Dad was the one who saw it through to completion or it never would have been finished.  It taught me many skills, not the least of which was perseverance.  It has now been running for 23 years, and I have gone on to build 2 other diesels and restore one steamer to operation and I am working on another one.

Don't be afraid to start small and simple and work your way up to a live steamer.  Keep the dream alive; you'll have a steamer one of these days!

 - James

[cabbage]

 The problem I think you have -from looking at this and your other posts  -is one of perspective... You obviously like the idea of big steam engines -and I would be the last one to disuade you from it. What I think might help you is to look at the locomotive building sites and get some idea of prices, and time scales needed in the production of one...

http://www.maxitrak.co.uk/

http://www.blackgates.co.uk/

http://www.ajreeves.com/

The biggest scenic scale, (The Gauge '3' Society), and the smallest tractive scale, (The National 2 1/2 inch Gauge Association), both run on 63mm, (2.5inches), track. 

http://www.gauge3.org.uk 

http://www.n25ga.org.uk/ 

Marc Horowitz built a simple Gauge '3' locomotive ("Victoria") from the plans of Lillian Lawrence -it took him 18 months to do so. 

regards

ralph 

[teen steam fan]

Never mind, $11500, more than I want to pay

[teen steam fan]

hey,

I've been looking at a company called Little Engines. They produce a 0-4-0 switcher in 1.5". There is no price on the site, and the catalouge costs $17.

Only a few questions;

Any machining or is it ready to run?

How is Little Engine's customer service?

Spare parts (wheels, axle bearings, tender journals)?

Good steamer, or leaves alot to be desired?

How much is price?

Thanks ahead of time.