I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but maybe you can direct me to the correct place, if not.
I've been interested in large scale trains (1 1/2"=1'-0") for a long time, and have built a live steam locomotive in 1" scale. Working in live steam is very expensive and labor intensive, so I have been building some 1 1/2" scale models in WOOD. My machining and welding is limited to wheels, trucks and drive train. The rest is wood. I find I can build an operational model for a fraction of the cost of LS. The models are battery powered using kid's sidewalk cars for the motive power. I haven't actually ridden on one, but I think that it is possible. There are other power sources available like, lawn mower engines and gas-electric drives. I wonder if anyone else has explored this avenue of model railroading. To date, I have a 4-4-0 camelback that is powered by an electric motor from a sidewalk car. I have some work to complete on it as the drivers and running gear are not able to stand up to the torque developed by the motor (wheels slipping on the axels and losing their quartering). I know a lot of people don't have enough outdoor space to even contemplate this. I have 8 acres of land in a rural area, so I can do it. Anyone interested in this can contact me and we can go from there. I live in South Mississippi, about 20 miles north of Biloxi. Katrina spared us.
I don't know where you would go to find someone with similar interests, you are about double or bigger "G" scale which is what this forum mainly covers.
Rgds Ian
Rene Schweitzer
Classic Toy Trains/Garden Railways/Model Railroader
Try
At discoverlivesteam.com there are links to many clubs and private tracks throughout the USA, and links/ads for many equipment and material suppliers for 1 1/2" scale locos, riding cars, and trackage.
The Yahoo group "Live Diesel"
Close to you is Lake Wales RV Park around Gulf Shores, Al. which has 7 1/2" guage track and a British style 2' guage.
Chaski.com for the live steam forum is a great place for info from people that have built many live steamers in 1 1/2" scale.
I have a Bill Conners, live steam, Beam engine. I'm building a couple of steam dummy inspection cars at this time. All in 1.5" scale and 7.5" guage. Inspection cars will be powered by kiddy scooter motors and chains.
There are regular meets of the live steamer crowd all over the country. For about the ultimate drool fest, check out Train Mountain in Oregon. They have a website you can google. It is the largest in the world with over "37 MILES" of track.
You are definitely not alone!! We are out there, come join in the fun.......
Capt Turk
Big Boots and Western Railroad, mainline through Candler Fla.
Lionel collector, stuck in an N scaler's modelling space.
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