21st Century Steam - Six-coupled engines...excellent article and great idea for layouts!

[Kozzie]

I've been reading the article in the May issue of Trains Mag and found it very informative. Especially if one wants to run smaller steam locos pulling short trains on a layout set in modern times. Sort of "having your cake and eating it too" in a way....

I didn't realize the six-coupled engines had so much traction...[:0][;)][:)]

Tank locos must be particularly handy on small tourist lines - easier to run backwards if needed on the return journeys.

Did others enjoy that article too? [:)][:)] A big Thank You to Erik Ledbetter and all those that contributed photos. [;)][:)]

Dave

[M636C]

"Curse you Red Baron" to quote Snoopy (for any "Peanuts" fans out there).

I haven't been near a big city with a source of Air Mail "Trains" in weeks! I've only got March so far!

I did see a VR K class 2-8-0 in steam on my last visit to Melbourne, however. It was absolutely gleaming, so I assume it was just out of overhaul.

Peter

[edblysard]

I was more startled by the number of smaller locomotives being restored and used...from most of the other press, you get the impression that the only thing worth saving are the Challengers and the Hudsons....but it seems the ones being saved and used are the smaller ones.

Kinda like that tank engine, looks like it would make a pretty neat switcher!

Ed

[jeaton]

Small steam engines switching. Somewhere from the deep recesses of my brain, there comes forth a childhood memory of the sound of a steam engine that must have been drilling cars in a flat yard. On a quiet evening, off in the distance, I hear the exhaust chatter from wheel slip, then quiet, and then a minute of so later, the chatter sound again. It goes on for some time.

Is that wierd or what?

And yes, it was a great story.

Jay

[Kozzie]

Thanks for your comments guys.
Sorry Peter, I forgot that your local newsagent doesn't get Trains Mag by Air Mail. I don't always splurge but usually wait for the slower edition, but that front cover got me right in!
Jay your description was very good. Good to hear old memories stirring.

Ed, I reckon tank engines look pretty smart - they don't have to pull a tender along behind, so they have that neat, compact look.

Dave