Just saw this on ebay.
Has anyone had experience with this? This is a very interesting application. The video is quite informative.
JB
I’ve not run one myself, though most reviews I’ve read of it are favourable - operators report that it can be a bit lively at first but after a decent running-in period it settles down. I’ve heard of 14-coach trains being hauled by them and run times of 40 minutes on one fill of water (experienced engineers will get longer runs, as you learn how to use it more efficiently - just like the real thing!). Prices are a bit scary though - £500 ($1000) for the complete set, and you can’t use the loco or control system in this set with anything else - it uses a different track voltage to the standard 12V DC and the control system sends specific signals through the track to control the loco. I have heard rumours of a DCC upgrade for the locos - if it ever becomes available I’d buy one, but until then the price and the fact it can’t run with anything else would put me off.
Bottom line, if you want something a little unusual, and can cope with the minor peculiarities (such as the control system), you won’t be disappointed with the quality of the product. I do know of some people who have wired their layouts so that this loco can be run, by wiring both the Hornby Live Steam controller and their regular controller through an electrical switch - to change from one to the other they just isolate their normal locos, flip the switch, and set off under steam. You’ll probably find yourself spending far longer running the steamer than anything else - apparently it’s very addictive… Hope this helps!
It got rave reviews in the British hobby press when it came out a year or so ago.
One caution: I believe there may be up to 4 control systems. I think there are British and European 220 volts and American and Canadian 110 volts. The 220 V systems won’t work in North America, even with a step down transformer. The Canadian Standards Association insisted on some extra safety, so the American version isn’t approved here.
It is supposed to be great but like BR60103 said, there could be problems with the voltage.
I wish we had some American Steamers like that!
You might soon - Hornby are looking to get into the US market, so a live steam model of a US prototype is a real possibility. I’d guess they’d offer a fairly sizable steamer to enable all the mechanical bits to fit in, maybe a NYC Niagara? This is a sizable loco with a large tender and would be easy for a company that managed to shoehorn the components into an LNER A3 (due out this year). I wouldn’t expect an articulated loco due to the increased complication, though a live steam Big Boy would probably kill Trix’s sales within a week!
…hhhrrrrrrrrgh (salivating a la Homer Simpson)
JB
My friend Charlie in Ireland has one…now he spends less time at the pub.
I guess it’s that good!
underworld
Easter Easter Easter Easter Easter!!!
[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]
Wow i am speechless…
that was Cool HO live Steam!!! does anybody have $750?
countershot What do you have to sell??? [:p]
underworld