That’s the title of an article in the Wall Street Journal’s Life and Culture section on 1/8th scale live steam. An excerpt
“Building a scale steam engine from scratch is a long, daunting process, requiring thousands of parts and lots of precision metal work. Adam Madlinger, a chemical engineering graduate of MIT, where he taught “Introduction to Machine Tools,” is a self-proclaimed “rivet counter,” a hyper-focused detail sort who demands precise duplication of a prototype in every respect.”
Please let me preface my remarks with the statement that I don’t intend them to be disagreeable, just that I feel that many people who would really like to be involved with rideable railroading (Live Steam) - but believe it is too expensive - could afford to participate at some level. [;)]
Live steam is much like any other form of model railroading, financially speaking… at least when it comes to the aspect of what tends to draw attention. What I mean is that typically, the big, expensive locomotives are the first thing noticed in this scale, always prompting the question, “What’s that thing worth?” To be fair, buying one in serviceable condition is quite a chunk of change. However, it isn’t too far removed from a novice seeing a monstrous HO scale layout for the first time, and asking, “How much did you spend on this?” I would wager that an honest answer on a fairly complete basement sized empire could be in the same financial realm as the aforementioned steam locomotive.
However, most people don’t start out building a huge basement empire in HO. How many of us started with just a trainset on a sheet of plywood? These humble beginnings are within the reach of most people. Even better is joining a club, where there are experienced people to help you learn the ropes. The same can be done with Live Steam. Although a small four wheel diesel could be purchased ready-to-run new or used, many people would be able to build one themselves with some off the shelf parts and a little help from someone with experience. Joining a Live Steam club is a great way to get experience with all aspects of the hobby (trackwork, rolling stock, diesels & steam, etc) and dues are typically within reach of most people. There are even individuals out there who own a Live Steam ra
Good points, James. This seems to be the case at the Milwaukee Light Engineering Society (near Jackson WI) which certainly attracts members of all income and economic levels – many of whom are also basement modelers in HO or N. There is some steam but also some small diesels and even electric/interurban. Some guys buy what they run while others build it, perhaps with help. The MLES has some tools and equipment but many of the guys make use of the local technical colleges and schools. They have some particularly nice freight car models and have actual operating sessions, with a full signal system.
It is evident that true “live steam” is a step up in many ways but it is clear that guys participate actively in “rideable railroading” from a wide range of talents and resources. It’s great fun to visit., and my wife and her female friends really enjoy it.
I would LOVE to have something like that as my “Garden Railroad”.
They are sure something to see, watch and “play with”. If you can.
Regarding costs:
It was intersting to note some time ago when I was reviewing stuff/magazine articles/website stuff on SPEEDERs, and clubs for SPEEDERs, that it proclaimed {paraphrased, but close to accurate} “this hobby is NOT for the faint of heart or the lower incomes. One MUST HAVE the financial means and where-with-all to be in this hobby. There ARE costs in this hobby, and one must be able to fix or repair on the fly in a few minutes to keep the whole group moving along the track!”.
That immediately told me I should investigate just how expensive this hobby is?!
Turns out for about $1500-$3k {OR MORE} one can get a Speeder for sale, built already. Granted many complain about $300 HO scale locos cost, but really that I did not find bad at all. I expected them to start at something like $10K or more, requiring a Mortgage or Car loan financing to buy. One can get one in bad shape, rebuild it too, for very cheap. Make note: there are ones that ARE $10K++ too. The fees for the clubs and the “rail rides” along trackages with rights to that day was not that bad, I did not think. An amusement park admission is about the same. I’ll take a rid e on a speeder or a mini steamer a lot quicker! A trailer to tow the thing is reasonable also. $1500 for a working speeder I did not think as too outrageous. ANd there were several at that price point.