Model steam engines are manufactured according to a variety of scales and gauges. The choice of scale and gauge is crucial as they are the major differentiating factors between the model steam engines.
Other model reviews and posts you might like
Review: Hornby R3060 RailRoad BR ‘Tornado’ Class A1
Review: Hornby R3060 RailRoad BR ‘Tornado’ The Hornby R3060 RailRoad BR ‘Tornado’ Class A1 Steam locomotive was built in England and completed in 2008. Astonishingly, the first of its kind was built in 1960 by British Railways. Indeed, this locomotive was tested and proved up to 97km/h. Of course, since its creation it has been running on the UK rail network as well as on mainline-connected heritage networks. It is a great gift for train enthusiasts on a special day or during the festive season Who’s it for? The locomotive is best suited for young as well as old keen modellers. Also, it can be used by newcomers and therefore caters for a range of users. It provides an ideal complement to the various locomotives, rolling stock, track, buildings, and accessories in the Hornby catalogue. This locomotive is DCC ready and compatible with analogue train layouts. It can also easily be converted to suit a DCC digital layout. The model is suitable for you if you are in search of a static display model. You can gift this locomotive to anyone, and it will suit their needs. What do customers think? Customers who have bought and used this locomotive attest that it is a beautiful model that has been reasonably priced. Consumers who have used the Hornby R3060 RailRoad BR ‘Tornado’ Class A1 Steam Locomotive confirm that it is nicely detailed. Additionally, the locomotive can be upgraded with extra parts, so it remains realistic and up to date. Moreover, customers on Amazon have commended the quality of this locomotive. Customers on Amazon have also been impressed by the ability of this locomotive to run quietly and smoothly as well. The locomotive has also been rated as being a good performer across a varied track layout. Key features The locomotive weighs only 599g for easy portability from one point to another. The fact that the locomotive uses an electric engine ensures that there is no battery needed for its operation. Also, it is DCC ready as it has a special socket which is ready to receive a DCC decoder. This locomotive is 293 millimetres long and features a 00 gauge that it uses for operation. Its motor is made of three poles that contain flywheels which also helps in operation. So, what is the bottom line? The Hornby R3060 RailRoad BR ‘Tornado’ Class A1 provides a thrilling collection of locomotives with varied rolling stocks. The lightweight property of this locomotive ensures that you do not have to scratch your head when you have to move places. If you are considering a locomotive model to gift to someone or for yourself, this is the perfect fit. Its quality and therefore durability has attracted more consumers. Furthermore, the Hornby R3060 RailRoad BR ‘Tornado’ Class A1 is DCC ready which is a unique capability. You can therefore never go wrong with this locomotive irrespective of the person you are purchasing it for. Its impressive capability of offering good value for the money spent has remained a key marketing feature for this locomotive. CHECK PRICES
9. Aug 2017
Review: The Hornby R3064 RailRoad BR Smokey Joe 00 Gauge Steam Locomotive
Review: The Hornby R3064 RailRoad BR Smokey Joe 00 Gauge Steam Locomotive The Hornby R3064 RailRoad BR Smokey Joe 00 Gauge Steam Locomotive has an attractive detail that comes with BR original livery. Indeed, this locomotive is pre-built and ready for use on a 00 gauge model railway set. Besides, this is a perfect entry-level train for use in railway modelling. Who’s this for? Impressively, this locomotive is ideal for keen modellers or beginners and can suit individuals of any age. It perfectly complements the variety of locomotives, track, rolling stocks, accessories and buildings that are available in the Hornby catalogue. Again, this locomotive can only be suitable for use with analogue train layouts and cannot function in the DCC compatible layouts. Moreover, the engine of the locomotive is designed to only run on two rail tracks. What is the sentiment amongst other buyers and owners? Customers who have purchased this locomotive attest that the starter loco is highly recommended for both professionals and beginners as it can easily be re-detailed or repainted. Customers who have purchased the Hornby R3064 RailRoad BR Smokey Joe 00 Gauge Steam Locomotive acknowledge that it is a good buy if you intend to gift someone you love. It is highly recommended to those who have model railway interests. Moreover, the locomotive has an excellent performance on the track due to its impeccable detail close up which enables it to run on the track smoothly. Okay, what are some key features? Impressively, this locomotive has a die-cast plastic engine with 0-4-0 wheel configuration to enable it to withstand gentle knocks. It has 18.4 x 10.2 x 6 cm dimensions and weighs 200 g. The locomotive comes complete and does not require any assembling. It has an electric engine and does not require a battery. Furthermore, this locomotive has a scale of 1:76, and uses standard hook and bar type couplings which enable it to operate with standard Hornby stock seamlessly. The railroad models are all fitted with standard Hornby hook and bar type couplings which easily couple the rolling stock and locomotives in both Thomas & Friends and the standard Hornby ranges. Hence, all models that constitute the Hornby RailRoad range are a cost-effective means of adding to a train set offering an appropriate entry point into the different world of model railways. Great, so let’s now cut to the chase The Hornby R3064 RailRoad BR Smokey Joe 00 Gauge Steam Locomotive offers an exciting array of steam locomotives with varied rolling stock and full train packs that will enable you to expand or start your model railway. If you are considering a locomotive model for yourself or gifting someone, then the Hornby R3064 RailRoad BR Smokey Joe 00 Gauge Steam is highly recommended. Its quality has become the main reason why customers prefer to use it. Besides, the Hornby R3064 RailRoad BR Smokey Joe 00 Gauge Steam Locomotive comes ready for use and will not stress you with any assembly work. CHECK PRICES
7. Aug 2017
Review: Wilesco D22 Steam Engine Model Kit
Review: Wilesco D22 Steam Engine Model Kit Stationary steam engine enthusiasts are going to love the twin-cylinder Wilesco D22, a complete model that is the fastest in the entire Wilesco collection. Equipped with a base mounted countershaft and with a highly decorative finish, this is a super-efficient engine and one that the hobbyists among you will adore. The history of steam engines is certainly fascinating and this model is an engine that an industrial Victorian factory might have used. When running you can just imagine the many workers that would have to operate this engine. The Wilesco D22 is definitely a great educational tool and a way of introducing the history of steam engineering to children. Ideal for steam engine enthusiasts or as an educational tool for children, the Wilesco D22 is one of the most powerful stationary model steam engines around and can power almost any accessory set-up. Do be advised, however, that any children using this model should be supervised by adults and young children, in particular, should not be left alone to play with the engine. Power and Beauty With a silver/black finish and a brass boiler with a nickel-plated finish, the Wilesco D22 is certainly beautiful to look at. It certainly runs beautifully too, with its self-starting twin-cylinder steam engine and countershaft that is base mounted. In fact, since Wilesco discontinued the D32 more than 30 years ago, this is their only two-cylinder model. Other features of this powerful and efficient stationary steam engine include a safety valve, water drain valve, a pressure gauge and a hand wheel shut off. Mounted on a sturdy metal base, this model is one of the larger models in the Wilesco catalogue with measurements of 35.5 x 30 x 20cm. With a weight of 2.8kg, it is also one of the heaviest in their range as well. The Wilesco D22 is a self-starting model, so there is no need to turn over the flywheel manually. Once it starts to generate steam, you just turn the steam valve and away it goes. With a beautiful sound as the engine ticks over, there are not many other stationary engines that can offer the same satisfying hum as the D22. Wilesco’s only two cylinder model Self-starting Brass boiler Fast Runner Weight of 2.8kg Technically complete (not in kit form) There are a number of accessories from Wilesco that you can connect and power from this steam engine – further adding to the educational and aesthetic nature of this highly efficient and powerful model. Compatible with Wilesco products such as street lights and drilling machines, there is no end to the fun that can be had with the twin-cylinder engine. Without a doubt, this beautiful model is one of the best that Wilesco has produced. In fact, most avid collectors will tell you that no collection is complete without a Wilesco D22. Whether you are a hobbyist or want to educate your children on the history of engineering, the D22 is certainly an option you should consider. CHECK PRICES
7. Sep 2017
Review: The Hornby Santa’s Express Train
Review: The Hornby Santa’s Express Train The Hornby Santa’s Express Train Set perfect for beginners as it includes a power transformer and a mat. It also has an oval track as well as the Santa’s festive train attached to it. Its spectacular decorations make it the best set for Christmas occasion. Who’s this for? Interestingly, the Hornby Santa’s Express Train is a perfect fit for beginners and is also suitable for users of all ages; young and old. Then again, it is ideal for seasoned modellers. The fact that it fascinates people of all ages makes it perfect for the festive season. Building the set around the base of your Christmas tree ensures an outstanding decoration that you may need for the festive season. You can also gift this locomotive to anyone for the Santa festive season. The included additional track packs can be used to provide a larger layout. Its steam engine works to ensure that the locomotive serves you well. How do other customers feel about the Hornby Santa’s Express Train? Customers who have used this locomotive applaud its fascinating appearance from the Christmas tree which delights both children and grown-ups. Its durability has also been commended since it can be used all year round after Christmas celebrations are over, for decorations. Consumers have also been excited over the ease of assembly that is associated with the Hornby Santa’s Express Train Set. Moreover, its provision of value for the money spent is said to be excellent. Its smooth and quiet operation is another factor that has pleased the customers on Amazon. Let’s look at the key features of this outstanding piece of locomotive This locomotive occupies less storage space with minimum storage requirements set at 1600mm*1180mm. It weighs 921g which makes it slightly lightweight and therefore easily portable. The locomotive has everything that will help you to start using it immediately. This includes an oval track, power transformer as well as a mat. Moving on, the Hornby Santa’s Express Train Set includes its steam engine that is used to power it up. Additionally, there is a wagon that is full of presents. Moreover, the reindeer box van-3rd Radius starter oval power track is available. It has an engine that is charged with the responsibility of starting the train. These features ensure that you get a spectacular decoration during and after the Christmas season. In a nutshell The Hornby Santa’s Express Train Set presents to you a colourful and fascinating decoration for your Christmas tree. The wagon that is usually full of presents makes it more interesting. Its spritely little engine has enough power to start up the train. This locomotive provides room for acquiring additional trackpads which are used to construct a larger layout. Astoundingly, the Hornby MidiMat has included therein so you can view how the train set can continuously grow into a sensational railway model. These, therefore, make this train set a perfect present that you would gift to a friend or family member. The decorations that accompany it cannot be overlooked as well as its power and capability to give you an exciting Christmas period. CHECK PRICES
7. Oct 2017