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 R383 Thomas & Friends Gordon The Big Blue Engine
Review: Hornby R383 Thomas & Friends Gordon The Big Blue Engine The Hornby Thomas & Friends traces its history to the 1940s when it first appeared in children books and had ever since delighted children and adults alike. It became an immediate hit in 1984 when Thomas & Friends made a maiden appearance on British television. The Hornby Thomas & Friends range comes with a flamboyant selection of coaches, locomotives, wagons, and buildings. Who’s this for? The Hornby R383 Thomas & Friends Gordon the Big Blue Engine 00 Gauge Steam is ideal for both young and old users as well as the seasoned modellers. The train can be used to gift your children during their birthdays to make them enjoy the experience of modelling. Moreover, the locomotive can also be gifted to anyone during the festive season or on special days. The included additional track packs can be used to provide a larger layout. Its steam engine has a capacity that ensures that the locomotive meets your needs. What do other owners think? Customers who have bought and used this locomotive attest that the model has been reasonably priced and serves well. Moreover, the customers acknowledge that the Hornby R383 Thomas and Friends Gordon the Big Blue Engine 00 Gauge Steam is adequately detailed. Additionally, the locomotive can be upgraded with extra parts, so it remains realistic and up to date. Moreover, customers have commended the quality of this locomotive. Customers have also been impressed by the ability of this locomotive to run quietly and smoothly on the rail track. The locomotive has also been rated as being a good performer across a varied track layout. Key features of the Hornby R383 Thomas & Friends The locomotive is of the R383 model and weighs ten kgs with a 36.4 x 10.2 x 6 cm size configuration. There is no assembly required once you purchase the product since it comes complete. The scale of the locomotive is oo with a track width of OO. It does not come with a remote controller. The locomotive includes a steam engine that is used to power it up. Its engine is powerful to ensure that is charged with the responsibility of starting the train. Additionally, it comes with a complete wagon, so you don’t have to assemble anything. So, are you ready to buy the Hornby R383 Thomas & Friends? If you are contemplating a locomotive model for yourself or gifting someone, then the Hornby R383 Thomas and Friends Gordon the Big Blue Engine 00 Gauge Steam Locomotive is highly recommended. The quality of the locomotive has been praised by the testimonials provided by its customers. Also, The Hornby R383 Thomas and Friends Locomotive come complete with a full range of capabilities which makes it an appealing choice. CHECK PRICES

Review: The LNER Class A3 Pacific locomotive No. 4472 Flying Scotsman
Review: The LNER Class A3 Pacific locomotive No. 4472 Flying Scotsman The LNER Class A3 Pacific locomotive No. 4472 Flying Scotsman (originally No. 1472) is a steam locomotive that was built in 1923 for the North Eastern and London railway. Indeed, the locomotive was initially engaged on long-distance express trains on the LNER, British Railways Eastern, and North-Eastern Regions. Impressively, this locomotive has a global reputation for being the fastest steam locomotive and has a record of travelling at a constant speed with no stops. Who is the ideal candidate for this locomotive? The Flying Scotsman is a DCC Ready locomotive with a special socket to receive a DCC decoder. It is very compatible with analogue trains but can be converted for use on a digital layout. For conversion to be used in the digital layout, then R8249 V1 3 NMRA Loco Decoder or Sapphire Decoder is necessary. Indeed, this is a perfect fit for beginners and is also suitable for users of all ages. Even if you are a seasoned modeller, the locomotive is still ideal. Considering that it is fascinating across the age groups makes it ideal as a present for birthdays or any other event. What is the sentiment from previous buyers of the Flying Scotsman? Customers who have purchased the Flying Scotsman acknowledge that it is a good buy if you intend to gift your husband or dad. It is highly recommended to those who have model railway interests. Noteworthily, the locomotive has an excellent value, and its convertibility for use in DCC layouts makes it appealing to the customer. Moreover, this locomotive has an impeccable detail close up, and it smoothly runs on the track. What are the key features of the Flying Scotsman? The flying Scotsman weighs 590 g and has a length of 293 millimetres. Its dimensions are 40 x 10.6 x 6 cm with a scale of 1:76. It has an electric engine, has no batteries and does not require any assembling. The drive unit of the Flying Scotsman is located on the locomotive body. Furthermore, the tender of this locomotive is not powered since it can freely run on an eight-wheel (4pair) chassis. The railroad models are all fitted with standard Hornby hook and bar type couplings, and as such, they will easily couple the rolling stock and locomotives in both Thomas & Friends and the standard Hornby ranges. Therefore, all models that constitute the Hornby RailRoad range are cost-effective means of adding to a train set offering an appropriate entry point into the diverse world of model railways. Are you ready to invest in the Flying Scotsman? If you are contemplating a locomotive model for yourself or gifting someone, then the LNER Class A3 Pacific locomotive No. 4472 Flying Scotsman is highly recommended. The quality of the locomotive has been praised by the testimonials provided by its customers. Moreover, the fact that it can be used for both manual and DCC layout is a big plus. Also, the LNER Class A3 Pacific locomotive No. 4472 Flying Scotsman comes complete with a full range of capabilities which makes it an ideal purchase. CHECK PRICES

Review: Wilesco D12 Steam Engine
Review: Wilesco D12 Steam Engine Fans of model stationary steam engines are going to love the highly detailed D12 steam locomotive engine by Wilesco. A real eye catcher and a powerful and fast engine, this stationary steam engine is also the biggest of the steam engines that Wilesco has in their range. Ideal as a collector’s piece, for beginner steam enthusiasts or as an educational tool, the base-mounted Wilesco D12 steam engine provides a nostalgic look back at the glory days of steam engineering. Regularly used in factories of the early 1960’s, this steam engine would have required many men to operate and maintain. While this, the D12, is a great way to educate children on the history of the steam engine, they should never be left alone with this model. Adult supervision is required at all times as there are parts that move very fast and surfaces that can be hot to the touch. This is a real steam engine after all, so care should always be taken when operating. Built to High Quality This dry fuel operated model steam engine comes technically complete and is not in kit form, so getting it up and running will not take much time at all. It can also power a number of Wilesco accessories with ease such as street lights or drilling machines. The D12 has a gorgeous polished and chrome-plated brass boiler with a capacity of 250cc and a glass sight level indicator that will allow you to monitor water levels. That boiler is set atop a brick-embossed mounting with two foot bridges. The D12 is completed with an oscillating brass piston and cylinder and a flywheel with a grooved pulley. The steam whistle with chain is what is used to help control the pressure inside the boiler. When you sound that whistle while the already beautifully sounding engine is running, you will most definitely get goosebumps. Measuring 31.5 x 25.5 x 17cm and weighing 1.6kg, you are getting one of the heftier stationary steam engines in the range. This just adds to the satisfaction that you will feel, as it is a very sturdy unit. Clean up after use takes a bit of time but you would not have it any other way if you want this piece to stay looking fantastic. Brass boiler Weight of 1.6kg Technically complete (not in kit form) Wilesco’s largest engine Steam whistle Spring loaded safety valve Whether you’re a fledgeling enthusiast or an experienced collector, the Wilesco D12 is a stationary steam engine that is well worth checking out. Solidly built and beautifully designed, this steam engine is a great addition to any collection. Furthermore, with the many accessories that can be added, this engine can really serve up a treat. Gorgeous to look at and extremely satisfying to run, the Wilesco D12 certainly comes highly recommended. When on display the D12 will certainly add appeal to any room and will become a regular talking point whenever you have visitors over. CHECK PRICES

Review: Corgi 1:50 Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 Steam Vehicle Model
Review: Corgi 1:50 Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 Steam Vehicle Model Model collectors and enthusiasts that are looking for another model to add to their collection might just be interested in the beautiful Corgi 1:50 Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 steam vehicle model. Having been building steam engines as far back as the 1880’s and primarily for powering fairground rides, Showman’s completely revolutionised the way rides were driven. Previously these rides required horses to power them, which was obviously more labour-intensive and would provide a limitation on the sizes of the rides. Usually distinguishable from other road-going steam locomotives of the time due to being painted in bright colours and using brass decorations, Showman’s were always good on the eye. This is just one of the reasons why models of these fabulous automobiles are always sought after by collectors. This is a highly detailed die-cast model of one of Burrell Showman’s, creators of some of the earliest steam locomotives, most beautiful models. Initially built in 1912, the Philadelphia No 3413 has quite a story attached to it. A Model with History Originally used by its first owner, a certain Joseph Smith, to operate a fun fair ride in Southampton, it was later sold by his family after his death to Alfred James Bartlett. Put back to use at powering funfair rides, the 3418 was eventually requisitioned for involvement in the second world war. Used in agriculture during the war and up until 1948, it was eventually left in a shed for almost 50 years. John and Brenda Newton who now own the Philadelphia first tried to purchase the Philadelphia in 1966 but after many years of negotiations, the sale only went through more than thirty years later in 1999. What You Get With a scale of 1:50 and made from a die-cast material, collectors and model enthusiasts will be getting a highly detailed model of the Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 Steam Vehicle. The Corgi Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia 3413 is certainly not a model for children and is primarily for hardened adult collectors. Scale – 1:50 Length of 130mm Highly detailed Colourful piece One for collectors A piece of history, a fascinating story and a truly beautiful model, the Burrell Showman’s Philadelphia No 3413 Steam Vehicle Model is one that most collectors will want in their collections. Die-cast and with extremely high detail, a model such as this will prove to be a fantastic addition to any collection.. Furthermore, built to be sturdy and to last, this model can be displayed with the peace of mind that it can withstand a bit of use here and there with the right care and attention. Anyone that has not added this particular model to their collection as of yet, should seriously consider doing so as it really is a gorgeous piece. CHECK PRICES