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.
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Review: Mamod SP4 Stationary Live Steam Engine
Review: Mamod SP4 Stationary Live Steam Engine This beautiful model is the Mamod SP4 steam engine. You would expect an engine of any kind to not be too aesthetically pleasing, they are designed to be the power unit, not the focal unit everyone lusts after. However, second best is never good enough for Mamod and their live steam engine units always look and play the part. This steam engine is engineered in England using the highest quality metals. Not straying far from the classic Mamod use of colours, the SP4 is made up of bold red, silver and black colours. These colours create a glossy and tasteful finish to the model. Each model is: 260 x 208 x 185mm heavy duty brass boiler and piston & cylinder unit a water gauge connected to the boiler a chrome plated fire box solid fuel, oil and filler funnel (for hours of fun running the unit) The SP4 resembles an old fashioned steam engine that would have typically been used in the past to run a range of things: pumps, mills, machinery and more. Stationary engines had no purpose without the other pieces of equipment and Mamod knows this very well. Never missing an opportunity to allow their models the ability to mimic the real world from times gone by, Mamod has created the SP4 steam engine with the opportunity to connect with other models. This live steam engine can be used to power pieces from the 1336 WS1 workshop and running them has never been easier. The SP4 is already assembled, so you don’t need to be an engineer to work out how to run this engine. Simply add water, light the fuel and the engine will work. This would be great to connect to other pieces – you could be running your own mini mill in no time. This engine is suitable for a huge range of people due to its versatility. If using alone to just appreciate the power unit, it’s a fantastic educational tool for little ones and adults alike. It is worth noting, however, that children under 14 years old should not be left unsupervised with this product. That’s nothing to worry about, though, because adults will have a great time teaching their children and grandchildren all about the times of the past! Your kids are going to come top of their history class with their new model. The unit is also a fantastic gift for hobbyists who already have units from the 1336 WS1 series. Once they acquire the Mamod SP4, they’ll be able to fit all the pieces together and they’ll help each other work! Even if the hobbyist in your life does not have any other Mamod models, this is most certainly still one to think about for them. It’s a given that engines of the past were only used to power other units, but Mamod have made that a thing of the past by creating an engine one can appreciate by itself and will look perfect amongst any model collector’s pieces. If you’ve already got a collection of live models, but not a stationary engine, the SP4 should most certainly be at the top of your list! CHECK PRICES
30. Aug 2017
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
20. Sep 2017
Review: Wilesco D5 Steam Engine Model Kit
Review of the Wilesco D5 Steam Engine Model Kit This is a gorgeous, highly detailed steam locomotive engine that is also a working model that produces actual steam. It’s ideal for beginner steam enthusiasts, especially younger ones as it can be used by children as young as eight years old. There is always something very special about steam engines, and the way they powered the industrial age. Models like this are a good introduction to this time period, and a hand-on way to learn about history and engineering. If you are giving this to a child, bear in mind that it will require adult supervision and is most certainly not suitable for children under three years old. It is also a working steam engine and it does turn the flywheel quite fast. The D5 Steam Engine from Wilesco is in kit form, so you’ll have to assemble it, but that’s more than half the fun of having a working model. Assembly is straightforward; there’s an easy to follow manual, which includes illustrations so you don’t feel lost trying to work out what goes where. No soldering is needed; the components are put together by screwing them into place. It’s an attractive model, with a faux red brick platform and chimney stack, rather like a Victorian factory might have had. The boiler has a shiny, brass effect thanks to the nickel finish, as does the oscillating cylinder and the piston. There is also the red and brass effect fly wheel. There’s an inspection glass that is the water level indicator at the front of the boiler, with a dome steam powered whistle on top. The spring safety valve is also located here, and this is where you need to insert the water using the funnel. The piston and wheel generate power, and once in motion it gets quite a speed up. This is a noisy toy, and you do get a lot of steam, all of which makes it quite exciting to watch in action. The engine used a dry fuel to heat the water for steam. There is no need for additional batteries. It really does bring to life the age of steam, and it has identical specifications to Wilesco’s D6 steam engine. The D5 is the kit version, and the D6 comes fully assembled. The Wilesco D5 Steam Engine Model Kit is quite light, weighing just 739g. This is not a huge model, even though it is fully powered. But it is a good enough size for an entry level type of kit at 21 x 15 x 15 cm. It should be possible to use the engine to power small devices by connecting to a dynamo too. There are lots of possibilities, and you are only limited by your imagination. There are other Wilesco models that you can attach to the engine, and you can drive other Wilesco models from its range. Comes in kit form, no soldering required Has a brass effect boiler with nickel finish Boiler house has a brick finish, brass oscillating cylinder and also pistons There is a dome steam-powered whistle A driving pulley powers the flywheel Uses a dry fuel Weights 739g CHECK PRICES
24. Jun 2017
Review: Bachmann Branchline 31-465
Review: Bachmann Branchline 31-465 The 31-465 Bachmann OO – Class C Wainwright 0-6-0 31579 in BR black with late crest is another great model from Bachmann. This locomotive model is an astounding addition due to its excellent speed, well-balanced design, and an economical price. The model belongs to the Class C Wainwright category. The entire structure has a great glossy finish which makes it more attractive for the consumers. It can be used for modeling purposes in the railway industry mainly. There are many excellent and astounding features that make Bachmann Branchline 31-465 an extra special item from Bachmann’s locomotive model collection: It belongs to the Class C wainwrights category OO Gauge (1:76 scale) It has a 21-pin DCC ready sound decoder in a socket It has a 1.1 ampere with plug decoder and back emf More information It is not suitable for younger children and to be used in toy making. It is strictly not a toy. It is used for modeling purposes in the train industry, in museums and in educational institutions. 4 There have been some reports regarding the crest not being in line and not sturdy enough, but this issue has been resolved with subsequent models. Check with your supplier before purchasing to see if this is an issue. The model is a very good representation of the real locomotive, which is something that will delight model enthusiasts. CHECK PRICES
14. Aug 2017