Where to start?

For the eager beginner, or for the merely curious, I would recommend two sources of information. Both are, not coincidentally, from tireless small-scale steam promoter Marc Horovitz. Details on finding both are below.

For a brief introduction to how steamers work, how they differ from electric models, how to buy or build them, and how to run them, get Larson and Horovitz' Beginner's Guide to Large Scale Model Railroading. The information is enough to give you an idea of whether you would like to pursue steam further, and the investment is low.

For a much better idea of, indeed a pretty complete education on, how little steamers work, get Horovitz' videotape Introduction to Small Scale Live Steam. This is the next best thing to going to a steam-up and watching dozens of people run their locomotives. The investment is several times that of the book, but quite worth it.

While less focused, a good broad education in little steamers can be gained by reading the early issues of Steam in the Garden magazine. I have indexed a number of SitG articles from back issues which I think will give a good, basic education in buying, running, maintaining and building little steamers. Steam in the Garden back issues and/or reprints are available from SitG or Sulphur Springs Steam Models.

If, after reading the book chapter and seeing the videotape, you're even more interested, it's time to find some nearby steam mentors. Your local garden railroading club is likely to have at least one other member with a live steamer. (Ask around, even if you've been in the club a long time. Some people don't bring them out until someone else expresses interest in steam.) Try Ron Stewart's steamers' e-mail address list (reference below) to locate a steam fan near you. Write or call a lot of manufacturers and dealers and order catalogs or get product lists to learn what's available, new and used.

And book your hotel room for the next steam-up. You're hooked!

Go to previous section (Introduction to the Small Scale Live Steam site).
Go to next section (Small Scale Live Steam Resource List).
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Compiled and © copyright 1995-2006 by: Vance R. Bass. All rights reserved. Please use any and all information contained herein for your hobby enjoyment. If you're going to make money from it, talk to me first.

Last updated: 24 February, 2006.