With commentry by Sean Bean, and clips of real Steam Engines running, the film shows you how 00 Gauge Live Steam works. Included are Tips, FAQs, Maintenance and Locomotives.
What could be better than Live Steam in your own home, with the sights, the smells and the action of a real steam locomotive? This idea, once a dream amongst modellers, is now a reality, thanks to the latest production methods from Hornby.
No smoke units or special effects - this is real Live Steam, brought to you for the first time commercially in ‘00’ gauge by Hornby. Such a revolutionary model has never been seen in so much detail, but thanks to the latest technology from Hornby, these nostalgic memories of real steam engines can be replicated with your own model.
The first Live Steam set, which includes the world famous Mallard locomotive, was launched to the public in September 2003 at the Goodwood Revival by railway enthusiast and pop impresario Pete Waterman. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the locomotive’s tender, a small water tank is filled with distilled water, which is then heated by a mini immersion heater located within the tank. A safe, low voltage current is passed along the track by a remote regulator which in turn powers the immersion heater.
After approximately five to ten minutes, the water will be heated sufficiently, and steam will begin to appear from the safety valve located in the locomotive. This will also mean that heated water will be running through the locomotive, ready for it to begin moving.
A few nudges of the speed regulator will send electrical signals, or pulses, to the locomotive telling it in which direction to go and at what speed. These signals will turn a small motor in the locomotive, which opens the steam valve and releases steam into the locomotive’s pistons, turning the wheels.
After a small amount of practice, the operator can achieve in excess of 20 minutes running from one filling of water. The locomotive also produces realistic steam sounds, from the pumping pistons to a real steam whistle, coupled with the unmistakeable and memorable smells of steam and hot engine oil.
Please note: A Live Steam locomotive requires a dedicated route to run on, and should not be operated at the same time on the same route as conventional 12 volt engines, other live steam locomotives or DCC control.
USE ONLY DISTILLED WATER
Q: Why should I not use deionised water in my Live Steam boiler? A: Deionised water will readily take on new ions from metal with which it comes into contact - Copper, Zinc and Silver seem to be particularly susceptible. Investigations have shown that the Silver soldered joints in boilers can weaken and eventually fail, with potentially disastrous results.
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