I have just ordered this model, and would like to hear from anyone who already has it - the good, bad and ugly about it, so I am ready for any of it’s ‘perculiarities’ when I first steam it later this year.
Carl Weaver has one and is trying to figure out how to get in the water tank to install r/c gear - over on that ‘other site’. (MLS)
This is a good running locomotive with lots of low end torque. I have written a review of the C-25, which will be in the next issue of Steam in the Garden magazine. I have already installed a pop safety valve and radio control. The pump in the tender moves a lot of water quickly. Run time is about 45 minutes, with the limiting factor being steam oil consumption, which lasts about 20 minutes. To solve that issue, I installed the new style hydrostatic lubricator. However, another way is to steam up, and when the cylinders are hot, refill the lubricator and it will last the entire run. Overall, it is a fine locomotive reminiscent of the C-21 in size and weight and the looks of a K-27. I like the locomotive a lot.
David, email me if you have questions.
I agree with Carl. This is a great little locomotive. It’s the perfect size for my railroad. We have three here in Houston so far and all run great.
Hmmm, I’ve been eyeing this loco as a my live steam loco. How easy is it to fire?
Jake, it’s a typical Accucraft butane fired locomotive. It has twin burners. You might have play with the adjusting rings around the burners to get a good steady flame out of both. Also, with Accucraft I always remove and blow out the nozzles to make sure they are clean. I also at this time partially fill the butane tank and open the valve to just blow out anything that might be left in the tank. Usually after this procedure you will never have any more problems with nozzles clogging up. In other words, it very easy to fire which is why I prefer butane fired locos.
Jake,
Sorry for the delay in responding. Our power was out for 44 hours following a wet snow storm. All is normal now.
My C-25 ran perfectly right out of the box. No adjustments to the air rings on the burners were necessary. Both burners lit right up and stayed lit with no issues. It is a good running locomotive that is easy to operate.
Email me with questions if you have any.
Thanks Carl, Glad you got your power back.