Large Scale Central

Price of a starter Loco

Electronics Live Steam
#1

What would be a price of a starter loco or a good used loco, for someone as poor as me that would like to get feet wet in steam?
I’m going to ECLS Show on Friday next week.
Do you think I could find something there that wouldn’t break the bank?
David

#2

I’m told that for $400.00 or so, you can get a nice Ruby kit.

#3

Now that the ‘Ruby’ has the larger cylinders, even as a kit, it is a much handier loco altogether. The learning you’ll get from building one will stand you in good stead for future projects, and you’ll learn a lot about making a live-steamer work well.

tac

#4

Hummm, I’ll have to look into that.
Thanks Steve and Tac.
Although I hear that the Ruby has some short comings.
Short piping and something not fitting. Now I can’t remember what it is for sure.
I’ll be on the look out for a live steamer used or small kit at the ECLSS.

#5

Well the Ruby kit is almost impossible to find. I did find a used one that was $450.00 with a tool box, and a dent in the boiler shell. :frowning: An Aristo Craft Forney 0-4-4 a nice green color for $650, but I couldn’t get anyone to stop talking to each other to answer any of my questions, so I figured they didn’t want my money. I had the same problem when I was looking for help at a decal stand. They didn’t want my money either. Not much else I found the one that tripped my trigger at the live steamers table. I found the Forney that I purchased for $615. an Accucraft 2-4-4. I also received a start up and operating lesson plus some extras.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/paps101line/_forumfiles/PICT0170.jpg)

A Plantation Loco is on the left @ about $800 Center is a Climax @ about $1700 Right is a Forney @ $615 I really liked the Climax, but I couldn’t afford it. I liked the Forney much better than the Ruby. The Plantation was nice to, but in all I liked the Forney better. It wasn’t just the price. I was looking to get an electric Forney, but I won’t need it now that I have the Live Steam. As soon as I get my wash-outs fixed from the big rains we had I’ll be running the steamer. David David

#6

Congratulations David. And welcome to another member to the Brotherhood of Burnt Fingers :smiley:

I didn’t even notice that product table at the live steam track :frowning: Might have had something to take some of my left over show money !

Glad you got the start-up lesson. That will get you off on the right foot.

#7
Jon Radder said:
Congratulations David. And welcome to another member to the Brotherhood of Burnt Fingers :D

I didn’t even notice that product table at the live steam track :frowning: Might have had something to take some of my left over show money !

Glad you got the start-up lesson. That will get you off on the right foot.


Thanks Jon

So who had leftover money?
I could have used another 800 or so.

#8

David - welcome indeed to the REAL model railroading! The Forney is based on the newer large cylindered version of Ruby and seems to be a great runner. Have a look at Marc Horowitz’ GR site - you have to join up but it’s free. That way you get to see the videos that go with the product tests. Be patient with your new baby- they DO need a bit of TLC to get them working well, and really DO need to be run in, just like any real engine. At this time, be generous with the blue can 3-in-1 oil, NOT the red can - that’s waaay too thin.

Let us know how you get on, and remember, in cases of new steam locos, that YouTube is your greatest friend!

Best

tac

#9

Thanks Tac;
OK Blue can 3 in 1 oil. When I get the track work done, I’ll shoot lap 1 with the spy camera. The tank on the back of the loco will make a good place to mount a camera.

I was out today it hit 38 .f. right after lunch. Dug in the garden a little and raked around the track area that I have to lay filler and new ballast, due to winter wash-outs.
I’m going for stone on Saturday if it is at least half nice.
Later this year I want to get a long curve switch and put in a siding off the 16 ft curve, or is it 20 ft. I think Ill do a manual throw. That will work cuz the track has no power now.
David

#10

Welcome to the world of Live Steam. Have fun. I got a Ruby kit for Christmas and it was a fun engine to build. It rungs great and when I took it to Diamond Head this year I broke it in. Even found the larger cylinder kit so I can now up grade it. Later RJD