150 year old Beggs live steam train ..first with sectional track

That thing is just awesome. I can't believe how early it was made and it still appears to have most of its details and graphics.

Does the weight of the cars slow the engine down? Is that what it means by cars control the speed?

@BillYo414 posted:

That thing is just awesome. I can't believe how early it was made and it still appears to have most of its details and graphics.

Does the weight of the cars slow the engine down? Is that what it means by cars control the speed?

Correct, in the video it shows no cars VS engine + cars. No throttle valve, direct boiler to engine (edit - oscillating type) cylinders open pipe!!!

Very cool to see something that early and the craftsmanship and detail, and then the guts to run something that rare.

That's what I love about the hobby, those of us who will take that challenge and run something like this- obviously with care and attention to preserve and protect it, but again, steam it up and take a video. Not something you run everyday, but that once in a blue moon, heck yes!!!

Amazing. Thanks for preserving and sharing.

@Vernon Barry I couldn't watch the full video unfortunately. I will tonight. That's a nifty machine, I gotta say. Makes me want one haha

All I can say is "WOW".  What a neat find!

-Greg

WOWSA! So ULTRA COOL! Very historic and rare train and track! Thank you, Carey, for sharing these special pieces! 😀

Crazy GREAT!!!  Thanks for sharing!

For those who might be interested and would like to read more on the topic, James J. Burke, Jr. wrote a comprehensive book on the topic of Beggs live steam engine models. See:

https://traincollectors.pastpe...96-AF78-492360241620

It was a pleasure to visit Jim Burke and view his lovely collection during a layout tour during the last Atlantic Division TCA convention.

Neat stuff.

Bob

Hello all ....the Beggs Sectional track predates all others ..that I'm aware of ...

Glad you liked the video of the engine running ...fun to see it under steam .

Cheers Carey

I think it's awesome that you aren't afraid to play with your trains, Carey.  Thanks for the videos each time as well.

What is deposited between the rails as it runs?  Water?  Oil?  Just curious.

Just Wow!  I love it!  The way it break down easily for service is amazing and the fact that it appears to have extended skirts along the boiler both for heat retention and keeping the flame from running up the sides is fantastic.  i have been looking at getting an o gauge Bowman live steamer, and all the paint is always cooked because of the way the flames wrap around the outside of the boiler. That is gorgeous and I love that you aren't afraid to use it !

jhz563: Consider a gas fired live steamer to avoid paint damage.