Live Steam on Your Layout.

I like the look.   Can you run it on air? That'll keep moisture away from the trains and if you're at an exhibit the fire marshal doesn't have fits.

It'll run on air, a hose can hook right up to the drain valve. As for the fire, this model has an electric heating element so that wouldn't be much of a problem

That's cool. Most definitely fits right in. Maybe you could have the steam engine power lights in that area as they might flicker giving it a neat looking effect.

Doug

Even better. A friend of mine has a couple of steam engines, one with an electric heater. It was a big hit at Cal Stewart a couple of years ago. He had it hooked to a pulley system with various tools and machines operating off the power shaft. Really cool to watch.

I was checking out some of the accessories but at $50 a pop I don't think I'll be getting them anytime soon.

Does it have to be made for electric heating, or can you had the heater to any stationary steam engine?  I have an old one my grandfather made, but I don't have any heat pellets for it and haven't been able to get a hot enough fire with charcoal to get it to work.

They make a generator for these engines, you really could power your city lights. I'm sure a side dump car could deliver the esbit tablets.

Clem

If you know what you're doing you can add a coil to it, I personally wouldn't try though... last time I messed with an electric boiler I broke the heating element (you can see the broken one behind the station, its a grey walking beam engine with a red boiler.)

You can find the fuel easy online: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/290957385422?lpid=82

Clem, I'm not sure if 1 of those tiny generators can power all my lamps... maybe a couple though

WORD TO THE WISE. 

I really liked the look of these tinplate steam engines and envisioned building some SGMA modules, which would use one to power various Erector Set and tinplate carnival rides/accessories as part of the SGMA circus modules.  Before taking the expensive plunge, however, I decided to first check with some train show promoters to find out if their show insurance allowed the use of live steam engines, which "burned" fuel pellets, oil, etc. to generate steam.  Replies indicated they wouldn't but would allow steam engines, which had been converted to run on compressed air (air pumps) or on electrical motors.  So if anyone is contemplating their use at train shows, I recommend before you buy anything be sure to check with your friendly train show promotors to determine what their insurance covers and what restrictions, if any, may apply.  Some retailers have the supplies in stock to make these conversions. 

Bob