Steam Trains in Your Garden: Build your own live steam locomotives and rolling stock

Steam Trains in Your Garden: Build your own live steam locomotives and rolling stock
by Brian Wilson
Published by:
Australian Model Engineering
PO Box 4721
Higgins ACT 2615
Australia
Hardbound, 8½” x 12″, 190 pp., profusely illustrated in color
Price: $55AUD + s&h
Web site: www.ameng.com.au

If you have ever desired to build a garden scale, live-steam locomotive from scratch, or if you have wondered what might be involved, then this is the book for you. Brian Wilson has produced an excellent volume that describes in detail how to build a 16mm scale (1:19), narrow-gauge model of a British Fowler 0-4-0T locomotive. The engine is gas fired, with working Walschaerts valve gear.

Brian begins with a brief introduction, discussing scale and gauge, units of measurement, equipment and materials, and construction sequence. He then takes us, step by step, through the construction of the entire locomotive. Each step is well described in easily understood terms. The text is supplemented with full-color photographs and beautifully drawn illustrations that clearly explain each step of the sequence. The first part of the volume winds up with an excellent chapter on finishing and painting the completed model. In addition to the illustrations, the book contains a complete set of working drawings for the locomotive in question, often on large, fold-out pages.

But wait-there’s more! The second part of the book covers variations on the engine, including slip-eccentric reversing, adding a trailing truck, saddle tanks, building an 0-6-0, making a whistle, adding drain cocks and a chuff pipe, modeling other prototypes, and even how to build a coal-fired boiler for the engine. This section ends with a chapter on running and maintenance, including coal firing and radio control.

As if that weren’t enough, there’s even a third part that covers the construction of both freight and passenger cars in wood and metal, and even a section on how to make simple castings for detail parts.

The book itself is finely produced. It is hardbound (no dust jacket), printed on glossy, coated stock. The level of reproduction of the photos and drawings is exceptionally high.

Building even the simplest of live-steam locomotives is no mean feat, and this is not the simplest of engines. The finished product is both attractive and sophisticated, and would adorn any garden line. You’ll need at least a lathe and a drill press, and a milling machine would be a definite asset. You’ll also need the associated hand tools and measuring devices that go along with machine work. If you have these things, as well as the desire to construct something that stands every chance of becoming a family heirloom, this book is highly recommended.