Model Steam Trains

Model Steam Trains

Alright, forget about those little tiny model trains with their little pieces and tiny brushes you use to detail them.  Forget about the little figure 8 set-up and puttering around in your attic or basement.  Let’s think big.  Really BIG!  What am I babbling about?  I’m talking “live steam.”  Yeah, LIVE STEAM!  What is it?  You haven’t heard about it?  Okay, I’m talking about the BIGGEST, the BADDEST, the most KICKIN’ model trains around: model steam trains.  These big guys run from models that are 1/24th the size of actual trains to models that are just 1/8th as large as real trains and there is nothing else like them.  When you enter the world of model steam trains you’ve left the average world of model training in the dust.  I’m not kidding, there really is nothing like them!  Why? What’s the BIG DEAL? 

Lionel Steam Locomotive with Tender

Lionel Steam Locomotive with Tender

Let me lay it out for you – the big deal about Model Steam Trains:

  • Model Steam Trains are the BIGGEST model trains:  I’ll say it again.  These guys are big.  I mean you thought that it was cool when your G scale train brought you your keys or a drink.  A model steam train can carry a lot more than that and it makes your G scale seem positively puny.  Remember G scale is just 1/20th the size of actual trains—the smallest steam train is just as big but most are larger.  They are bigger than your lawn mower.  They are bigger than the Smart Car, that’s for sure.  But wait there’s more.
  • Model Steam Trains are rideable:  That’s right.  This train is so big that it can actually perform the function of real trains.  Some of them are so big that you can get inside and be taken around.  If you’ve been to a steam train park you’ve probably been in one of these.  Even those that aren’t that big are big enough for you or your kids to get on top of and ride.  Try doing that with your Thomas the Tank Engine HO scale train.
  • You can sell tickets for Model Steam Train rides:  Model steam trains are so cool that people will literally line up and pay to ride them.  You know that acre field behind your house that you’ve been wondering what to do with?  You can lay down some track there, install your rideable steam trains, put up a sign near the interstate to draw in passing motorists and their kids, and just like that you’ve added an extra little bit of revenue to your monthly income.  Think, if you opened up that bed and breakfast you’ve always dreamed of this could be the thing that makes your establish unique.  Come spend the night, ride the trains!  Too cool, huh?

There are of course some really big draw backs to model steam trains though:

  • Model Steam Trains take up a lot of room:  You thought G scale was space consuming.  To really do a backyard model steam train you’re going to need a really big yard.  You’re not going to fit it into a puny little apartment yard. Ideally you take an acre of your land and really outfit it to maximize the impact of your trains. 
  • Model Steam Trains are really expensive:  These trains cost far more than your usual model trains.  With all that goes into getting these trains going and maintaining them you are talking a really big price tag—far more than your average person is willing to pay for a hobby.
  • Model Steam Trains are really work intensive:  Steam train parks are often run by a team of volunteers who help to maintain them.  If you are planning to do your own maintenance, you will want to consider the costs in terms of the time and education that it will take to keep your steam trains up and running.

So if you want to play in the big leagues of the model training world, you’ve found your ticket in!