Scratch-Built Model Steam Trains!

We continue our geek-out over miniature steam locomotives with a look at these scratch-built steam engines by hobbyist Andy Sorenson and his father. We chat with Andy about how these steam locomotives work and the fun of designing their own working model train engines!
Shot by Gunther Kirsch and edited by Norman Chan
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Tested is:
Adam Savage / donttrythis
Norman Chan / nchan
Simone Giertz / simonegiertz
Joey Fameli www.joeyfameli.com
Gunther Kirsch guntherkirsch.com
Ryan Kiser / ryan.kiser
Kishore Hari / sciencequiche
Sean Charlesworth / cworthdynamics
Jeremy Williams / jerware
Kayte Sabicer / kaytesabicer
Bill Doran / chinbeard
Ariel Waldman / arielwaldman
Darrell Maloney / thebrokennerd83
Kristen Lomasney / krystynlo
Intro bumper by Abe Dieckman
Set design by Danica Johnson / saysdanica
Set build by Asa Hillis www.asahillis.com
Thanks for watching!

[@TheHeavyguns]

Hi everybody! I am the interviewee in this video, Andy! I have been looking through the comments and really appreciate your inputs. All of these scratch-built engines that you see here run on butane/propane mix (70/30 mix). We buy canned fuel from Walmart basically, and the composition is this mix ratio (confirmed via pressure experiments). These engines run at a pressure of 6 psi (0.07 kg/cm2), so very low pressure. They are generally geared about 3:1, so 6 psi may not seem a lot, but these engines are deceptively powerful. It is too bad that no footage of them running was shown. In fact these engines don't even have safety valves. The cylinder is held in via a spring onto the plate, so any over-pressure will just lift the cylinder and vent excess steam. Every part was hand-made except the fuel fill valve. If you have any additional questions feel free to ask!

[@MichaelCouture87]

Awesome job! Not only on the trains (of course), but you also did an excellent job explaining everything in a very professional way.

[@TheHeavyguns]

@@Cam.Klingon Unfortunately I no longer live at home and therefore don't have access to my dad's machining tools or trains. I can give you an idea though. Major tools needed are a lathe, mill (a normal drill press will work too), and a rather large torch (for silver soldering). A complete build log would fill many pages. You can snoop around the Live Steam forums on mylargescale.com to get a better feel.

[@kunalchangoiwala7474]

Sir, I wanted a lot detailed discussion on the build process and working of these engines.. I would be greatful if you could provide me with more of these models (pictures, videos, buid process, anything) and other resources that will be usefull for scratch building model steam locomotives.. Email : [e-mail] Eagerly waiting for your response..

[@vermashwetank]

Where did you source the piston and cylinder assembly from? Or did made it based on some existing or your own design?

[@chiragsahu4584]

How's difficulty of making these ?

[@LiliaArmoury]

My grandfather would love this

[@jamesmorten6571]

My great grandad used to build scale working steam trains back in the day, unfortunately, they don't run anymore but they're still a wonderful example of craftsmanship.

[@TheClass56xxfan]

Can't they be restored?

[@jamesmorten6571]

@@TheClass56xxfan probably however it's a large engine and will be very expensive and sadly we just don't have the space and the track to run it :(

[@TheClass56xxfan]

im sure there 'll be a club relatively close by with its track and members that may be willing to help you get them running

[@franciscomoll-serrano8083]

It's a shame that they didn't show the trains running

[@stabfellow]

if i had to guess, id say the place they were at wouldn't let them run it inside (for good reason)

[@Trahnezor]

Thnx! Looks pretty cool kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKvEq2ZvnbqIga8 But it still would have been nice to see a video of these trains by Andy Sorenson :)

[@owenmeschter9888]

Well sometimes you just have to appreciate things for what they are

[@Railandairyoutube]

​@@stabfellowActually, they did. There was another Cracker at the beginning and an Accucraft Mogul at the beginning, both Live Steam.

[@TheOfficialCzex]

Those are incredibly impressive.

[@ToastedFanArt]

This guy and his dad are super clever, those designs are really simple yet complex in their function

[@SMTMainline]

Fantastic little locomotives, I really like the speeder locomotive hybrid at 3:52

[@knight_bracher4290]

Tested and stem locomotives?? Brilliant!! I do like that 0-4-2!

[@travisemerson933]

Been loving the train stuff

[@mmseng2]

I enjoyed this because the designs were so simplified I could actually understand how they worked. The complete replicas shown in previous videos are beautiful of course, but for a newbie, this was engaging due to the learning.

[@gary.solexa]

There is something jewel-like about these little beauties. Love them!

[@TheFrymon67]

DO MORE!! I love this stuff!!

[@philmorton4590]

Very cool, great video to show how a simple steam train can be designed, I guess making them more like the real thing is the next challenge

[@keithbecker3142]

Dudes in the background at 3:05 look like they are having fun!

[@johnconklin9039]

Glad I'm not the only one that noticed them lol.

[@ATONAL6173]

Uncle Sam and his little brother Terry.

[@tardis5179]

This Is Amazing!

[@BeatlesCuber]

Scratch building is an amazing skill.

[@holodrio1719]

im building a stirling powered grinding wheel atm.... its so fun^^ and when you finally see the engine running you built yourself its like christmas and your birthday at the same time..... the engine is sitting in my room till the some bearings arrive so i can look at it and fire it up any time i want haha ^^

[@jess-xt1nm]

That's pretty cool keep up the good content

[@michaelcalkins8079]

Yes! More Train stuff!!!

[@MotorideTube]

So beautiful

[@GleaveMakes]

wicked engines! I'd love to have a crack at making something similar myself. More train videos please!

[@howtomake7584]

*_Beautiful_*

[@ModelMinutes]

So COOL!

[@TheVRSofa]

Actually epic!

[@jordonfreeman166]

You have just made my day better. Now on to 1/8th scale models please?

[@bushiebodge]

love hand made stuff

[@eliasrivera5627]

I love trains so much

[@seanmaxwell3319]

I want to do this when I’m retired. Would definitely be better then watching family feud all day!

[@Mr_Fancypants]

You can do it right now without being retired.

[@mattdickun]

That is pretty cool.

[@JoeMalovich]

Antiques Roadshow meets Tested!

[@teescottageguyproductions]

I love them

[@owenmeschter9888]

Why is everyone complaining about not seeing them run? I bet you can picture it and your head, and just appreciate things for what they are instead of whining

[@MechNinji]

At first I thought they were just electric but they're MUCH cooler then that! I want one!

[@StaxRail]

A good place to look is the Mamod website. You can buy a live steam loco, some wagons and some track for around £500-600

[@Mr_Fancypants]

Or build 1 using meccano. When i get home i will make a video on mine

[@apocalypsecreatures9772]

That's impressive

[@need4drift]

Well done! It would be nice if we can see them in action tho..

[@mathewcox9371]

This reminds me of the time the Fat Controller built a brick wall in front of Henry for not leaving the tunnel 😢💔

[@SpookyMcGhee]

You have caused confusion and delay - and terrible trouble for my trousers.

[@PowahSlapEntertainmint]

I think I can do this, just gotta... _train._

[@junolynch1263]

PowahSlap Entertainmint How dare you make me read that with my own two eyes

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

Wow *wheel* funny

[@TheMNrailfan227]

You two are *_firing_* me up

[@Francis_thefemtwink]

My Train of thought is gone because of that

[@Railandairyoutube]

Well, if you have the necesary tools, skills and patience to produce over 80 individual pieces, screw and solder everything together on the 50/50 chance that it actually runs, assuming you built everything spot on, then yes, you can.

[@Strassenkicker]

And we don't see them in action?

[@luisantoniomarrega1120]

Miniaturas fantástica! Rio de Janeiro RJ

[@rob60]

good video

[@nityking1]

little engines can do big things!

[@just-a-silly-goofy-guy]

At least it’s not those Thomas demons I kept seeing a few months ago

[@Mr_Fancypants]

What was that even about

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodla2091]

You got a problem with Thomas the Train you genetically modified fog? O-o

[@loggior.speedweed4345]

*gasp* Oh sir! If that's a jab at Thomas the Tank Engine in general, then color me greatly offended, you Cross-eyed Inbred Muckspout!!

[@NovemberFoxtrotRC]

Makes me happy that there's still dad's out there getting their kids interested in something other than the internet. The internet has become this generations babysitter and it's sad to watch.

[@Strassenkicker]

So, why are you on the internet?

[@NovemberFoxtrotRC]

@@Strassenkicker Because it's my day off morning and I was catching up on some videos while having my coffee. Going fishing... Have a nice day!

[@Strassenkicker]

Catching up on something? It sounded more like nagging. Thank you, I wish you a nice day as well!

[@sketchesofpayne]

Still beats daytime-television.

[@NovemberFoxtrotRC]

@@sketchesofpayne No doubt. That's why I was on here. I have no problem with people on the internet for entertainment. I game/watch movies/browse forums daily. But I'm an adult and know when to turn it off. What I don't like is when parents stick their kid in front of a laptop or tablet all day long just to keep them occupied. Kids are supposed to be outside having fun with other kids and learning from their interactions. I know people at my kids school who's kids don't know anything but getting home and being handed a tablet until bed time. All day everyday. It's sad.

[@JojoCat2008]

I'm actually thinking of making a Crackpot Engine named "Oracle". She's a Cracker Steam Loco. With a 0-4-2 Wheel configuration and a complete cab.

[@karol9231]

Nice

[@rickyhorsburgh6581]

I can see a one day build idea there

[@amaurist1432]

There’s only one quote to describe this ‘ I NEED IIIIIIT !, - spongebob square pants

[@Adamguylol]

the blue one kinda looks like saltine in somewhere wales but blue

[@FreedomLovingLoyalistOfficial]

Where to buy these?

[@CapitanTavish]

It reminds me the train Merlin uses in Disney cartoon, sword in the rock xD awesome

[@CNMikado]

If you play a Roblox game called “somewhere wales” that blue locomotive is the direct influence for a small green engine named “Saltine” they are identical only saltine is green and has cab controls and honestly I would love to see those as narrow gauge engines that can pull stuff

[@arceye89]

Tested should visit Warley Model Railway Convention at N.E.C Birmingham UK...Holy Cow

[@westtexasrailfan]

I need to build one, *NOW* ! I'd rather have a 7.5" gauge one though, one I could actually ride on. But these are still cool! Wonder if I could build one in HO scale?

[@Mr_Fancypants]

There are in H0 scale but MASSIVE expensive.

[@therealvbw]

Now DCC them!

[@CoalChrome]

ight how do I get one

[@masterbower6083]

I have always wanted to make or use a steam engine but the main thing you need most if you want to do anything like this is a Lathe, finely machines parts will be the longevity of the models and now that I have restored one I could make a small steam engine but I don't not have the parts or the plan. Yet.

[@Mr_Fancypants]

May i show my model i used without any expensive tools? ; i.imgur.com/EvWbxEDr.jpg

[@masterbower6083]

It looks nice, that is very clever how you made that. The one thin I would be very causes with is the boiler and the steam but I feel you know what you are doing. Cool model.

[@Mr_Fancypants]

@@masterbower6083 boiler is pre made. I used the Wilesco D5 steam engine kit with Meccano parts.

[@masterbower6083]

O my bad, that makes sense. Those kits are well made so you would never have issue. Good luck modeling.

[@michid.b5294]

I want a kit of a stationary boiler or that train.

[@Mr_Fancypants]

Try Wilesco. It's a german model live steam brand that delivers great quality and is affordable. Or Mammod in the U.K.

[@laurenssmith9534]

Michid Miki you could build one yourself from castings if you got them from Stuarts in England I think I does World wide order service. They also do boilers which helps as they are pressure tested but there stuff does cost a lot.

[@Railandairyoutube]

Can anyone link me a place to buy that Accucraft Mogul at the beginning?

[@fatmanwookie5180]

the small real steam engine blue and red one look like James and Thomas

[@Mr_Fancypants]

I also build my own live steam 45mm gauge steam engine. I woupd gladly show it if there are people interested.

[@NovemberFoxtrotRC]

That name though 😂

[@leifvejby8023]

Yes, please! Auch deutsche dampflokomotiven!

[@aidenshaw2671]

I’m interested

[@Mr_Fancypants]

@@aidenshaw2671 sorry for late reply but i haven't gotten to recording my train sinds i am still working on it. But here he is; i.imgur.com/EvWbxEDr.jpg It's made using Meccano from the 60's and a modern Wilesco D5 steam engine kit.

[@narainsamypillayrhungapen8581]

Am madly interested in making a model steam engine and miniature train and the landscape.Thank you.from rhungapen in Mauritius.

[@jellifywas4641]

what train is that in the thumbnail?

[@RenatRkrkaft]

steam-powered flea mk2

[@mattellis8097]

Lol "make 'em look more real" they look like cartoon drawings of trains 😂

[@jules_jhm]

The King of Random

[@Aku77777]

Were the fuck is the VR news?? Not had any for weeks. Its the only reason i come to this chanel.

[@CrafterVSWild]

But we wanna see them workiiiing

[@biddinge8898]

Mmmmmm these things are so cute. I want to make one myself

[@TheAjivarghese]

I tried this my railway of steam worked

[@Tzalaf5731]

Quite Keen.

[@benji_2430]

3:03 look in the background

[@megamanx5760]

I thought they were electric model trains at first

[@rubenskiii]

You can see a quick shot of the yellow one running it the other video they did at the show! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqecdmZ_g7iampI at 0:42

[@benalexander7388]

After seeing these scratch built trains, I think those that find this video interesting might be interested in my friend Charlie Mynheer's scratch built locomotive, "The Virgininian". Here is an (old) video from a steam up in Diamondhead, MS. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4KqhZ6mg9GVmLM That locomotive and tender is 100% scratch built, save for the pressure gauge, valves, and lights. There are a lot more pictures here: www.panyo.com/dh2008/

[@NochSoEinKaddiFan]

They build their own boilers and pressure systems? Where I live, you have to have a license to braze stuff that critical... it is not trivial to do pressure systems right, even if they are that small. Props to you guys!

[@Mr_Fancypants]

Where do you live then?

[@NochSoEinKaddiFan]

At least if I am correctly informed. I live in Germany. Maybe my dad (who likes to build steam engines as well) just said he is not confident enough in his braizing skills to do the boiler himself so he wanted to see a professional for that job, could be :)

[@Mr_Fancypants]

@@NochSoEinKaddiFan why not use the boiler of a Wilesco steam engine kit?

[@NochSoEinKaddiFan]

Buying ready made boilers is the current route to take, but thank you for the input. Unfortunately those kits are not on the cheap side ^^

[@Mr_Fancypants]

@@NochSoEinKaddiFan i know. I wanted to have 1 to. But i took the cheap route and build my own using a Wilesco D5 engine kit and Meccano parts i found on flea markets. Now i have a live steam 45 mm gauge.

[@ReRusted]

Does anyone know what the fuel used to heat the boilers on these? Propane/Butane/Natural Gas? Just curious :D

[@NovemberFoxtrotRC]

I'm guessing propane.

[@Mr_Fancypants]

There are different models. Some use actual coal, propane. It's literally what the builder feels like using.

[@jurjenbos228]

It is not about running the trains, but about building them, get it?

[@Gameboy_1992]

Can you bilde thomas de tank Engine plz

[@BrandonKoops]

I don't know why but i was expecting that James May would pop up in this video.........

[@treezy0525]

Can I buy a custom engine

[@brayd3n384]

hello

[@FrederSnorlax]

where's the MONEY SHOT, lebowski??

[@silverusso]

It rememberers my of saltine of somewhere,Wales

[@baliharsingh329]

👍Helo

[@TheOneAndOnlyWeeber69]

Saltine from somewhere wales

[@silverusso]

I mean chip the blu One

[@DieselRamcharger]

SHOW THEM RUNNING FOR FUCKS SAKE!

[@AYEcorolla]

Ernest Glaser's Cracker

[@thesocialcasualty9617]

Should totally build a replica of the train from Harry Potter that takes the Witches, Wiards and muggles to Hogwarts

[@erdenwurm7208]

You mean Thomas from "Thomas and his friends" ?

[@StaxRail]

The train in Harry Potter isn't Thomas, it is a GWR Hall locomotive. It was renamed Hogwarts Castle for the films.

[@bomberguy06]

Thomas without the face.

[@aidenshaw2671]

Lol

[@BigBreadBoi]

but isn't every train scratch built at some point...

[@AimlessMoto]

But... why didn't you SHOW THEM RUNNING?!?!?!?!

[@aldoagnellini756]

check out mr pete222's channel on how to build one of those engines

[@TrajectoryT]

LUCKY. ☹

[@reedworsham5643]

ok

[@drewporter33]

Basically... Actually... Basically.

[@CarlosBenjamin]

Hahahahaha. “Rarity”? The only one that there are two of.....

[@digidestinAndrew777]

Wow a my little pony steam train 🚂

[@baliharsingh329]

Dho

[@mohdsultanahmad2166]

Bha

[@JojoCat2008]

Some of them are Cracker Steam Engines.

[@JojoCat2008]

Meaning it has one external cylinder powered by a fly wheel. And only one cylinder. Because of it being a little lightweight, it isn't that strong.

[@toyotaprius79]

I was expecting was more detail. Know one ol' fella who has is own UK-style live steam set, just for himself. The ones showcased in the video here with the flywheels would be regarded as entry level models, which are still expensively dumb. There are some properly serious modelers out there who'll build exact working replicas of locomotives or 1/3 and 1/4 scale steam traction engines. Also, yes, I was expecting to see them run, _booo..._

[@darkfoxxbunyip]

Well you gotta start somewhere. Better to make mistakes and have the machine not work on something really simple than on a full scaled replica with all the details, amirite?