Hornby 00 Gauge Live Steam! - 1,000 Subscriber Special!

A special running session feautring a Hornby 00 Gauge Live Steam Mallard to celebrate the channel hitting 1,000 Subscribers!
It's time for another special video and in this one I'll be running the most unique loco in my collection! Back in 2003 Hornby made these fantastic little 00 gauge Live Steam models and I'm lucky enough to own one. While they're incredible models they are tricky to drive and are completly unlike a normal model steam engine in every way. That said I wanted to share this with you all as a thank you for the channel hitting 1,000 subscribers - I've been holding onto this one for a while so I hope you enjoy it!
If you want to learn more about Hornby's 00 Gauge Live Steam range I highly recommed you check out www.oolivesteam.com/
Timestamps:
00:00 - Preview
00:30 - Intro
01:18 - Preparing The Loco
02:23 - The Hornby Live Steam Controller
03:15 - Close Up Look At Mallard
04:26 - Running On The Rolling Road
07:40 - The Test Circuit
08:23 - Live Steam Running Session
10:21 - 00 Live Steam Club
10:54 - Conclusion
Thanks for watching!

[@christopherstokes9393]

8:11 : "Obviously, though, you're not supposed to run locos on the carpet" SamsTrains: *sweats nervously*

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Haha! 😂 I think Sam gets a pass though. His layout is perfect for putting locos through their paces for reviews... if a loco can cope on uneven track on the carpet then it'll probably be fine on a proper baseboard. Thanks for watching 👍

[@christopherstokes9393]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy You're welcome - and good points!

[@bow-tiedengineer4453]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy is the only reason you aren't supposed to run on carpet the unevenness, or are there other issues with it?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Bow-Tied Engineer It’s more to do with the dust, dirt and carpet fibers getting drawn up into the mechanism which over time probably isn’t great for your locos if you don’t service them regularly. Thanks for watching 😃

[@2010ditta]

My layout is on the carpet in my spare bedroom. Two big loops with sidings and station. Never a problem.

[@trainboy7]

Imagine if they came out with a diesel locomotive at this scale that actually runs on diesel.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Now that would be something unique! If live steam is possible at this scale I'm sure someone could come up with a diesel engine small enough. Put me down for a Deltic please 😁 Thanks for watching 👍

[@TCTheDS]

it'll probably be a fire hazard

[@bennickss]

@@TCTheDS considering this exists then i don’t see how you think that’s more of a fire hazard

[@VestedUTuber]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy It's theoretically possible, the problem is that you'd most likely need a custom engine and the model would have to be of a main-line diesel to be able to fit everything in. And it would run on nitromethane, not actual diesel, as that's the only viable fuel for engines this small. The smallest production internal combustion engine is the Cox Pee Wee, a tiny .032cc single-cylinder 2-stroke nitro engine designed for small control line planes (it's also discontinued). It would fit comfortably within an O-scale or even S-scale model, but would be too big for OO or HO. You'd also need a small electric motor for a generator, a set of 16.5mm gauge power trucks (an in-body motor would not work due to space constraints), and an RC system using very small electronics (which is the easy part).

[@peterkarczewski8200]

@@VestedUTuber imagine being in a.fuel queue at a petrol station to fill up your train 💪🏽

[@seagraverailwaysandmodels2408]

I love the fact that a special Christmas present from several years ago brings such joy now. Great loco and video!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I know! It's not often I get to run it but when I do it's always great fun. Looking forward to getting it on my layout more regularly when it's finished! Thanks for watching 😃

[@davidparry1982]

Brilliant! I’m lucky enough to own a few vintage Bassett Lowke live steam 0 gauge locos - you’re right - the smell is very evocative. I have the added thrills of setting myself alight with meths and having no direct control once I let it go!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Oh fantastic, the Bassett Lowke stuff is awesome! I've seen some of it at exhibitions and it's always great to watch. Yes quite glad I don't have to worry about meths, the Hornby live steam is already dangerous enough in my hands 😆 Thanks for watching 👍

[@lordsnivyofnottingham2948]

The Bassett-Lowke Moguls are a thing of beauty. I have two.

[@jimbos3421]

Blimey, that was excellent! I was just admiring the Hornby add in a mid 2000’s Model Railroader magazine, and wishing I could own one. Naturally, no price was mentioned. Too bad the full size Mallard didn’t have a chance to go head to head with a Pennsylvania T-1 duplex to see which engine was really the fastest!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, really glad you enjoyed it. Yes they weren't exactly cheap even back then considering most locos were under £100 at that point and now some of them go for silly money secondhand! Thanks for watching 😃

[@jamesbrooksmith2713]

They were £500 brand new out of the hornby catalog

[@thomasmcelroy3637]

wow i have never seen this before .fantastic you lucky devil . and in 00 as well.amazing .cheers tom

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I know, it's incredible that this is in 00! I certainly feel very lucky to own one, even more so now that I've gotten better and controlling it. Thanks for watching 😃

[@mikeking2539]

Many years ago, on the BBC's Blue Peter programe, they sometimes had a model railway, and a guy had built a Live Steam loco in 00 gauge that they had running on the Blue Peter layout, I think it had a single cylinder and was gas fired. must have been very late 1970s early 1980s.

[@thomasmcelroy3637]

@@mikeking2539 hi mike.i think he was my metelwork teacher. a mister brock.he built steam engines on the tools in the class room. we also built static steam engines that ran on meths. he came into school with a blue peter badge untill i left school.

[@Flymochairman1]

Lovely piece to see running. Cheers!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I know, I could easily watch it all day! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching 😃

[@lifestyleunleashed8046]

A great video. These have been on my wishlist for years

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! They are fantastic if a bit difficult to get your head round at first. If you can find one at a good price they can be a lot of fun though! Thanks for watching 😃

[@timsully8958]

That was fabulous! I still regret not having bought one...alas...🙄 Great watch as per usual, cheers! 🍻

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Tim! Yes a shame Hornby stopped making them. You can find them on eBay every so often though with many in new condition but the prices do vary quite a lot. Glad you enjoyed the video though and thanks for watching 😃

[@djdaz72]

Great video always wanted to see one running.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Really glad you enjoyed it Darren! Thanks for watching 😃

[@billybean8911]

Omg an amazing video! I am enjoying your channel so much

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, it's really great to hear you're enjoying the videos so much! Thanks for watching 😃

[@ciaranburke3243]

Very cool 😎 thanks for sharing, never knew live steam in oo was a thing 👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Ciaran, it's certainly a very niche area of 00 modelling! Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching 😃

[@canalboating]

Great to see your mallard running, thanks for sharing I have the flying scotsman version awaiting my garden railway which hopefully will happen this year fingers crossed

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

That sounds brilliant! You're much braver than me though, I don't think I'd ever dare to run Mallard outside 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@Madonsteamrailways]

A beautiful locomotive!! It’s a great machine and a brilliant concept.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It certainly is! If you can break through the learning curve they’re actually really good consistent runners too. Thanks for watching 😊

[@Madonsteamrailways]

They most certainly were!! Isn’t it a shame that the live steam concept wasn’t improved and continued.

[@Ben-Likes-Trains]

I have never seen 00 gauge live steam,it looks amazing-Ben

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's certainly something unique and special! They're great fun to run if you can get past the learning curve and maintain them properly too. Thanks for watching 😃

[@petertate5741]

What a fantastic model ! Love it!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Peter! It certainly is something special isn't it. Thanks for watching 😃

[@rogerletsom2127]

This a great introduction to Hornby OO live steam! And this a fantastic model.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it Roger! The 00 Live Steam range was definitely a bold move from Hornby. I'm hoping to get my own loco running a bit better this year so hopefully it can feature a bit more on the channel. Thanks for watching 😃

[@H_chapman17]

Lovely loco I have one of the Hornby Live steam rockets which are worth getting. Many thanks Harry

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Brilliant, I've seen those and they look fantastic as well! I came across one secondhand in a shop once for a good price and very nearly bought it, but I figured if I'm going to do large scale live steam I should probably stick to what I have already have for my garden railway 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@plutoyaldnil4750]

My younger brother told me he had come across one that his friends father had used in an orange crush commercial....nice to see one in action

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Cool! I didn't realise the Hornby Live Steam models had featured in an commercials. Thanks for watching 😃

[@plutoyaldnil4750]

Ok wow sorry I just meant a live steam engine in H.O. scale at the time he was just like a preteen kid. So didnt get much details (this would have been late 70s)

[@andydunn5673]

Absolutely brilliant Wasn’t aware that they existed Thanks for sharing with us all A newbie - wannabe That is an amazing and beautiful engine

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Andy, they certainly are something special and it looks great when running. Just need to finish my proper layout now so I can film it on there! Thanks for watching 😃

[@andydunn5673]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy cheers

[@willbreckinridge8010]

This looks awesome! As much as I see myself as a realistic modeler (I want trains to start at a crawl and I think shunting engines shouldn’t be flying around at 60 mph), I can’t help but want this. Great video!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah I'm exactly the same, I love small industrial locos shuffling around at a sedate pace but there's something amazing about these live steam engines that just captures the enthusiasm! Thanks for watching 😃

[@peters1127]

Thank you for an Excellent informative and entertaing video

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it Peter! Thanks for watching 😃

[@matthew_thefallen]

Lol I read Live Stream 😂 This is beautiful!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I've been making the same mistake for weeks while I was making this video! Had to be very careful on last weeks "livestream" that I didn't accidentally give the game away 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@mrobbmark]

What a great locomotive fantastic video, would like to see Hornby make more live stream 😁👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! I would love Hornby to make more too but sadly I don't think it'll ever happen. Even if they did pick up the range again after all this time, the prices would probably be astronomically high! Thanks for watching 😃

[@N9251.]

OMG THIS IS SO COOL AND AMAZING JOB ON HITTING 1000+ SUBSCRIBERS!! WOOOOOO :)

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I know, they're pretty special aren't they! Thanks, I love the little community that has grown up around this channel and I still can't quite believe how much it's grown even in the last few weeks. Thanks for watching 😃

[@mrolfe8341]

What a fantastic modell to own!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It is really quite special, just need to build a proper layout to run it on now! Thanks for watching 😃

[@muigekteo6569]

Thanks you to make this video ,I have enjoy it

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Really glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 😃

[@khaossilva7475]

I really need to get all of my Hornby Live Steamers out again. The smell alone is worth it. :>

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Now I'm jealous that you've got more than one! You're so right about the smell though. Thanks for watching 😃

[@antonhenry4817]

Great video I remember these live steam train sets, from about 2004, The was also, papyrus. They weren't cheap.😄

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Anton, you're right they weren't cheap although Papyrus especially goes for a lot more on eBay these days as it's a real collectors item! Thanks for watching 👍

[@andrewross3293]

First class video. Thank you so very much. I cannot get mine to run very well but I will persevere and get help.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it Andrew. Yeah they are tricky to get the hang of but very rewarding when you finally figure it out. If you haven't already do check out the OO Live Steam Club, I've always found them to be very knowledgeable and helpful. Thanks for watching 😃

[@tomellis4750]

How bold of Hornby to introduce this. I hope they didn't lose money.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It was a bold move from Hornby! I don't think they lost money on them (though I have no facts to back that up) but I think the main problem was they earned a reputation for being difficult to control. In reality it's just that the instructions supplied weren't great which meant many of these great locos ended up sitting on boxes or being sold on. Thanks for watching 😃

[@tomward3656]

Wow that is nice. I will have to get a mallard it wont be as expensive as that one but it will be a mallard. Great video. Thank you.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Tom, they certainly are special locos! Even the standard Hornby ones have a good level of detail and they're such striking engines. I keep thinking I should get an electric one just so I can run it with my other locos! Thanks for watching 😃

[@deathstrike]

I cannot imagine the level of engineering and expertise it took to design this train. I've been a modeler for over 40 years and I have NEVER seen such a magnificent engine as this. My hat to you sir!! Wow, just wow!!! Now with that said, I have to ask. Does this set have safety systems built in? Like overpressure or overspeed? Does this have microprocessor control? Or is it analog? If it's simply analog, that is amazing! You are truly lucky to own such a piece and I hope you never have to sell it. That is something you hand down. A true heirloom. And the 2 panel control, just like a separate tuner and amp on a stereo. A beautiful piece indeed! And if it has slight staining and dust or tiny specs of rust? So what? That gives the locomotive character and shows it's owner actually uses it! As for me, I model vintage Marx O guage and the love it or hate it Z guage from Marklin and AZL.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Just to clear up any doubt, I didn't design or build this engine myself. It was made by Hornby around 2006 but I agree, they are really miniature marvels of engineering! It does have a safety valve that releases pressure - when that starts spitting you know you're ready to go. I'm not certain but I think it's all analog, if you haven't seen my follow up video where I show the inside of the loco you'll see how it works in more detail. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃

[@bryanpalmer8111]

Thank you so much for your video. This is the first one I have seen with live steam. Very encouraging, but like you I haven't a lot of room, so mine will have to be on the floor. So thank you I will be looking forward to your next video thank you bryan

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Really glad you enjoyed it Bryan! This video is from a while back now and I've actually done a few more on the Hornby live steam since then. Thanks for watching 😃

[@BMMEC6000]

Incredible!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 😃

[@clivehulbert6083]

Brilliant video I didn't even know they existed and great with an A4

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! Yeah it was quite a while ago now that these were released. I think they had to do it with the A4 (and then later the A3) so that they had enough space to fit all the workings inside! Thanks for watching 😃

[@foxhillrailway2252]

amazing... a real steam locomotive... well done you, at least thus way you can say you are actually piloting the train... If only we did have "smellovision"... 🤠👍🏻🚂ATB Neil

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah it's definitely very different from running a normal loco! I still haven't mastered stopping in a specific place yet as you have to think ahead quite a bit - just like I real steam locomotive! Thanks for watching 😃

[@nathansnape9614]

what a beautiful machine

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Indeed it is, I still can't believe it's a working steam engine in 00 gauge! Thanks for watching 😃

[@jack_da_trainspotter4923]

I would like to say thank you so much to get me to find out how to work the control for live steam

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad to be of service Jack! If you haven't seen it already, I've also done another more in depth video on how these live steam engines work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6DCpnmGirR-rsU Thanks for watching 😃

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

I have the A3 version myself. The plan for this year is finish the garden railway so I can operate it out there. A scale three miles with full length trains is the ambition. They are a wonderful piece of kit and despite some scaling issues I love them. It's a shame Hornby stopped the project but GOOD NEWS, you can still join the OO live steam club who are very helpful with keeping your live steam locos running.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Wow that's very ambitious! Not only 00 gauge in the garden but live steam too - I hope we get to see it on your channel when it's done! Yes it is a shame Hornby left it behind but I agree, the 00 Live Steam Club is great and certainly helped me! I put a link to their website in the description since I used some footage of their test track at an exhibition towards the end of the video. Thanks for watching 😃

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy yea mate. Already said (once covid is over) there will be gatherings of friends to have a few BBQs, drink beer and play trains. I'm sure one of them will bring a camera with them.

[@TheZeldafan57]

Very nice! I'm still trying to see if I can fix mine, I do quite miss it watching this though

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Sorry to hear your's needs some repair. You may have already done this but might be worth checking out the 00 Live Steam Club as they have a forum where you can ask for help and have lots of spare parts for sale too 😊 Thanks for watching 👍

[@greatnorthernrailwaytother4711]

Amazing.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Isn't it just! Still can't quite believe that these exist 😄 Thanks for watching 👍

[@xenonproductions1990]

i know the feeling, i just got my first live steam A4 as well, I got Silver Link from the 00 live steam club

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome, hope you enjoy running it! Thanks for watching 😃

[@skyfall2360]

these are fantastic , any chance you can do more running sessions when you can,i too have one the mallard same as you ,they are a superb piece of tiny engineering .great vid cheers!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! Since this is one of my most popular videos I think it's safe to say I'll be doing more live steam running sessions in the future. A big reason why I'm building my current layout is so that I can have somewhere to run to engine properly too! Thanks for watching 😃

[@car_tar3882]

I hope they bring this back someday

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It’s unlikely I’m afraid. They were notoriously difficult to control and expensive too. Nowadays the price would be at least double if not more. I believe Hornby did look into bringing them back a few years ago but the idea was quickly dropped. Thanks for watching 👍

[@stevensolway1054]

Hi from Mr.Solway, from GBW in USA. Hi to every-Pony, in the West Coast Border areas around Solway Firth. Lllooolll!!! Here at the NRRM we have A4 no. 60008 Dwight D. Eisenhower since May 1964. Yet originally built as Golden Shuttle in 1937. I was the official paid employee and tour guide at NRRM from 1984 to 1989, also I got my photo in the Press Gazette newspaper, a few times. I've been on the footplate of Eisenhower hundreds of times, and climbed; n top of the boiler to wash off dust with a garden hose and soapy mop. The as guide I have to explain differences between American and British locos with buffers, hook and link couplers, vacuum brakes, left-handed drivers seat, three(3) cylinders with Conjugated valve motion, and Art Deco Streamlining. But since 2001 different managers built the new-ish Display Center with Eisenhower loco plus 2 WW2 Army command carriages used by "S.C.H.A.E.F.". But 2 other carriages named " Isle of Thanet" and "Lydia" arrived in 1970 with Flying Scotsman no. 4472 during National Tour. But over the 30 years they were badly vandalised. Then in 2001 the N. Ry. M. In York took them back to Britain, and Professionally Restored. Also since 2001 the new Display Center here has 60008 Eisenhower parked on Track 1 North, and next to Union Pacific 4017 Big Boy 4-8-8-4 on Track 2, next to Pennsylvania RR 4690 Electric GG-1 2-C-C-2 on track 3, with tracks 4&5 open for switching equipment. Plus, previous to 2020, this also is the main Banquet Hall, suitable for business meetings, plus wedding receptions and dinners with BIG BOY 4017 as the Worlds Largest Centerpiece!!!! Lol! GOD Bless+++!!! Help take care of Everyone. Happy St. Valentines' Day 2021 A.D.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks for sharing all that Steven, sounds like there's plenty to keep you occupied! I was lucky enough to see 60008 Dwight D. Eisenhower when she returned to the UK for The Great Gathering several years ago - was fantastic to see her alongside all the other remaining A4s. Thanks for watching 😃

[@northernutahlivesteam3566]

Fun. 👍

[@mariebcfhs9491]

OH. MY. GOSH!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

My thoughts exactly! 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@Warbler-Productions]

I managed to get one of these last year, haven’t run it yet as I don’t have a layout at the moment though I may set up a circuit of track on my living room floor like you with cardboard to protect both the engine and the carpet. I think I need to look into the OO scale live steam club too, I have just the one OO scale live steam loco but I do also have a couple of 16mm scale live steam locos so the experience from there can be scaled down to OO I hope.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I’d definitely recommend starting off on a rolling road before putting it on the track if you can. They’re really difficult to drive initially until you get the hang of it so you don’t want it flying off at speed on the corners and getting damaged! The OO Live Steam Club is well worth a look. It’s free to join and loads of great resources for anyone wanting to run these wonderful little machines including lots of video tutorials. Thanks for watching 😃

[@thiruraj3866]

Nice a live steam mallard 👍. Now it’s a question of if it can go as fast as mallard

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! They’re definitely quite speedy so probably could give the real Mallard a run for its money 😂 Wouldn’t want to try it though as it would derail on the curves! Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@JW-gd5rh]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Had a few derailments on curves when I first got mine. I use a rolling road now and just as much fun (Like your other stripped down video also showing the internal workings).

[@TrainBoy227]

10:38 HE NEVER ESCAPES ME OH MY GOD

[@ddpeak1]

Mine is still in its box. I bought it at the Sheffield Steam Rally a couple of years ago. Never opened. I need to get some track set up

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I'm not sure if you have the full Mallard set like mine but that comes with a large circle of track so you could just set that up temporarily like I did in the video. That said, I'd recommend using a rolling road initially if you've never driven one before, as that will prevent any crashes while you're learning how to control it. Thanks for watching 😃

[@JW-gd5rh]

As That Model Railway Guy points out. It is a steep learning curve ( no pun intended ) when first using. It is well worth investing in a rolling road. Mine flew off the track curves like a rocket at first but luckily I had protected the curves. Its a spectacular event but boiling water and oil are not recommended everywhere.

[@WilliamHBaird-eq2hp]

I want that WOW!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They're definitely great little machines and good fun to drive once you get the hang of it. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Cyborgdelta1]

Oooo I have one of these

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Brilliant! Do you get to run it much? Thanks for watching 😃

[@Cyborgdelta1]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy I did when I first had it but due to space limitation its currently in it's box :(

[@Somerset-Trains]

I think they should give them working whistles! Even if it would be rather difficult it would be a brilliant feature!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They do! It sounds when you change directions, you can hear it in the other video I did where I go into more detail about how these locos actually work. Thanks for watching 😃

[@mossmonaco9061]

Really FAB! The green light in the cab would be more authentic in a orange/red for simulated firebox glow?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I agree - there is actually a red light in there too but it only lights when you're not supposed to run the loco 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@mossmonaco9061]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy . . . you had mentioned that the loco was ready to run when the safety valve lifted?

[@teescottageguyproductions]

I’ve always wanted a Hornby live steam engine

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They are good fun, although very much a novelty given that they can only be run on their own. Still very glad I have mine though! Thanks for watching 😃

[@LHoriginal]

Yoo!! It's tees cottage guy!

[@teescottageguyproductions]

@@LHoriginal yooo it’s Liam! 😉

[@SammyBFilms]

Hornby live steam is awesome! I have this and the double tender Flying Scotsman too. Awesome pair on a double circuit! :-) The LS Mallard is one of my most used engines too. Question: at 8:45, you move the heater to 'simmer' for running. Why is this?? Does yours actually run on this setting?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Oh wow, lucky you, I can see why you enjoy running them! Yes, mine does run on the simmer setting. I've found they're all quite different and once mine is moving it doesn't need much to keep it in motion. Thanks for watching 😃

[@LiveSteamNick]

Yes, they are designed to run on ‘simmer’ mode. You only need the high setting to warm up and if running in a very cold environment like outdoors. Yes they make great outdoor runners too.

[@gary.arthur]

Wow! Electric model trains yes. Model stationary steam engines yes. Steam powered model locos yes. But commercially produced electric steam locos? I had no idea...

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They are pretty incredible and very clever too. Live steam engines have been around for ages in the larger scales but it was a good move from Hornby to use the track power to control the loco since that's what 00 gauge modellers are used to. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Marcy53Volkswagen]

my idea is that to tear apart the parts of hornby live steam locos and reprint the body shells to prevent melting. and if cannot fit then ad miniature steam engines with the help of people who make model steam engines

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Wow, that sounds like a pretty epic project! Good luck, it's certainly not something I'd be capable of. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Madonsteamrailways]

I actually had the same thing with Flying Scotsman in the set. I still have the three carriages - all Gresley Teaks.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Ah brilliant, I didn’t realise they ever did the Live Steam locos in a set with coaches! That’s awesome! 😊

[@Madonsteamrailways]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Yes!! That was about 12 years ago, and they put a rake of three Gresley Teaks and track in with the locomotive and tender!! It was a complete live steam set.

[@buzzygaming7667]

also if you get mittens and pick up the loco while running will it still run while off the track?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes, if the regulator valve is open when you take it off the track the wheels will continue to spin. This most often happens during derailments with the loco ending up on it's side and the wheels spinning endlessly! Thanks for watching 😃

[@luukgodschalk2573]

I wish they made more live steam engines

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

There was a rumour several years ago that Hornby was looking into bringing the Live Steam range back but obviously nothing ever came of it. I think now they would be to expensive to produce and let's face it, Hornby has enough trouble releasing normal locos these days never mind something as complicated as one of these. Thanks for watching 😃

[@arcangelofjustice7423]

The flick 'down' after the loco starts moving is actually quite prototypical in my experience.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes, a bit of power to get it going then pull back when it's up and running. Now I think about it, I wonder if it's strictly necessary or if I do it out of habit 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@stegotron]

Should have put a note at the start of the video for everyone to boil some water with some 2-in-1 oil in it for DIY smell-a-vison. Always wondered how the live stream engines worked, amazing that beyond a few more preparatory clicks of the reverser, it's not that far from what is normally required.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Haha, that's not a bad idea actually! Yes they definitely respond more like an actual steam engine than a normal model train so it's a totally different experience to drive. I might have to do a future video where I run it on the rolling road with the body off so everyone can see what's going on inside! Thanks for watching 😃

[@marcpinchen9072]

i got a live steam mallard like you and as you said it is hard to drive her

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hey Marc, so sorry for not replying to this sooner! For some reason KZbin has only just shown me the notification 🤦🏻‍♂️ You're right though, they are tricky to get the hang of. Just like a real steam locomotive each one is different so it takes some time to figure out the quirks of each engine - I like to think, after several years, I'm getting better at running mine though. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Mr_Tea_Rexx]

holy shit

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

That's one way of putting it 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@Mr_Tea_Rexx]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy I never knew this was a thing 😳

[@johnbigham7318]

I have one passed on by a widow, but there was no oil in the package. What do you use for suitable oil that I might be able to get in Canada?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi John, personally I'm still working my way through the bottle supplied with the loco by Hornby - you only need a tiny amount so it lasts forever. Although I have no experience with it myself I've heard others use 460 compounded steam oil, so you might want to look into that. Alternatively, maybe have a look at the 00 Live Steam Club website and see if anyone there can suggest something that might be available in Canada. Best of luck and thanks for watching 😃

[@johnbigham7318]

Thanks for your suggestions. John.

[@loona4133]

I see. Very nice bro. But it looks used and not new. But I wish I had a mallard

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I've had it for over 15 years, I wouldn't expect it to look new after all that time considering how much it's been run 😂

[@LBOUNCER101]

Is it possible to put like a die in the liquid that you put in it makes the steam coming out of the funnel a bit more visible

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Possibly, but they are only supposed to be run on distilled water so I'm not sure what deposits any dye would leave in the system over time so best not to risk it. If you want to see more steam though you'd probably be better off fitting a smoke generator to a normal model though, it would be a lot less trouble. Thanks for watching 😃

[@azuma7628]

I have seen these on numerous occasions. I don't think they are a success or Hornby will keep making them. Your video is very nice as always.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I don't think they weren't a success (don't forget Hornby had quite a healthy range of them at one point) but it didn't help that they were so expensive when back then most locos were under £100 and they were released not long before a global recession. From what I've seen they couldn't have done any smaller locos anyway as the mechanism was to large to fit, so perhaps it was always intended to be a small niche range. Thanks for watching 😃

[@rich81090]

Feel like this is something hornby could greatly improve on with a dcc chip.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes possibly, and I think someone did try that at one point but it was a lot more involved than just soldering in a decoder. Based on my limited knowledge I'm still not entirely sure it would be really compatible with normal DCC locos anyway because it works in such a different way and given that Hornby haven't made these for over a decade now it's unlikely they'll start reworking them anytime soon. Thanks for watching 😃

[@craigshornbyupgrades1136]

So one question, on the rolling road you pushed the regulator leaver to the left to open the steam valve to go forward, but on the track run you were pushing the regulator leaver to the right to open the go forward...isn't forward always forward ?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi Craig, it depends on the electrical polarity as there's a small motor inside that controls the regulator. Just like with a normal DC controller if you reverse the wires going to the track the train runs in the opposite direction. Presumably when I was filming this I put the wires in the other way round when the loco was on the track because it was facing the other way initially. Hope that makes sense and thanks for watching 😃

[@craigshornbyupgrades1136]

Perfect, Thats what I hoped, just keeping us on our toes!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

@@craigshornbyupgrades1136 Haha, no worries! Good thing I don't try to fake any of my reviews as people would immediately pick me up on it! 😂

[@craigshornbyupgrades1136]

Thats for sure. The thing that gets me is the folks that give a thumbs down to your upload, when there's nothing worth disliking!

[@nathanstrains7546]

Video idea: attempting to shunt with live steam mallard

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Now that would definitely be a challenge! I'm not saying it's impossible but I think it would take a much more skilled operator than me to pull it off 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@michaelduitsman3019]

If you find yourself having to run on carpet regularly, you might consider getting a small tarpaulin. I'm renting a one-bedroom apartment, so that's what I use whenever I want to mess around with my trains.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

That's a good idea! Thankfully for me it's just temporary while I finish the circuit on my main layout but that's definitely a good trick to know for the future. Thanks for watching 😃

[@BlufferstoBuffers]

Have been pondering live steam for a while now! Does it make much of a mess?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They can be a bit messy and you might get the odd oil spill on the track every so often. Generally though most the steam and oil ends up all over the engine itself so you could just call it very realistic weathering! Thanks for watching 😃

[@thecaledonian4]

This is amazing! One question: HOW ON EARTH DID YOU GET YOUR HANDS ON ONE?! - The Caledonian

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, really glad you enjoyed it! I got it brand new around when they were first released. As I mentioned in the video it was a Christmas present that took me completely by surprise! Thanks for watching 😃

[@Matt-Jones]

Personally I have the Golden Freece A4 and I was lucky enough in 2010 to hold of one in its original packaging as it had been found at the back of a storage shelf at Hornby and the shop i bought it from had been friends with on of the store people. Long story short. To get one these days you are looking at only used and beeing lucky and with deep pockets last I saw a Golden Fleece Like mine in great condition was £550 and the controllers where seporate at near £200.

[@JW-gd5rh]

@@Matt-Jones Thanks for the information Matt. I have a Seagull model and contollers from new. Glad they repaid the initial cost and more. I have a rolling road as at first it was a learning curve to control the model ( had a few derailments but I had prevented damage by protecting at curves ). I will stay with the rolling road for use as That Model Railway Guy shows in the other great video, that it is interesting to watch the live steam mechanism on the rolling road. It can go like a Rocket at take off ( and not at the Rainhill trials ).

[@patrickspendrin3107]

It would be interesting to see the current it requires to heat up the water. It seems that it uses 16V, which is around DCC voltage, so I am wondering if they essentially could be made compatible? Also, do you know how it transfers instructions? There are certainly other ways, but DCC wouldn't be a bad idea in the end.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I think some people have successfully converted them over the DCC in the past but from what I've heard it wasn't an easy process. For sending the instructions to the loco, when you click the controller it sends a little pulse to the motor inside that opens and closes the regulator. If it were to be done nowadays I'm sure it would be DCC operated but at the time Hornby were only just starting to explore that area and this was seen very much as a separate range. Thanks for watching 😃

[@LiveSteamNick]

The original designer Richard Hallam developed it around the tech at the time, circa 1968, so DCC was not about. The facts is, It doesn’t need the complexity of DCC and the oil and water left on the track would not bode well with DCC. The current is 6 amps at up to 17 volts DC and uses PWM to maintain power to the two onboard heaters. A lower voltage when pulsed operates the regulator motor to release the steam to the cylinders.

[@MrLincoln87]

The way the coaches bob and weave due to the cardboard.. it kinda looks a little more realistic

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah I know what you mean, it gives it a certain weight. Thanks for watching 😃

[@fredboiandfriends5486]

10:33 *and here we see an unusual sight, a furness K2 steam locomotives Caledonian railway blue, without any visible Markings to signify the railway of which owns the loco, however there is a visible number 2 on the tender, besides that, it has pulled off onto a siding after handing over its consist* the last two coaches *to world famous A4 pacific Mallard*

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Haha, brilliant! 😂 Have to admit I was incredibly confused when I first read your comment until I clicked the timestamp! Thanks for watching 👍

[@fredboiandfriends5486]

As a fan of the show I thought I would indirectly point out Edward sitting in the siding, question was he a live steam loco or just there for kicks?

[@mikeking2539]

Great fun, I remember when they first came on the market, my local model railway shop had a couple of the Mallard sets, but out of my price range. I have seen the 00 Live Steam guys some years ago at the York Model Railway show, wonderful to see them in action. Also got to see the tiny T gauge for the first time too.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes they really were quite an interesting item when they were first released. Great that you got to see the 00 Live Steam Club too, I think that's one of the best parts of exhibitions is coming across things you wouldn't normally get to experience. Thanks for watching 😃

[@bonesawarm6987]

Looks amazing but I just can’t justify the price for it and for dcc!!!!! I’m happy with dc controlled locomotives

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes it is quite a high price for what is essentially a gimmick so I can see why lots of people would be put off. Same goes for DCC in a way, if you're happy on DC then why change - that was my mentality for years. Thanks for watching 😃

[@JW-gd5rh]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy I run N Gauge in DC as I started in that scale a long time ago and too awkward to convert to DCC. I do have OO in DCC and O gauge too. The wiring can be easier depending on what layout you have. The advantage of DCC is that you can run many locos on the same track at once. Also with sound chips for different sounds. Hornby do a fairly expensive DDC contoller and sound chips and cheaper second hand. I fit my own chips so it cuts costs down. I will never convert the N gauge but for the other scales it makes a change. I bought the live steam for a good price at that time. It seems like it was a good invesment for a change.

[@redversb2347]

Thanks. A bit niche bit interesting non the less.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes, definitely a very niche loco but it's nice to be able to showcase something a bit different that not many people will have experienced before. Thanks for watching 😃

[@1964catt]

I say let it get dirty is gives it more character

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Natural weathering! 😁 Thanks for watching 👍

[@frostedbutts4340]

Wow, I bet this wasn't cheap. What was the RRP? Was waiting for you to add liquid fuel.. very clever mechanism.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They were around the £500 mark for the full set (or £250 for just a loco) back in 2006 when they were launched so definitely not cheap. I suspect one of the big reasons they haven't relaunched the range is that nowadays it would be even more expensive! Thanks for watching 👍

[@clivehulbert6083]

Next step will be real diesel so I can fit it to my Deltic

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Haha, brilliant! Now that is something I'd like to see 😄 Thanks for watching 👍

[@dylan.m.h]

What are the coaches that you are using? Could you send me a link from where u found them if possible please?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi Dylan, these are the Hornby Gresley Teak coaches. I don’t think anywhere has them in stock at the moment but I believe another batch is due later this year. Thanks for watching 😃

[@dylan.m.h]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Thank you!

[@cadenchristiansen3553]

hey i have a question is the body of the loco plastic or metal?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. It doesn't feel like it's metal judging from the other locos I have that do have diecast bodies, but if it is plastic then it's different from what Hornby usually use since it has to withstand the heat when in use without melting. Sorry I can't give you a conclusive answer but thanks for watching 😃

[@johnd8892]

A comment from an owner of these running at an exhibition years ago was that the bodies were a ceramic type of plastic unlike anything they had come across. Put a stop to their plans to do body swaps with their existing locos.

[@cadenchristiansen3553]

@@johnd8892 thanks for letting me know

[@theothertonydutch]

Do I see a Boss DS-1 in the background?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Indeed, you're the second person to notice that! Thanks for watching 😃

[@ryanross3640]

can this engine run on standard hornby DC track?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hey Ryan, yep that's exactly what it's running on in this video. For what it's worth I've also had it running on PECO Code 100 track too, so as long as you use the Live Steam controller the track shouldn't have any trouble with the higher current. Thanks for watching 😃

[@thehind3119]

Ok so I'm new in live steam and I'm trying to figure out the gauge/scale im little confused about oo gauge I'm from America so we have a different type of scale and to my point of my question is is oo gauge HO scale or N Scale?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi there, no worries it is a bit confusing. OO Gauge is almost the same as HO, in fact the track is exactly the same and you could run both locos on either. OO Gauge is a little bigger in scale though as it 4mm to the ft (instead of 3.5mm to the ft) so HO locos do look a bit small in comparison but the difference isn’t massive. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃

[@thehind3119]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy thank you for the information. By the way do you know why hornby stop making those oo gauge sets i only found the two on the youtub bing mallard and flying Scotsman.

[@DixieAlleyEAS]

I might be able to get one off of eBay, but the full set costs over a thousand bucks in US dollars to get it. I might have to make a deal to lower the price.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They do tend to be more expensive these days simply because there are so few of them around. Thanks for watching 😃

[@DixieAlleyEAS]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy True. By the way, maybe you can make a livestream where you run most, if not all, of your model trains on the layout?

[@busterbrown17]

Nothing beats a live steam model train even g scale ones are better and I want one though I may get a propane one simply cuz it be easier to learn on if I ever do get one lol

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It does bring a wonderful new element to the hobby doesn’t it. I’ve got a knackered old Mamod live steam engine which I hope to get running on the G Scale garden railway this year. Needs a bit of a work first but I’m sure it’ll be another fun video! Thanks for watching 😃

[@garycross228]

It's a real shame that Hornby never made a live steam unrebuilt West Country or unrebuilt Merchant Navy. There is plenty of space inside the body.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

That would have been great! If you check out my other live steam video though you can see it's quite a squeeze in there. Apparently Hornby had a real job just adapting it to fit into the A3 body later on so that may have put them off future versions. Thanks for watching 😃

[@jamessavage7987]

How long have you had mallard

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I can't remember exactly but I'd imagine it's over 15 years at this point. I think it was around a year or two after they were first released. Thanks for watching 😃

[@santafewarbonnetproductions]

"Hornby 00 Gauge Live Steam! - 1,000 Subscriber Special! PT2!!" How much water can we put in the firebox before the Crown-Sheet melts and explodes

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Well there isn't a firebox on these locos but I have done another video going into more depth on how these locos work if you're interested. Thanks for watching 👍

[@malcolmrichards8922]

I wish I'd got one! Just a minor point, when you say "superheater" I think that you're really referring to the "boiler". I'm pretty sure it doesn't have a superheater.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They are brilliant! So according to Hornby and the 00 Live Steam Club they have both a boiler in the tender and then a superheater in the main body before it's sent to the steam chest. There's a bit more about this in my latest video on these locos but I'm essentially just going off the information provided by those who are more knowledgable than me. Thanks for watching 😃

[@malcolmrichards8922]

I stand corrected. Amazing piece of work.

[@VestedUTuber]

It seems like it's a lot more work getting this to run than it is for the bigger ones. Honestly, as awesome as these are as-is, I think Hornby kinda dropped the ball in regards to usability. The control system seems to be VERY clunky and doesn't give much control at all. And it's not like RC control would be out of the question, you could fit a very small servo, receiver and power regulator into the model. I get the feeling that the control system was a case of "Not Invented Here Syndrome", and that Hornby decided to design their own system because they didn't want to use an established technology.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Having had experience with both Hornby Live Steam and larger gauge Live Steam locos I'd definitely say the Hornby one is the easiest to get up and running. Regarding the controls, I believe they wanted to keep it powered through the track to match the rest of their range. While I can see the benefits of RC control you would still need a way to heat the water and in OO Gauge I think having a track powered heater was the best way to go. Thanks for watching 😃

[@VestedUTuber]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Regarding RC, there's nothing stopping it from being combined with track power. The locomotive is already using a sort of digital control anyway. All RC control needs is power at a constant voltage and fixed polarity, the former which can be handled by a linear regulator and the latter which can be provided via a rectifier bridge. Anyway, I haven't personally had any issues with larger live-steam locos, but then again my Aster Frank S. is butane-fired so it's literally just light it, wait for it to let off steam from the blow-off valve and then let the cylinders warm up. Literally just one more step than the Hornby models.

[@ahalfsesameseedbun7472]

Well I know what I'm getting next.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Nice! You can still find them on eBay occasionally I think. Thanks for watching 😃

[@ahalfsesameseedbun7472]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Yeah I saw both the mallard and Scotsman, both were over 700 usd for the full set but I think it's definitly worth the money

[@kellypaws]

Sam? Do you hear this Sam? You don't run locos on the carpet, Sam!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Haha! To be honest I consider his carpet layout as a very good test for how well a loco runs. If it copes fine on his layout then the odds are it'll work well everywhere else. Thanks for watching 😃