An Interesting and Unique Live Steamer from Adelaide.
by Grant Alexander, Squirrel Valley Railway.
Contact Grant at alexande@clear.co.nz

The Loco I have currently is an 0-4-0 built by Tony Cotton of Adelaide Locomotive Works based out of Adelaide, Australia. The loco is loosely based on the Stainz style, but is larger all round, and of course is Live Steam. It is my first "real" loco and has been a real challenge to learn to drive.

I have always been interested in trains, ever since my childhood days, and have understood the principles of steam propulsion since I was 8, but apart from a steam turbine and a couple of Mamod stationary engines, this has been my first entry into the practical side of Live Steam.

Initially the engine had a couple of faults and this really challenged me, luckily my theoretical knowledge held me in good stead, and with Tony's help I was able to work through these problems. I now have a good runner with 60 firings now in the bag.

The loco has slip eccentrics operating slide valves which allow up to 50 PSI of steam into two cylinders of 3/4" stroke and 3/8" bore. It is spirit fired and needs an external fan to get it going to start with as it is internally fired, (three fire tubes). I am currently getting 23 minutes running plus about 8 minutes steam-up per firing, and this is with 4 Bachmann passenger cars and a four wheel R/C car (disguised as a shunters float) in tow.

When I first got this loco going reliably it was without R/C, and I was quite adamant that R/C and Live Steam were not compatible, i.e. from different era's, but I soon learnt the error of my ways. I now thoroughly enjoy running the Loco remotely, and not having to jump and leap all about the place trying to adjust the blower and regulator controls.

Altogether an enjoyable little loco, and powerful to boot. Perhaps not the best for a beginner, but with all the willing help provided by the folks at Large Scale Online, I was able to work through the problems without becoming too disillusioned.

-- Grant and Donna Alexander, Squirrel Valley Railway.