The classic Mamod, this one built from a kit and gauged for 45mm track. This was my first exposure to live steam. I purchased it at Harrod's in London and thought it would be "cute" next to my ozone burners. Knowing nothing of priming and proper filling (who reads manuals anyway?) I couldn't get it to move after the safety valve started to spurt non-trivial amounts of water. I turned my back and went to the kitchen... and shortly heard the distinctive whirring sound of metal parts. I ran back just in time to see it race around a tight 4' loop, launch from the track, and land in a ball of blue and yellow flame. I had hoped that lovely Kristin might have missed it but no luck. She reminds me of this formative experience with live steam whenever I tell her not to worry about that loco project propped up on the kitchen counter... -Richard

Apple QuickTake photograph by Richard Finlayson.