Well, OO scale, really. Anyone else see the new Hornby OO live steamers? Wow! You can run them safely indoors, since there is no flame. They're fired electrically, with track voltage. Their speed and direction are remote controlled, through modulation of the same track voltage. They puff steam out their stacks, and even blow a real steam whistle, when changing direction.

I'm inspired. I have given a lot of thought to building such a model, possibly in a larger scale, and narrow gauge. I will be interested to see if any other American modelers, or manufacturers, have any interest in this development.

The models will need LOTS of work and maintenance. My large Wilesco stationary engine did. water softeners, special lubrication, etc

The models will need LOTS of work and maintenance. My large Wilesco stationary engine did. water softeners, special lubrication, etc
Older stuff is more maintenance-intensive. For instance, postwar Lionel truck wheels require frequent lubing, whereas MPC and later axles are almost maintenance-free.

And, as any junkie will attest, the rituals involved are part of the fun!

Saw a foriegn prototype in HO. It's only a 0-4-0 and cost $650! Holy Cow!