What are Model Steam Trains?
There are many types of train sets that are in existence in the world today. There are hand-propelled types; there are ones powered by electricity. Believe it or not, there are even the steam-propelled trains. The model steam trains were more common during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
There are a number of characteristics that distinguish steam models from the modern trains available to hobbyists. The steam trains have unique parts and designs such as the boiler, the steam circuit, the running gear, the chassis as well as the firebox with a chimney on top of it. These parts are visible from the outside and along with the features help distinguish this model from other models.
Here is a brief explanation of some of the parts and features of the steam train:
The Boiler and Firebox
The model steam trains have a distinctive steam locomotive that makes use of a fire-tube boiler made out of steel. This boiler contains steam and water that is pressurized. The firebox is usually located at the boiler’s rear end with the chimney’s location being in front. The firebox is surrounded by a steel chamber that is filled with water , which produces the steam once the water is heated .
The Chassis
The locomotive frame or chassis forms the most important structure since the boiler is affixed onto it. The chassis incorporates different elements of the gears that run the model train. The train’s boiler is mounted rigidly in front of the barrel of the boiler just underneath the smoke box on the saddle. European-made model trains have the locomotives made out of plate frames. Two flat frames are placed vertically, forming the chassis with various spacers and buffer beams at either end keeping them apart. The American-made model trains have bar frames which are built-up to form a “cylinder/smokebox saddle” type of structure. There are drag beams that are integrated in between the chassis.
The Running Gear
The running gear comprises of the wheel sets, brake gear, axleboxes, the connecting rods as well as the valve gear. This assists the model train in the transmission of power to rails from pistons, enabling the model train to negotiate points and curves in addition to the irregularities on the track.
Most of these steam trains are loved for their traditional unmodified rough look; this is an additional feature that makes this train unique. This is the reason why the older models are popular among the collectors of model trains. They act as a testament to the origin of trains.
Note: If you enjoyed reading this article, you might also be interested in reading, Model Train Secrets Exposed.
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