You have a really nice way of presenting. Not mumbling, not stuttering, you know what you're talking about and deliver it clearly and understandably. I assume this is 7 1/4? I play about with this gauge myself. This B1 is a beautiful model. I like how everything like the controls are where they should be as per real life. :)
Thank you! 😃 I get rather bored of youtube films which are too long and rambling, so try to get straight to the point. Glad you like that style. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
This is one of the clearest and easiest to understand demonstrations of driving a steam loco that I've seen. Great work, thank you! I just wish I had one in my garden to play with!
Thank you very much! You may find there is a model engineering club/society within reach of you. Then you can "play trains" without having to start from scratch... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
That is very true! Or maybe it is a miniature locomotive and I am very pleased if the illusion of reality is achieved. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thanks for that!! Yes, it is much more difficult to explain technical things clearly than it is to tell a story. I will try to make some more little films now that the weather is rather better... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
You're welcome! It is more difficult to explain how things work than to tell a story. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Hi and glad you enjoyed it. Now the weather is getting better I will make some more... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you very much! I will be making some more little films during the summer... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for the great comment, I will now have to make some more little films!!... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
At 77 years of age and a train enthusiast all my life, I’m just learning how to drive a steam locomotive! Better late than never? Excellent video and thank you!
I am glad you found the video interesting. Maybe you can find a heritage railway near you which does driver experience days? They are great fun, if quite tiring. The best, in my opinion is at the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Ry. At 20 mph you are doing a scale 80 mph, rather faster than the 25 you can do on most full size heritage lines! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for your reply. I live in Stockport, near Manchester, so the Romney and Hythe is a bit remote for me. But your video has given me the thought that I might have a go some time. You have caused me to put it on my bucket list! Thanks again. Edward.
Glad you noticed that! Looking at your name, I think that you are probably quite used to giving machines the beans! In truth, I think that Bongo would do around 30 mph, but we don't often go above around 12. That is still a scale 100 mph. Max seen so far is just over 14. To go any faster you would need a rather longer straight (and well aligned) bit of track... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you very much, I am glad you enjoyed it and also that you appreciated the small locomotive. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you very much! It is quite tricky to tell a story on a technical matter, so I am glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
This is a superb informative and friendly description of haow a steam locomotive works. To the raw beginner all those taps and levers can feel as daunting as the cockpit of a 747 so to have them so clearly described here is very helpful. A delightful little film.
Thank you very much! I can remember as a kid looking at all the controls and just wanting to know what they all did and how they did it. Now, a big part of the hobby is passing on information to the next generation... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Excellent video, thank you. That is a magnificent Locomotive and a superbly engineered model. I always enjoy your interesting and entertaining videos about your Railway, builds, repairs, maintenance and operations. Cheers Paul
Glad you enjoyed it, now I must make some more... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for your magic comment, it is much appreciated. Bongo took me 6 years to build and another 2 to paint, but all good therapy for life! Now that "summer" is here, I will be making some more videos, so watch this space... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
I’m absolutely in awe of the painstaking detailed skill that goes into manufacture and maintenance of these machines. They are simply wonders of engineering, not made by industrial workshops, but by engineering hobbyists in home workshops. The only difference between this loco and a full size one is simply the size.
Thanks for your lovely comment, much appreciated! Yes, it took a lot of time to build Bongo - 6 years to make and a further 2 years to paint. Luckily the paint has worn very well. Yes, it is very similar to a full size machine - there is even a real sense of momentum as you build up speed. The momentum is even more obvious when you try to slow down in a hurry!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for your kind comment, much appreciated!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thanks for the great comment! Yes, I think you could drive a steam engine fairly quickly - when everything is going according to plan. It is when things start going wrong that it gets a bit more tricky. On full size railways, I always think that reading the signals must be the most difficult thing to learn... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for the lovely comment!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway We've happily managed to collect all of the Peter's Railway books over the years; they're fantastic books with the stories of the evolving Peter's Railway (and Grandpa's true tales), interspersed with the factual engineering pages - thoroughly recommend them!
Many thanks! Glad you liked the engine, it took 6 years to build and another 2 to paint!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you Christopher, we just discovered the channel despite being avid readers of your book series (big boy 37, little boy 5) Your description of the mechanics and delivery are first class!
Welcome aboard, and thank you for the great comment. I am very glad that both of you are enjoying the books: Writing them is fun, but it's no use if people don't read them!! Now summer is here, I will have to make some more videos... All best wishes Chris.
Thank you for your great comment and support. Much appreciated. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
That could get you out of a sticky situation! The real difficulty is what they call "learning the route". IE knowing what all the signals mean and how to sight the one which is controlling your track etc. Also, what to do when things go wrong... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you liked it! I will make some more videos this summer... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you very much! Passing on information about engineering and railways has become something very worthwhile for me. If people get something from it, I will keep on keeping on!... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
You have made my day! I only wish that you would reside somewhere in my neighborhood in Southern Tasmania. Your explanations and instructions are music to my ears. Professional, concise and deluveredt in a most pleasant manner. Wishing you many hours of pleasure with this superb locomotive. Respect and best regards.
Thanks for a lovely comment!! Yes, you are just a bit far away in S. Tasmania. Is it possible to get any further away??!! I will try to make some more videos during the summer. The only problem is the hours it takes to edit them in to a watchable film (IE to have some sort of story)... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Wow…. I’m amazed how much the driver and fireman had to do, the knowledge and experience must have been incredible… I worked for BR in 1971 at Watford Junction Carriage and Wagon sheds changing wheels/springs and repairing “Hot Boxes” on goods trucks etc… we still had one small steam pannier engine left but everything else was Diesel, given the chance I’d go back tomorrow! Thankyou for an informative video 👍🏻
Thanks for your interesting recollections of working for BR. I am surprised you even had one pannier tank left in 1971!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for your support, now I must make some more films during the summer... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for the lovely comment. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Hi, I lived in Arbroath from 1985-1991 as a bus driver for Strathtay Scottish, I remember taking my son on that little train! Wasn’t it next to Bali’s Night Club? and the Seaforth Hotel?
Sadly, I never went on Kerr's Miniature Railway - wish I had! It must have been fab. Have you visited the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. That is amazing! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you think so! It is much more difficult to explain things than to tell a story!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, a steam engine is very interconnected, with everything working together - most times... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
My pleasure! I have learnt so much from RUclips, it is good to be part of it. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
That was one of the most interesting and explained videos I have watched, it was very riveting and calmly explained I have learned so much. I have subscribed and look forward to the next, now of to watch any previous ones by you.
Glad it was helpful! I think it is important to give engineering information in a clear and simple way. I don't understand why most presenters have to say that xxx was the size of 6 football pitches! Why not 400 metres long etc. Apart from anything else, are they talking about the length or area of the football pitch, and, I have no idea how big a football pitch is. Sorry, rant over!!!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you very much! Glad you like Bongo, a large part of the fun is that apart from looking good and having lots of details, she works really well and feels quite similar to driving a full size engine. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, there is a lot more to the real thing than a simulator might have you believe. Especially when things don't work exactly as you expect, or you can't see the water level because it has got too dark or I have left my glasses somewhere round the line!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you enjoyed it. I will try to make some more during the summer...Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. It's such a pleasure to see someone in action who really knows what he is doing and can communicate it to others so effectively.
Thank you most kindly! It takes a long time to edit the videos, especially to make them tell some sort of story with a beginning, middle and end... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the lovely comment! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
It's the little details that make a model fun in my opinion. The charm of the hobby is recreating the original but smaller. The lamps can burn too, but they go out if a butterfly comes within about five yards!! C
Great video - I worked on the original engines at Darlington North Road Works in my early apprenticeship. A popular job for appretices was working on the refurbished cab reversing gear easing the screw control after they had come from the machine shop.
Very interesting. Funnily enough, I had to do a bit of running-in of the reversing screw on Bongo! I made a proper 2 start thread so it is quick acting, and then machined the nut to fit. A bit tight to start with is better than starting off loose and worn out before you even use it!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Nice video, Peter. Really liked looking at how 'Bongo' works. I've seen your books in a lot of heritage railway shops, one day I've told myself I'm going to buy one and see what theyre like. Keep up with the videos with Bongo.
Many thanks! Glad you liked the video, maybe now you will have another look at the book when you are at a steam railway. They are really written for children, but loads of adults seem to enjoy them too. I, jokingly, say the age range is 3 to 90!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas
Great to hear! A new part of the hobby for me is sharing and passing on some of the fun. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Yes it’s funny how two completely different types of machine have such similarities. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Yes, I could easily do a video about all the oiling points and where they lead to. It would be quite short and an easy video to edit (for a change!). Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you enjoyed it, now I shall have to make some more… Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Great video. I drive the full size versions on a heritage railway near me. Ive watched a few videos of minature steam locos being driven and often see them being driven in full gear all the time so it was good to see the use of the reverser to work with a lower cut off. I'd love to get a 7 1/4" loco one day.
Thank you very much! Yes, a lot of miniatures are driven in full gear all the time. I guess the cost of the coal isn't so important!! Enjoy driving the full size - I have driven them several times and the sense of momentum is awe inspiring! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for liking the engineering and loco. Yes, they are a mixture of engineering and art - the same as the originals! If I have helped in the inspiration department, I am pleased! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you enjoyed it! We have a plan on making a high speed railway video during the summer, so expect some more thrashing! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Very welcome and Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you enjoyed it - now that summer is with us at last, I will have to make some more! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
You are welcome! There is much magical science in a steam engine... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for the comment and Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
I am so glad you have enjoyed it and found it useful. I will try to make lots more little films!... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thanks for your lovely comment, much appreciated. Yes, the little bits make a model. The truth is, that if you want a good model then each part should be a mini project in its own right. Tea Cups, oil can, coal pick, brake valve, drivers seats etc. If you enjoy making each part, then the whole becomes so much better - if not quicker to finish!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you enjoyed it! Now that summer is here I will make some more films... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for your appreciation. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
That is a really good idea for a simple video. I will have to try to work out how best to film it. Possible from inside the cab, which would be a "real" driver's eye view. There are a few clips in the video you have just watched like this. Or, I could film it from the front buffer beam. This would be a better view of the line, but without the attraction of seeing the boiler - and realising how much it obscures the view in bends. Which sort of view would you prefer?? Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway A video from the front buffer beam showing the route would look very nice, but would I really like to see more cab clips like the ones in this video as it’s fascinating to watch how it all works! Or maybe a buffer beam film but with a cab view in the top corner? Or maybe even two round trips, one with the buffer beam view and the other with a cab view. Whatever’s best for you, Any of these would be fine as it is wonderful to watch! Thanks.
Finally ! This video is exactly what I desperately needed. Being a complete novice, I bought a fantastic "new" 5" BR Tank 2-6-2 at the latest Dreweatts transport auction and I - untill now - was really afraid to steam her up. Compressed air was the maximum I dared to go for. This weekend I will finally drive her at the local Antwerp Track. Thanks Peter !
Glad I could help! Hi Peter, this is just a quick reply: Enjoy your new locomotive, but just remember that the only thing that really matters is to keep an eye on the water level. If you get it too low you could damage the boiler. If it is copper there is unlikely to be a loud bang, but you will still spoil it. If the water level does get too low, IE out of sight in the bottom nut of the water gauge glass, then there is a simple and almost instant trick to save the day: Make sure you have a rag with you and stick it down the chimney (or hold it down over the chimney) and turn on the steam blower. The steam from the blower cannot then get up the chimney to draw the fire, but will flow back through the fire tubes and cool and dowse the fire. The firebox will be full of steam in a few seconds and that will prevent any damage. It may sound obvious, but not everyone knows this trick and, in a panic, it is easy not think straight. Enjoy!!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for the very informative video! I recently acquired a 5 inch gauge locomotive and this video definitely helps me as a beginner. Could you perhaps also do a video on boiler maintenance? Cleaning the fire-tubes, de-scaling, etcetera?
Great that you have acquired a 5" loco. I hope you have a good and friendly model engineering society near you. Yes, another video for this summer will be about putting the engine to bed after a hard day's steaming and cleaning the tubes etc. Enjoy your new machine! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Did you build that engine? I don't know what to say - that is utterly astonishing. It almost seems to scale in the cab. I really don't know how one has the skill and patience to make such a beautiful piece of art. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the great comment! Yes, I did build the engine and tried to make it as scale as possible but still a proper working machine. There are some compromises, but glad it looks ok in the film!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you enjoyed it, sharing is now part of the hobby for me. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Hi, another 2 questions; 1. How long is your track that you run on? 2. How many laps of the track can Bongo do with a full tender of water and coal? Thanks if you manage to answer
Hi again, and two good questions! 1, the track is around 200 metres from one end to the other. But, with the two loops, it is around 500 metres around the circuit. 2, I don't know the answer to that! But on some sunny afternoon I will find out... I think the water in the tender will run out before the coal. At least that was the case in full size. But currently, the limiting factor for a completely non-stop run is the capacity of the lubricators. They hold enough for around 20 laps. I expect the over-oil but that is preferable to having to rebuild the cylinders because they didn't have enough oil!!! Thanks for watching, Chris.
I just thought of a helpful feature on the gear crank! what if you calculated out where to put the gear depending on the degree of the slope, for keeping the speed without wasting too much coal, if that sort of makes sense? in simple terms, if you put the gear notch half way of forward it’s the most efficient at 9 degrees angle for an example!
That is a very cunning suggestion! In truth, that is what the engineers were encouraged to do on the full size engines. It was called driving on the reverser. So, to run efficiently, the idea was to get the regulator fully open and then control the speed of the engine/train using just the reverser. As the gradient got steeper, lengthen the cut-off. Reduce it again as the gradient lessened. The same for accelerating: Longer cut-off to accelerate, shorter cut-off to just maintain speed. I don't think the old drivers wrote down the settings, but just did it to achieve what was needed. There is a limit on many engines as to how short the cut-off can be - they start to run lumpily so you have to partially close the regulator if speed is getting too high. Also, on slide valve engines (where the steam pressure is pressing the valve onto the port face), the pressure in the steam chest is essentially full boiler pressure and the force on the valve is very high which causes wear on the valve itself, but also on the valvegear. So for slide valve engines, they didn't tend to drive with a full regulator and very short cut-offs. Glad you enjoyed the film! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
This was a lovely explanation of driving a steam locomotive. Having been firing on a locomotive on a preserved railway the part about the fire and water level was precisely what I learned, but I have to add one thing about injectors. You want to deal with them in a future video, so I'm not diving in the details, but just want to say that there is the non-lifting type like on your B1, and then there is the lifting type, where the actual injector is on the backhead. And I know that these can be really difficult to start, especially in hot weather and when the water level in the tender tank is below the height of the injector body. But as I not want to spoil future episodes on this channel I leave it to you to explain what the difference between the two types is, why the one can be more problematic than the other and how to solve, and the reason to choose for either lifting or non lifting types. (a hint is that the lifting type in my case is on a Swedish locomotive and one has just to think about the winters there)
Hi Tom, and thanks for your great comments. Yes, it will surprise many people how similar the little engines are to the full size ones. In this gauge, they even start to have plenty of momentum so the whole train feels like it should. I am looking forward to making an injector video: There is plenty to explain, mainly about the relationship between velocity and pressure. It is a miracle that Henri Giffard managed to invent his gadget with the very limited science known at the time. Apparently he invented it because he wanted a lightweight feed pump for a steam aeroplane!! Yes, Bongo's injectors are noticeably less easy to get to pick up when the weather is hot, but usually we get by somehow. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you liked it! Now that summer is, sort of, here, I will get on and make some more videos... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you. Yes, running it is a great pleasure, until something goes wrong!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
You got that right! In fact cooking was a part of one of my younger Peter's Railway books - The Picnic. You can see me and Peter cooking sausages in the firebox in the video ruclips.net/video/YdWKxDp-Ypc/видео.html Meanwhile, thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Your videos are excellent, they really are. I am trying to get back into 5" gauge and I never really understood a lot of it but now I do. Things have clicked in my brain as to why we need to do things and not just doing them. Thank you so much I have searched for the last few years for a decent video and never found one until I came across yours. Thanks so much again, Dan
Hi Dan, and thank you for such a lovely comment. It does take a long time to make some of these videos, and trying to make some sort of story when there are so many things going on in parallel takes ages!! If it has helped you get your mojo back, then I am well pleased (chuffed!). Maybe there is a model engineering club which you can join near you? Also, if you are thinking of buying a model loco, it is a great idea to take someone with you who is super-knowledgeable. There are are lots of locos which look great but don't work properly or have real flaws in them. Also there are plenty which look awful, but work beautifully!! Caveat Emptor etc. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway Thank you very much Chris, I am based in Kent and there are a few 3.5"/5" tracks near me so something like a Jinty/Molly in 3.5" would suit me. I will see how things go and check out the shop! Thank you, Dan
Grand! Just make sure it has outside cylinders and a silver soldered copper boiler with a current certificate. Also that you see it running! There are several clubs in Kent: Maidstone, Canterbury and Romney Marsh to name but three… C
I hope it was useful, especially if stranded on a steam train with no driver!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Love Peter’s Railway. You signed a few books for me. Love reading them. There is something magical and although children will enjoy them I think adults love them as equally.
That is really good to hear and thank you for the great comment. Writing the books is great fun, but knowing that people enjoy reading them is much better!! Thanks for watching, Chris.
Great video. I have a 5” gauge B1 but its not a patch on this. What a stunning loco. Is the railway your own, or a private/club track? Looks smart there
Thanks for the lovely comment. I am afraid the railway is on a private farm, but you are right, it is a good location. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway nice one Chris, i wasnt asking for an invite as such, just curious. I watched a couple of your other vids building yhe return loops ect, what a cracking job you have done with it. Any future plans at all like a passing loop or something?
Future plans... There are always plans, but some are more possible than others!! In fact a passing loop would be a good idea and wouldn't take up much space: I would have to make up two sets of points (turnouts). Equally, I would enjoy making some structures and fittings to make it feel like a railway: A signal box and some more signals would be good. Also, lights at suitable points to make night time running more interesting. There is something special about lights reflecting on wet rails at night... Food for thought... Chris.
My Dad was a steam train driver so would have loved this, he loved everything steam, he only got to drive steam trains for a few years before they brought in diesel trains but he was also a fireman on a steam train for 7 years which he said put muscles on his eyebrows! 🤣
Your Dad had the best job in the world, if only for a short time. I love the description of muscles on his eyebrows! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad to hear it! Now the summer is approaching I will have to make some more films... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you enjoyed it - it is the editing that takes so much time!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Amazing video Peter, I live on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent and we have a local miniature railway track which see's action in the summer time. I recently had the chance to ride on the New Romney, Hythe, Dymchurch, and Dungeness railway which I'd not been on for nearly 40 years....brought back a lot of childhood memories. Thanks for the great RUclips content.
Thanks for the great comment! Yes, the RHDR is a wonderful place. If Capt JEP Howey is looking down from on high, I think he will be well chuffed that his railway is still running, very much as he left it. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Hi Dave, thanks for your great comment! The question of cost of a similar loco is a bit like the length of a piece of string. My best suggestion is to look at some of the suppliers of new or used engines. You could enjoy browsing the website of Station Road Steam or The Steam Workshop. Maxitrak make some new models... Enjoy!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Awesome, thank you! Yes, we are very lucky that the farmer who built the original line made such a lovely job of it. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Wow, thanks. Now that the summer seems to be here, I will enjoy making more videos. Knowing that people enjoy them is what makes it worthwhile! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
No Worries. The next video will be more of a linear type - beginning middle and end. The trouble with the one I have just done is that it took hours, days and weeks to edit!!
Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for the lovely comment. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you very much! Yes, the loco weighs around 1/3 of a ton and the wagons must be at least that again. with some people on board, you have something like 2 tons on the move. Putting your shoes down as brakes is totally ineffective!! There is a lot to do, but now that the double loop is complete, one can settle down to a sort of routine - two shovelfuls of coal, injector on for half a lap etc. It would be great to have the injectors sized so that they run continuously once on the move, but that will take a bit more fine tuning!!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you liked it! Lifting the lid on some of the secrets of steam engines and railways has become a large part of the hobby for me now. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
When you're warming up the cylinders, do you need to do anything to warm up both ends? It looks like steam is only going in one side so you'd have one side still cold.
Hi John, that is a good question and very observant of you! I sometimes move the engine a little to allow steam to the other end of the cylinder, however if it is just left in one position, so that steam only goes to one end then I think it still warms up just fine. The iron of the whole cylinder block is a good conductor of heat so both ends get pretty hot. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for your great comment. I am glad you like them - they take ages to make, it's the editing them down to make some sort of story that takes the time! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you kindly! The idea is to encourage others to have a go at an amazing hobby! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you very much! Now the summer is here (sort of), I will have to make some more... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
That is a good comparison! Yes, it is a bit like that. Even has reverse which is more than Mr Honda has managed so far... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Watching it makes me miss my father. 50 years ago my father worked with the railroad. When I was a kid, I think I saw this type of fire truck. But it was so fuzzy I still have an idea that I want to make and have a train like yours. So that children can learn to fill their imaginations with value. And it's probably the first one in my country.
That is both glad and sad at the same time. It is funny how these memories come flooding back at times. I don't know where you are in the world, but if you can find a Model Engineering Society/Club within reach you will get lots of help and encouragement from them. Meanwhile, Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
really nice... why do you guide the condensed cylider water to the front? Is their a technical thought about it? thank you very much indeed :-) Is it to prevent the washing of oil away in the gears?
Thank you. Almost all British engines shot the cylinder drains' steam out to the front. I think that when the loco was starting out there would have been a large force of steam which might have disturbed the ballast stones and damaged the track. In the model, it is made like the prototype. Also, there was at least one incident when a driver opened the drains to alert men working on the track of their approach and avoid being hit. I think it must have been foggy or the men couldn't hear approaching trains for some reason. Can't remember which book I read that in or I could give rather less sketchy details! There aren't any gears in the locomotive, but there is plenty of oil on the exposed motion work. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
What a beautiful model ! My grandfather was a driver on the LMS . And in a very bad winter his engine got stuck in deep snow in a cutting . They were stuck there was three days . A farmer seeing their plight took food to them wading through snow up to his chest . The railway was terrible for nicknames . One of his palls who was also a driver . One day in a hurry to quickly wash . Put his head in a bucket of water . But didn't clean his neck . Ever afterword until the day he retired . Was was known as dirty neck . Sometimes people can be awfully cruel ! .
What a great story, thanks for passing it on. In one of my books, PR to the Rescue, there is a similar story when a fish train got stuck in snow in the Far North of Scotland line, near a place known to the drivers as Fairy Hillocks. They were stranded for some days and then took the fish on to market, deciding that it had been deep frozen! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Good question! In fact, as you get towards mid gear, the engine develops less power. (Bongo and some other engines will run in mid gear on "lead steam" and will run in whichever direction currently going. However if you go more towards reverse, then she will begin to pull the other way - but not with much power because the cut off will be very short. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you enjoyed it! Now that summer is here, I am looking forward to making some more little films... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Wow great video. Loved it. Can i ask whats the relationship between reducing regulator and/or notching up once underway. Seems both can be effective to conserve steam... Looking forward to the explanation of the injector.
Glad you liked the video. You ask a good question! I will try to answer it. The regulator, closing a little, will reduce the power output, but if the cut-off is left long (IE not linked up) then the steam is not being expanded in the cylinder so is less efficient. The correct way to drive an engine (within reason) is to have full regulator and then to drive on the reverser. IE, if you need more power you lengthen the cut-off - less power you shorten cut-off/link up. Then the steam is always being used as expansively as possible. This only works up to a certain extent because there are leakages past the valves in the cylinder and the engine can run lumpily when on very short cut-offs. It depends on how good the design of the valve gear is. Also, if the engine has slide valves (Bongo and other later engines almost always had piston valves), then there is a large load pushing the slide valve onto the valve face if the regulator is wide open. This causes a lot of friction and will wear out the valve gear rather quickly!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Glad you enjoyed it! Now that the weather is getting better I will have to make some more... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@PetersRailway I would personally enjoy seeing a video on the maintenance of Bongo and generally what you use and routine to clean the engine. Cheers Chris 👍😊
Funnily enough, a video about putting away (disposing) at the end of the day might be my next project. The only problem is what to call it? How to dispose of a locomotive is a bit ambiguous unless you are familiar with the term! I will try to film maintenance work as I do it. However it isn't always easy to film - maybe I can mount the camera on my head as I work??.... All best, C
@@PetersRailway"Filthy in 5 minutes?"! Used to drink with a bloke who fired then drove SR 0-6-0 freight engines in the 60s. Reckoned he finished work looking like the Black n White Minstrels. Nice name choice for Bongo. The "Antelope" class? Gazelle, Impala etc then they ran out of ideas.
@@Tranmere59 Yes, and some drivers used to wear a jacket and white gloves!! I decided that Bongo was a fun name and not too long if I was going to cut out the letters by hand with a fret saw! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
You have a really nice way of presenting. Not mumbling, not stuttering, you know what you're talking about and deliver it clearly and understandably. I assume this is 7 1/4? I play about with this gauge myself. This B1 is a beautiful model. I like how everything like the controls are where they should be as per real life. :)
Thank you! 😃 I get rather bored of youtube films which are too long and rambling, so try to get straight to the point. Glad you like that style. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
This is one of the clearest and easiest to understand demonstrations of driving a steam loco that I've seen. Great work, thank you! I just wish I had one in my garden to play with!
Thank you very much! You may find there is a model engineering club/society within reach of you. Then you can "play trains" without having to start from scratch... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Fun Fact: He's a giant driving the life sized locomotives
That is very true! Or maybe it is a miniature locomotive and I am very pleased if the illusion of reality is achieved. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Honestly, that's the most succinct description and demonstration of 'cut-off' I've seen so far!
Thanks for that!! Yes, it is much more difficult to explain technical things clearly than it is to tell a story. I will try to make some more little films now that the weather is rather better... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
A really clear explation of how steam locomotives are driven and fired, and how the cab controls work. Thank you.
You're welcome! It is more difficult to explain how things work than to tell a story. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Magnificent video Peter, you never disappoint!! Always love your videos. The epitome of Britishness 🫡 thanks from Edinburgh 🇬🇧
Hi and glad you enjoyed it. Now the weather is getting better I will make some more... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
That's a stunning locomotive, the workmanship is first rate. This is an inspiring video.
Thank you very much! I will be making some more little films during the summer... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Deeply impressive on every level.
Thank you for the great comment, I will now have to make some more little films!!... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Beautiful locomotive and excellent explanation of how to drive it.
Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
At 77 years of age and a train enthusiast all my life, I’m just learning how to drive a steam locomotive! Better late than never? Excellent video and thank you!
I am glad you found the video interesting. Maybe you can find a heritage railway near you which does driver experience days? They are great fun, if quite tiring. The best, in my opinion is at the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Ry. At 20 mph you are doing a scale 80 mph, rather faster than the 25 you can do on most full size heritage lines! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for your reply. I live in Stockport, near Manchester, so the Romney and Hythe is a bit remote for me. But your video has given me the thought that I might have a go some time. You have caused me to put it on my bucket list! Thanks again. Edward.
@@edwardwilson4974 Hi Edward, yes not very close! However, do get in touch if you are heading down this way... All best, Chris.
I do love how you’re not afraid to give it full beans. Confidence in your own engineering. Well done and thank you.
Glad you noticed that! Looking at your name, I think that you are probably quite used to giving machines the beans! In truth, I think that Bongo would do around 30 mph, but we don't often go above around 12. That is still a scale 100 mph. Max seen so far is just over 14. To go any faster you would need a rather longer straight (and well aligned) bit of track... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
This is a superb model of real steam "miniature" locomotive - not to speak about the video by itself ! Congratulations...
Thank you very much, I am glad you enjoyed it and also that you appreciated the small locomotive. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thanks for this great film.
Greetings from Germany
Thank you and greetings from the UK!!! All best wishes, Chris.
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL locomotive! Very enjoyable & informative video. 🙂
Thank you very much! It is quite tricky to tell a story on a technical matter, so I am glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Wow. What a work of art.
Thank you for the splendid comment, I am glad you liked it! Thanks for watching, Chris.
This is a superb informative and friendly description of haow a steam locomotive works. To the raw beginner all those taps and levers can feel as daunting as the cockpit of a 747 so to have them so clearly described here is very helpful. A delightful little film.
Thank you very much! I can remember as a kid looking at all the controls and just wanting to know what they all did and how they did it. Now, a big part of the hobby is passing on information to the next generation... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Excellent video, thank you. That is a magnificent Locomotive and a superbly engineered model. I always enjoy your interesting and entertaining videos about your Railway, builds, repairs, maintenance and operations. Cheers Paul
Glad you enjoyed it. Now that summer is approaching I will have to make some more videos, thanks for your support, it is much appreciated! Chris.
Great video Peter. Really enjoyed it. Good inspiration for all the new comers to the hobby. 😊
Glad you enjoyed it, now I must make some more... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
This is the best demonstration of the mysteries of how a steam engine works! What a beautiful locomotive Christopher you are indeed a talented man! 😊
Thank you for your magic comment, it is much appreciated. Bongo took me 6 years to build and another 2 to paint, but all good therapy for life! Now that "summer" is here, I will be making some more videos, so watch this space... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
I’m absolutely in awe of the painstaking detailed skill that goes into manufacture and maintenance of these machines. They are simply wonders of engineering, not made by industrial workshops, but by engineering hobbyists in home workshops. The only difference between this loco and a full size one is simply the size.
Thanks for your lovely comment, much appreciated! Yes, it took a lot of time to build Bongo - 6 years to make and a further 2 years to paint. Luckily the paint has worn very well. Yes, it is very similar to a full size machine - there is even a real sense of momentum as you build up speed. The momentum is even more obvious when you try to slow down in a hurry!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
lovely explaination sir great said by daniel petere
Thank you for your kind comment, much appreciated!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Your descriptions are precise and detailed. I feel like I could drive this engine on my own!
Thanks for the great comment! Yes, I think you could drive a steam engine fairly quickly - when everything is going according to plan. It is when things start going wrong that it gets a bit more tricky. On full size railways, I always think that reading the signals must be the most difficult thing to learn... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
What a beautiful piece of mechanical engineering! Looking forward to those future in-depth videos too!
Thank you for the lovely comment!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway We've happily managed to collect all of the Peter's Railway books over the years; they're fantastic books with the stories of the evolving Peter's Railway (and Grandpa's true tales), interspersed with the factual engineering pages - thoroughly recommend them!
I hadn't realised that KYZ was you and your family!! Looking forward to a railway date during the summer...
This is a lovely, clear explanation. Oh, and a beautiful locomotive.
Many thanks! Glad you liked the engine, it took 6 years to build and another 2 to paint!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you Christopher, we just discovered the channel despite being avid readers of your book series (big boy 37, little boy 5)
Your description of the mechanics and delivery are first class!
Welcome aboard, and thank you for the great comment. I am very glad that both of you are enjoying the books: Writing them is fun, but it's no use if people don't read them!! Now summer is here, I will have to make some more videos...
All best wishes Chris.
This was a really wonderful explanation of how a steam locomotive works!
Thank you for your great comment and support. Much appreciated. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
A true MASTER CLASS . Such an in-depth explanation. I feel I could drive one in an emergency now. Thank you so much.👍🏻👍🏻🙂
That could get you out of a sticky situation! The real difficulty is what they call "learning the route". IE knowing what all the signals mean and how to sight the one which is controlling your track etc. Also, what to do when things go wrong... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
A wonderful machine, brilliantly demonstrated and explained.
Glad you liked it! I will make some more videos this summer... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
That was an outstanding video about the operation of a steam Locomotive.
Thank you very much! Passing on information about engineering and railways has become something very worthwhile for me. If people get something from it, I will keep on keeping on!... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
You have made my day!
I only wish that you would reside somewhere in my neighborhood in Southern Tasmania.
Your explanations and instructions are music to my ears.
Professional, concise and deluveredt in a most pleasant manner.
Wishing you many hours of pleasure with this superb locomotive.
Respect and best regards.
Thanks for a lovely comment!! Yes, you are just a bit far away in S. Tasmania. Is it possible to get any further away??!! I will try to make some more videos during the summer. The only problem is the hours it takes to edit them in to a watchable film (IE to have some sort of story)... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Wow…. I’m amazed how much the driver and fireman had to do, the knowledge and experience must have been incredible… I worked for BR in 1971 at Watford Junction Carriage and Wagon sheds changing wheels/springs and repairing “Hot Boxes” on goods trucks etc… we still had one small steam pannier engine left but everything else was Diesel, given the chance I’d go back tomorrow! Thankyou for an informative video 👍🏻
Thanks for your interesting recollections of working for BR. I am surprised you even had one pannier tank left in 1971!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
I remember the Red Pannier Tank Engine at Watford Junction.
Wait Watford junction in peterbourgh in the uk?
@@Subfor10cookies Watford junction “Hertfordshire”
That was absolutely amazing. A true art in its purest form. Thanks for sharing 👍
Thank you for your support, now I must make some more films during the summer... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Wonderful film...I learned so much!
Thank you for the lovely comment. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Takes me back to driving Firefly (Kerr's) in Arbroath back in the day.
Hi, I lived in Arbroath from 1985-1991 as a bus driver for Strathtay Scottish, I remember taking my son on that little train! Wasn’t it next to Bali’s Night Club? and the Seaforth Hotel?
Sadly, I never went on Kerr's Miniature Railway - wish I had! It must have been fab. Have you visited the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. That is amazing! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Excellent! Clarity of explanation very good indeed.
Glad you think so! It is much more difficult to explain things than to tell a story!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Fantastic video. I've always wanted to know how everything interconnects, and your description and narrative is excellent. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, a steam engine is very interconnected, with everything working together - most times... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
The things you can learn on RUclips..GREAT, thanks.
My pleasure! I have learnt so much from RUclips, it is good to be part of it. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
That was one of the most interesting and explained videos I have watched, it was very riveting and calmly explained I have learned so much. I have subscribed and look forward to the next, now of to watch any previous ones by you.
Glad it was helpful! I think it is important to give engineering information in a clear and simple way. I don't understand why most presenters have to say that xxx was the size of 6 football pitches! Why not 400 metres long etc. Apart from anything else, are they talking about the length or area of the football pitch, and, I have no idea how big a football pitch is. Sorry, rant over!!!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Excellent video! Well explained, and what a beautiful piece of machinery!
Thank you very much! Glad you like Bongo, a large part of the fun is that apart from looking good and having lots of details, she works really well and feels quite similar to driving a full size engine. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Learned a lot more than I expected, really enjoyed it, thank you, it's one thing when driving in a Train Sim and in the real world.
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, there is a lot more to the real thing than a simulator might have you believe. Especially when things don't work exactly as you expect, or you can't see the water level because it has got too dark or I have left my glasses somewhere round the line!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
A gem of a video, thank you Peter.
Glad you enjoyed it. I will try to make some more during the summer...Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. It's such a pleasure to see someone in action who really knows what he is doing and can communicate it to others so effectively.
Thank you most kindly! It takes a long time to edit the videos, especially to make them tell some sort of story with a beginning, middle and end... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
I have learnt so much. Thank you. And what a beautiful locomotive.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the lovely comment! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Very interesting. You fill the tender with the water crane. Just love the billy can and 2 mugs over the fire hole door.
It's the little details that make a model fun in my opinion. The charm of the hobby is recreating the original but smaller. The lamps can burn too, but they go out if a butterfly comes within about five yards!! C
Great video - I worked on the original engines at Darlington North Road Works in my early apprenticeship. A popular job for appretices was working on the refurbished cab reversing gear easing the screw control after they had come from the machine shop.
Very interesting. Funnily enough, I had to do a bit of running-in of the reversing screw on Bongo! I made a proper 2 start thread so it is quick acting, and then machined the nut to fit. A bit tight to start with is better than starting off loose and worn out before you even use it!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Nice video, Peter. Really liked looking at how 'Bongo' works. I've seen your books in a lot of heritage railway shops, one day I've told myself I'm going to buy one and see what theyre like. Keep up with the videos with Bongo.
Many thanks! Glad you liked the video, maybe now you will have another look at the book when you are at a steam railway. They are really written for children, but loads of adults seem to enjoy them too. I, jokingly, say the age range is 3 to 90!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas
That was fantastic, I understand so much more now!
Great to hear! A new part of the hobby for me is sharing and passing on some of the fun. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
That beat from the firebox is an example of how a Piston works it sounds just like how a combustion engine sounds.
Yes it’s funny how two completely different types of machine have such similarities. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Loved this sir. Do you plan to show all the Lubrication points on that beautiful Steam Engine?
Yes, I could easily do a video about all the oiling points and where they lead to. It would be quite short and an easy video to edit (for a change!). Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
what a brilliant video.. thankyou
Glad you enjoyed it, now I shall have to make some more… Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Great video.
I drive the full size versions on a heritage railway near me. Ive watched a few videos of minature steam locos being driven and often see them being driven in full gear all the time so it was good to see the use of the reverser to work with a lower cut off.
I'd love to get a 7 1/4" loco one day.
Thank you very much! Yes, a lot of miniatures are driven in full gear all the time. I guess the cost of the coal isn't so important!! Enjoy driving the full size - I have driven them several times and the sense of momentum is awe inspiring! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway I read your books to my son when he was younger. Hes also got the railway bug, hoping we can share a footplate in a few years.
I will look forward to that. I get about the country quite a bit, so hope to bump into you one day!!... Chris.
Bongo is not only an engineering marvel, she is a work of art too. Well done You, and thank you for inspiring my imagination .
Thank you for liking the engineering and loco. Yes, they are a mixture of engineering and art - the same as the originals! If I have helped in the inspiration department, I am pleased! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Brilliant stuff, well explained. Loved the thrashing at the end.
Glad you enjoyed it! We have a plan on making a high speed railway video during the summer, so expect some more thrashing! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Very informative, thanks
Very welcome and Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Brilliant video. Enjoyed it, thanks
Glad you enjoyed it - now that summer is with us at last, I will have to make some more! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you so much for sharing your impeccable knowledge! I always wanted to know how the reverse works on the steam locomotives. 😃
You are welcome! There is much magical science in a steam engine... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Fantastic video, well presented and all very well explained, well done !!!!
Thank you for the comment and Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
I'm learning about steam power. You show so much in a short time you my friend are a great person thank you
I am so glad you have enjoyed it and found it useful. I will try to make lots more little films!... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
I absolutely love how scale everything is in the cab, especially the coffee/tea cups and thermos. 👍👍
Thanks for your lovely comment, much appreciated. Yes, the little bits make a model. The truth is, that if you want a good model then each part should be a mini project in its own right. Tea Cups, oil can, coal pick, brake valve, drivers seats etc. If you enjoy making each part, then the whole becomes so much better - if not quicker to finish!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
I really enjoyed that. Great tutorial.
Glad you enjoyed it! Now that summer is here I will make some more films... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
i must say, it really is a special thing, such an engine! Beautiful.
Thank you for your appreciation.
Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
This is amazing! I don’t suppose you could do a Drivers Eye View of a full round trip of the layout? That would be awesome! Thanks
That is a really good idea for a simple video. I will have to try to work out how best to film it. Possible from inside the cab, which would be a "real" driver's eye view. There are a few clips in the video you have just watched like this. Or, I could film it from the front buffer beam. This would be a better view of the line, but without the attraction of seeing the boiler - and realising how much it obscures the view in bends. Which sort of view would you prefer?? Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway A video from the front buffer beam showing the route would look very nice, but would I really like to see more cab clips like the ones in this video as it’s fascinating to watch how it all works! Or maybe a buffer beam film but with a cab view in the top corner? Or maybe even two round trips, one with the buffer beam view and the other with a cab view. Whatever’s best for you, Any of these would be fine as it is wonderful to watch! Thanks.
Thanks. I will have a look at that idea. The trouble with looking through the window is that it is tricky to get it all in focus. C.
Finally ! This video is exactly what I desperately needed. Being a complete novice, I bought a fantastic "new" 5" BR Tank 2-6-2 at the latest Dreweatts transport auction and I - untill now - was really afraid to steam her up. Compressed air was the maximum I dared to go for. This weekend I will finally drive her at the local Antwerp Track. Thanks Peter !
Glad I could help! Hi Peter, this is just a quick reply: Enjoy your new locomotive, but just remember that the only thing that really matters is to keep an eye on the water level. If you get it too low you could damage the boiler. If it is copper there is unlikely to be a loud bang, but you will still spoil it.
If the water level does get too low, IE out of sight in the bottom nut of the water gauge glass, then there is a simple and almost instant trick to save the day: Make sure you have a rag with you and stick it down the chimney (or hold it down over the chimney) and turn on the steam blower. The steam from the blower cannot then get up the chimney to draw the fire, but will flow back through the fire tubes and cool and dowse the fire. The firebox will be full of steam in a few seconds and that will prevent any damage. It may sound obvious, but not everyone knows this trick and, in a panic, it is easy not think straight.
Enjoy!!!
Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Thank you for the very informative video! I recently acquired a 5 inch gauge locomotive and this video definitely helps me as a beginner. Could you perhaps also do a video on boiler maintenance? Cleaning the fire-tubes, de-scaling, etcetera?
Great that you have acquired a 5" loco. I hope you have a good and friendly model engineering society near you. Yes, another video for this summer will be about putting the engine to bed after a hard day's steaming and cleaning the tubes etc. Enjoy your new machine! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Did you build that engine? I don't know what to say - that is utterly astonishing. It almost seems to scale in the cab. I really don't know how one has the skill and patience to make such a beautiful piece of art. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the great comment! Yes, I did build the engine and tried to make it as scale as possible but still a proper working machine. There are some compromises, but glad it looks ok in the film!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Brilliant video, thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it, sharing is now part of the hobby for me. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Wonderful explanation
Thank you! Chris.
Hi, another 2 questions;
1. How long is your track that you run on?
2. How many laps of the track can Bongo do with a full tender of water and coal?
Thanks if you manage to answer
Hi again, and two good questions!
1, the track is around 200 metres from one end to the other. But, with the two loops, it is around 500 metres around the circuit.
2, I don't know the answer to that! But on some sunny afternoon I will find out... I think the water in the tender will run out before the coal. At least that was the case in full size. But currently, the limiting factor for a completely non-stop run is the capacity of the lubricators. They hold enough for around 20 laps. I expect the over-oil but that is preferable to having to rebuild the cylinders because they didn't have enough oil!!!
Thanks for watching, Chris.
I just thought of a helpful feature on the gear crank!
what if you calculated out where to put the gear depending on the degree of the slope, for keeping the speed without wasting too much coal, if that sort of makes sense?
in simple terms, if you put the gear notch half way of forward it’s the most efficient at 9 degrees angle for an example!
That is a very cunning suggestion! In truth, that is what the engineers were encouraged to do on the full size engines. It was called driving on the reverser. So, to run efficiently, the idea was to get the regulator fully open and then control the speed of the engine/train using just the reverser. As the gradient got steeper, lengthen the cut-off. Reduce it again as the gradient lessened. The same for accelerating: Longer cut-off to accelerate, shorter cut-off to just maintain speed. I don't think the old drivers wrote down the settings, but just did it to achieve what was needed.
There is a limit on many engines as to how short the cut-off can be - they start to run lumpily so you have to partially close the regulator if speed is getting too high.
Also, on slide valve engines (where the steam pressure is pressing the valve onto the port face), the pressure in the steam chest is essentially full boiler pressure and the force on the valve is very high which causes wear on the valve itself, but also on the valvegear. So for slide valve engines, they didn't tend to drive with a full regulator and very short cut-offs.
Glad you enjoyed the film!
Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway thank you for the lecture Chris, interesting to hear!
Hope you have a great rest of our weekend
@@-lucas-3854 Good weekend to you as well!
This was a lovely explanation of driving a steam locomotive.
Having been firing on a locomotive on a preserved railway the part about the fire and water level was precisely what I learned, but I have to add one thing about injectors.
You want to deal with them in a future video, so I'm not diving in the details, but just want to say that there is the non-lifting type like on your B1, and then there is the lifting type, where the actual injector is on the backhead.
And I know that these can be really difficult to start, especially in hot weather and when the water level in the tender tank is below the height of the injector body.
But as I not want to spoil future episodes on this channel I leave it to you to explain what the difference between the two types is, why the one can be more problematic than the other and how to solve, and the reason to choose for either lifting or non lifting types. (a hint is that the lifting type in my case is on a Swedish locomotive and one has just to think about the winters there)
Hi Tom, and thanks for your great comments. Yes, it will surprise many people how similar the little engines are to the full size ones. In this gauge, they even start to have plenty of momentum so the whole train feels like it should.
I am looking forward to making an injector video: There is plenty to explain, mainly about the relationship between velocity and pressure. It is a miracle that Henri Giffard managed to invent his gadget with the very limited science known at the time. Apparently he invented it because he wanted a lightweight feed pump for a steam aeroplane!!
Yes, Bongo's injectors are noticeably less easy to get to pick up when the weather is hot, but usually we get by somehow. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Great fun. Very clearly explained.
Glad you liked it! Now that summer is, sort of, here, I will get on and make some more videos... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
An excellent engine and video. Who wouldn’t want to run one of these. ❤
Thank you. Yes, running it is a great pleasure, until something goes wrong!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
The fireman’s next most important job is cooking the bacon and eggs on the coal shovel in the firebox 😉
Fantastic explanation, by the way!
You got that right! In fact cooking was a part of one of my younger Peter's Railway books - The Picnic. You can see me and Peter cooking sausages in the firebox in the video ruclips.net/video/YdWKxDp-Ypc/видео.html Meanwhile, thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Your videos are excellent, they really are. I am trying to get back into 5" gauge and I never really understood a lot of it but now I do. Things have clicked in my brain as to why we need to do things and not just doing them. Thank you so much I have searched for the last few years for a decent video and never found one until I came across yours. Thanks so much again, Dan
Hi Dan, and thank you for such a lovely comment. It does take a long time to make some of these videos, and trying to make some sort of story when there are so many things going on in parallel takes ages!! If it has helped you get your mojo back, then I am well pleased (chuffed!). Maybe there is a model engineering club which you can join near you? Also, if you are thinking of buying a model loco, it is a great idea to take someone with you who is super-knowledgeable. There are are lots of locos which look great but don't work properly or have real flaws in them. Also there are plenty which look awful, but work beautifully!! Caveat Emptor etc. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway Thank you very much Chris, I am based in Kent and there are a few 3.5"/5" tracks near me so something like a Jinty/Molly in 3.5" would suit me. I will see how things go and check out the shop! Thank you, Dan
Grand! Just make sure it has outside cylinders and a silver soldered copper boiler with a current certificate. Also that you see it running!
There are several clubs in Kent: Maidstone, Canterbury and Romney Marsh to name but three… C
@@PetersRailway Yes I am a member of Romney Marsh! Thanks for all your advice :)
@@danprice7973 You are all set for a great re-start to the hobby then!!
A excellent explanation how to drive a Steam Locomotive Thank You,Ian.
I hope it was useful, especially if stranded on a steam train with no driver!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Love Peter’s Railway. You signed a few books for me. Love reading them. There is something magical and although children will enjoy them I think adults love them as equally.
That is really good to hear and thank you for the great comment. Writing the books is great fun, but knowing that people enjoy reading them is much better!! Thanks for watching, Chris.
Great video. I have a 5” gauge B1 but its not a patch on this. What a stunning loco.
Is the railway your own, or a private/club track? Looks smart there
Thanks for the lovely comment. I am afraid the railway is on a private farm, but you are right, it is a good location. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway nice one Chris, i wasnt asking for an invite as such, just curious.
I watched a couple of your other vids building yhe return loops ect, what a cracking job you have done with it.
Any future plans at all like a passing loop or something?
Future plans... There are always plans, but some are more possible than others!! In fact a passing loop would be a good idea and wouldn't take up much space: I would have to make up two sets of points (turnouts). Equally, I would enjoy making some structures and fittings to make it feel like a railway: A signal box and some more signals would be good. Also, lights at suitable points to make night time running more interesting. There is something special about lights reflecting on wet rails at night... Food for thought... Chris.
My Dad was a steam train driver so would have loved this, he loved everything steam, he only got to drive steam trains for a few years before they brought in diesel trains but he was also a fireman on a steam train for 7 years which he said put muscles on his eyebrows! 🤣
Your Dad had the best job in the world, if only for a short time. I love the description of muscles on his eyebrows! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Amazing video! Learned a lot from it 👍
Glad to hear it! Now the summer is approaching I will have to make some more films... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Brilliant video/work.
Glad you enjoyed it - it is the editing that takes so much time!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Amazing video Peter, I live on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent and we have a local miniature railway track which see's action in the summer time. I recently had the chance to ride on the New Romney, Hythe, Dymchurch, and Dungeness railway which I'd not been on for nearly 40 years....brought back a lot of childhood memories.
Thanks for the great RUclips content.
Thanks for the great comment! Yes, the RHDR is a wonderful place. If Capt JEP Howey is looking down from on high, I think he will be well chuffed that his railway is still running, very much as he left it. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
That was fantastic. Thank you for explaining. Just out of interest how much would it cost to buy an equivalent Engine and Tender to 8306?
Hi Dave, thanks for your great comment! The question of cost of a similar loco is a bit like the length of a piece of string. My best suggestion is to look at some of the suppliers of new or used engines. You could enjoy browsing the website of Station Road Steam or The Steam Workshop. Maxitrak make some new models... Enjoy!!
Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Absolutely enjoyed this video! Found it very informative and relaxing at the same time. Such a charming little railway you have 😊
Awesome, thank you! Yes, we are very lucky that the farmer who built the original line made such a lovely job of it. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Hi Chris well explained lovely video
I could listen to your voice all day 👍🏻👍🏻
Wow, thanks. Now that the summer seems to be here, I will enjoy making more videos. Knowing that people enjoy them is what makes it worthwhile! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway good evening Chris look forwards to your next instalment 👍🏻
Thank you again for your information on your books kind regards Glen
No Worries. The next video will be more of a linear type - beginning middle and end. The trouble with the one I have just done is that it took hours, days and weeks to edit!!
@@PetersRailway keep up the good work it’s really appreciated 👍🏻
Fantastic!
Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Very interessting and nice to watch! Thank you 🙂
Thank you for the lovely comment. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Wow. When you opened the regulator wide ... that was quite an impressive response ! Well done for doubling as driver and fireman.
Thank you very much! Yes, the loco weighs around 1/3 of a ton and the wagons must be at least that again. with some people on board, you have something like 2 tons on the move. Putting your shoes down as brakes is totally ineffective!! There is a lot to do, but now that the double loop is complete, one can settle down to a sort of routine - two shovelfuls of coal, injector on for half a lap etc. It would be great to have the injectors sized so that they run continuously once on the move, but that will take a bit more fine tuning!!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Fantastic lesson in driving & explanation of how it works 👍🏻
Glad you liked it! Lifting the lid on some of the secrets of steam engines and railways has become a large part of the hobby for me now. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
When you're warming up the cylinders, do you need to do anything to warm up both ends? It looks like steam is only going in one side so you'd have one side still cold.
Hi John, that is a good question and very observant of you! I sometimes move the engine a little to allow steam to the other end of the cylinder, however if it is just left in one position, so that steam only goes to one end then I think it still warms up just fine. The iron of the whole cylinder block is a good conductor of heat so both ends get pretty hot. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
My goodness your videos are so well done.
Thank you for your great comment. I am glad you like them - they take ages to make, it's the editing them down to make some sort of story that takes the time! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Nicely presented, you have a quality knowledge and enthusiasm
Thank you kindly! The idea is to encourage others to have a go at an amazing hobby! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
That was a brilliant video :)
Thank you very much! Now the summer is here (sort of), I will have to make some more... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway I have read and re read your books many times as a kid, they are super!
Thank you for that lovely reply. I have given it a thumbs up!! Chris.
greatly enjoyed seeing the explanation for the original VVT system!
That is a good comparison! Yes, it is a bit like that. Even has reverse which is more than Mr Honda has managed so far... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Watching it makes me miss my father. 50 years ago my father worked with the railroad. When I was a kid, I think I saw this type of fire truck. But it was so fuzzy
I still have an idea that I want to make and have a train like yours. So that children can learn to fill their imaginations with value. And it's probably the first one in my country.
That is both glad and sad at the same time. It is funny how these memories come flooding back at times. I don't know where you are in the world, but if you can find a Model Engineering Society/Club within reach you will get lots of help and encouragement from them. Meanwhile, Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
really nice... why do you guide the condensed cylider water to the front? Is their a technical thought about it? thank you very much indeed :-) Is it to prevent the washing of oil away in the gears?
Thank you. Almost all British engines shot the cylinder drains' steam out to the front. I think that when the loco was starting out there would have been a large force of steam which might have disturbed the ballast stones and damaged the track. In the model, it is made like the prototype. Also, there was at least one incident when a driver opened the drains to alert men working on the track of their approach and avoid being hit. I think it must have been foggy or the men couldn't hear approaching trains for some reason. Can't remember which book I read that in or I could give rather less sketchy details! There aren't any gears in the locomotive, but there is plenty of oil on the exposed motion work. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway thank you Peter for the explanation and the link to your interesting books!
@@The123pcr It is my pleasure!! Chris
What a beautiful model ! My grandfather was a driver on the LMS . And in a very bad winter his engine got stuck in deep snow in a cutting . They were stuck there was three days . A farmer seeing their plight took food to them wading through snow up to his chest . The railway was terrible for nicknames . One of his palls who was also a driver . One day in a hurry to quickly wash . Put his head in a bucket of water . But didn't clean his neck . Ever afterword until the day he retired . Was was known as dirty neck . Sometimes people can be awfully cruel !
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What a great story, thanks for passing it on. In one of my books, PR to the Rescue, there is a similar story when a fish train got stuck in snow in the Far North of Scotland line, near a place known to the drivers as Fairy Hillocks. They were stranded for some days and then took the fish on to market, deciding that it had been deep frozen! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
So if you notch up too much can't you accidentally go into reverse?
Brilliant vid. Many thanks from NZ.
Good question! In fact, as you get towards mid gear, the engine develops less power. (Bongo and some other engines will run in mid gear on "lead steam" and will run in whichever direction currently going. However if you go more towards reverse, then she will begin to pull the other way - but not with much power because the cut off will be very short. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@@PetersRailway I get it, thanks. And yes, I am considerably closer to 90 than I am to 3. 😁👍
Enjoy being less young and not having to do as you are told!! C
@@PetersRailway Haha, yes, I do. In 1:1 and 1:76. 😁
Marvellous stuff, thank you
Glad you enjoyed it! Now that summer is here, I am looking forward to making some more little films... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Wow great video. Loved it. Can i ask whats the relationship between reducing regulator and/or notching up once underway. Seems both can be effective to conserve steam... Looking forward to the explanation of the injector.
Glad you liked the video. You ask a good question! I will try to answer it. The regulator, closing a little, will reduce the power output, but if the cut-off is left long (IE not linked up) then the steam is not being expanded in the cylinder so is less efficient. The correct way to drive an engine (within reason) is to have full regulator and then to drive on the reverser. IE, if you need more power you lengthen the cut-off - less power you shorten cut-off/link up. Then the steam is always being used as expansively as possible.
This only works up to a certain extent because there are leakages past the valves in the cylinder and the engine can run lumpily when on very short cut-offs. It depends on how good the design of the valve gear is. Also, if the engine has slide valves (Bongo and other later engines almost always had piston valves), then there is a large load pushing the slide valve onto the valve face if the regulator is wide open. This causes a lot of friction and will wear out the valve gear rather quickly!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Fantastic video Chris!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Now that the weather is getting better I will have to make some more... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
@PetersRailway I would personally enjoy seeing a video on the maintenance of Bongo and generally what you use and routine to clean the engine. Cheers Chris 👍😊
Funnily enough, a video about putting away (disposing) at the end of the day might be my next project. The only problem is what to call it? How to dispose of a locomotive is a bit ambiguous unless you are familiar with the term! I will try to film maintenance work as I do it. However it isn't always easy to film - maybe I can mount the camera on my head as I work??.... All best, C
@@PetersRailway"Filthy in 5 minutes?"! Used to drink with a bloke who fired then drove SR 0-6-0 freight engines in the 60s.
Reckoned he finished work looking like the Black n White Minstrels.
Nice name choice for Bongo. The "Antelope" class? Gazelle, Impala etc then they ran out of ideas.
@@Tranmere59 Yes, and some drivers used to wear a jacket and white gloves!! I decided that Bongo was a fun name and not too long if I was going to cut out the letters by hand with a fret saw! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.