Re-awakening a forgotten Hornby Live Steam Mallard after ten years.

[runs as required]

I’ll admit at the outset of this thread to being a Mr Toad - driven by a new enthusiasm. 

.

Just before Christmas I escaped a miserable wet snowy afternoon by hurrying through the door of the RailexNE exhibition in North Tyneside.

Immediately the intoxicating smell of hot oil and steam wafted past me and I was hooked.

The source of the ‘parfum’ I traced to more of a science lab of a exhibition stand than the usual landscaped layout.

 

Locos with steam up regarded me almost at eye level –  predominantly Hornby Gresley Pacifics, but centre stage was a splendid dark grey Hush Hush 4-6-4, and a dignified LMS maroon Duchess. There were other LMS locos and a Class 5 BR Standard (in brass) being readied for duty.
 

Rather than hide away behind their treasures, members of the OO Live Steam Club stood in front, enjoying engaging with passers-by

That’s how I learned they were all related to my 'Unwanted Gift' of a Mallard Live Steam set stowed away up in our loft forgotten since 2005!
It had been my son's Christmas idea to get us all back into trains with his young son (now 15), but after several unsuccessful attempts to tame "the livid beast" we’d reverted back to dusting down the old DC stuff.

 

With the back story out of the way, let me tell you I've now fetched the big box down from the attic.  I’ve also joined the OOLS Club (its free) who are proving most helpful and welcoming.

 

 

On New Year's Day I got the Mallard Set all assembled together (minus the track oval) on my wife’s ping pong table. After a first fill of the tender with Hornby Distilled water, (promptly mailed by the keeper of the Club Shop) and on the Controller Superheat setting, Mallard started blowing off smoke rings in little pips at the safety valve.
 

Accompanied by that great SMELL !

I can demonstrate to you the controversially vague Hornby controls for the loco here  and (with the loco body removed) explain the ingenious miniature steam mechanism here

 

With her drivers clear of track (I’m awaiting the arrival of a rolling road off Ebay) I commenced notching the handle across to the stop.

(see my driving video in post#10 below)

It was thrilling to see the drivers suddenly spin - and with few more notches up, they spun faster. By notching to the opposite stop I managed to slow, then she stopped.
With about 15 minutes of steam raised from the boiler filling, I got the drivers spinning two or three more times, in reverse then forwards again

I came away very pleased to discover all seems to be functioning, though I cannot honestly claim to have been really in control.  

 

Its just the driver that needs training up. (and also about how to post the video I made of attempting to drive the loco using the Hornby controller.)

 

dh

 

Edit: Videos added 7/1/16

Edited January 16, 2016 by runs as required

[runs as required]

I'd better post a couple of links to other RMweb threads about the state of Hornby Live Steam

 

Firstly this one  secondly this later thread. They both discuss whether the Hornby Live Steam system is still marketed.

The answer is no, but Hornby still service and repair Live Steam locos and spares for the system are still available.

 

The later RMweb thread wonders why Hornby only ever sold the system in a Gresley Pacific bodyshell and not other GW (minus the trailing truck) or Southern locos.

 

Airing the idea for this project on the Early Risers thread, a couple of experienced 'steamers' advised going instead for a larger gauge. I admit that appeals, but we already have Mallard virtually unused in its box.

Maybe the ultimate would be a mixed gauge garden line.

 

One thing that is already clear to me is that it doesn't seem to meld readily with a DCC system - primarily because it not only emits that glorious steam and hot oil SMELL, but is also extremely messy.

Some have adapted loco control to DCC, but the 00LS Club is advocating its own push button hand held control kit to give more precise control of the loco. This thread I hope will include assembly of the kit and assessment of its capabilities.

 

dh

Edited January 5, 2016 by runs as required

[roy h]

dh

 will look forward to updates. have always wanted a live steam set but as I do not want a dedicated line it always put me off. do you have any info on the dcc conversion would be good to hear how its done.

thanks

[runs as required]

dh do you have any info on the dcc conversion would be good to hear how its done.

thanks

Thank you for your interest. Try this video link demonstrating a DCC controlled conversion

 

There is also this set of posts in the 00 Live Steam Forum which I haven't read because I'm concentrating on assembling the hand held push button controller as an alternative to the Hornby controller.

 

dh

Edited January 5, 2016 by runs as required

[Prometheus]

It's astonishing what these are selling for now, or maybe it isn't given what's involved. I seem to remember that there was a time, briefly, when these could be picked up very cheaply. I've seen the live steam layout at a number of shows, it's entertaining and, as you say, that smell...

 

Tony

[runs as required]

It's astonishing what these are selling for now, or maybe it isn't given what's involved. I seem to remember that there was a time, briefly, when these could be picked up very cheaply. ...

Tony

That's very depressing news. I was hoping I might be able to pick up LS Gresleys discarded and stored away, like our Mallard set, in order to adapt the chassis to different loco types .

There is a OOLS Stanier/Fairburn 2-6-4T and a Boxpok Bulleid Spamcan that club members have created this way..

I'd been daydreaming a narrow gauge (larger scale) loco like a Darjeeling or Leek & Manifold Barsi tank that might allow space to accommodate a re-arrangement of the tender boiler.

 

Ringing around trying to source distilled water before Christmas, two NE model shops told me 'they'd thrown out'  their unsold Live Steam loco stock and consumables only recently

 dh

[uax6]

Have you got a dehumdifier? If yes then you have access to free distilled water, and its also in a plastic container (never put it into a metal one, it spoils it!).

Or

Drop into Halfords and pick up a container of battery water

Or

Buy a container of distilled water for steam irons.

 

Shame about the spares. I've suffered the similar replies after asking for Morris minor parts at local auto factors in the last ten years!

 

Andy G

[runs as required]

Have you got a dehumdifier? If yes then you have access to free distilled water, and its also in a plastic container (never put it into a metal one, it spoils it!).

Or

Drop into Halfords and pick up a container of battery water

Or

Buy a container of distilled water for steam irons.

 

Shame about the spares. I've suffered the similar replies after asking for Morris minor parts at local auto factors in the last ten years!

 

Andy G

1

About the distilled water

I got warned against dodgy distilled or battery water as it is most probaly 'de-ionised' water i.e. more likely to damage soldered boilers.

The OOLS Club Shop also sent me a distilled water purity tester for a few bob more - just to be sure.

 

2

Spare parts for Live Steam - it was only our local model shops that no longer stock stuff. Hornby themselves still repair and service Live Steam locos and supply spares.

 

dh

[Prometheus]

That's very depressing news. I was hoping I might be able to pick up LS Gresleys discarded and stored away, like our Mallard set, in order to adapt the chassis to different loco types .

There is a OOLS Stanier/Fairburn 2-6-4T and a Boxpok Bulleid Spamcan that club members have created this way..

I'd been daydreaming a narrow gauge (larger scale) loco like a Darjeeling or Leek & Manifold Barsi tank that might allow space to accommodate a re-arrangement of the tender boiler.

 

Ringing around trying to source distilled water before Christmas, two NE model shops told me 'they'd thrown out'  their unsold Live Steam loco stock and consumables only recently

 dh

 

This seems fairly typical I'm afraid - certainly £375 upwards from what I've seen.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-Live-Steam-00-Gauge-MALLARD-R1041-Brand-new-in-original-packaging-/331745962298?hash=item4d3d99a93a:g:CnoAAOSwwE5WWxox

 

Tony

[runs as required]

'With a little help from my friends' I've today learnt how to post videos via Utube.

So:

Here is a video I madeabout 3 days ago of the fourth steaming of Mallard after its 10 year sleep up in our loft.

 

You'll notice I'm not very good at p££ing and chewing gum  videoing, notching the controller and talking all at the same time.

 

dh

[njee20]

They had a large display of these at Warley, and the very friendly chap there wouldn't let us walk away for about 15 minutes, and insisted we try driving one. Have to say I can see why people gave up on them!

[runs as required]

They had a large display of these at Warley, and the very friendly chap there wouldn't let us walk away for about 15 minutes, and insisted we try driving one. Have to say I can see why people gave up on them!

I ticked Agree on your post

So:

Pop back to this thread in two or three weeks to see if my push-button control kit (developed by the OOLS club link here) can deliver more precise control.

dh

[njee20]

It was the inconsistency that frustrated me, the delay between control input and seeing the change is fine, realistic after all. It was the fact you could do the same thing 5 times in a row with wildly different results.

[emac]

Their is a growing number of enthusiastic members for these live steam models the OO Live Steam Club site  http://oolivesteam.comhas a lot of information on how to drive the little beauties as it takes a wee bit of skill to drive them but very enjoyable.

BTW they look great outside on a frosty Morning

[roy h]

cheers dh

 might have to wait a few weeks to read through it all and decide. (busy time at work this time of year) main questions have been answed in the ampage required and componets needed. given me a few things to think about anyway.

[runs as required]

My Hornby rolling road (purchased from Ebay) arrived yesterday so I am now able to upload our Mallard in steam on the rollers

here

I've  tried to video it as locos might have been experienced roaring along on those stationary testing plants at Swindon, Vitry and (belatedly) Rugby. Vitry was famously where O V Bulleid liked to flaunt his French to M Andre Chapelon while demonstrating Doncaster's latest.

There is a shorter view from above of Mallard at speed on the rollers here .

 

I was impressed with the way the loco yawed from side to side as the cylinders and pistons drove the loco - unlike the real 3 cylinder Gresley.

 

I hope my next posts will include my new OOLS Club push button control.

 

dh

[Jinty3f]

You'll notice I'm not very good at p££ing and chewing gum videoing, notching the controller and talking all at the same time.

 

dh

It seems Chris Evans is having the same trouble fronting the new "Top Gear".

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/top-gears-chris-evans-allegedly-cant-talk-and-drive-at-the-same-time-a6798871.html

Edited to add link

Edited January 9, 2016 by Jinty3f

[runs as required]

I'm currently half way through assembling my OOLS Club hand held push button Control kit that replaces the ineffective 'click' lever on the original Hornby Live Steam Controller. It plugs in as an interface between the Hornby unit and the track.

The new Controller may only be obtained through the OOLS Club as a kit for just under £40 including postage - however joining the Club is Free.

 

 

There an associated very clear on-line photo guide produced by Nick Beard (Uptosteam) keeper of the ools' shop. I've downloaded it onto wife's iPad to be iin front of me as I work.

 

 

This is mine half assembled, as you can see, slavishly following the on-line photo guide just above. I have the diodes to add tomorrow, then the hand held push button box to assemble; check all my connections are in order, then connect up with the familiar plugs.

 

The club urges people to get used to the vagaries of the old Hornby Controller before making the change over to the hand-held push button.

mmm...

I'll keep you posted

dh

[rockershovel]

What a fascinating thread..

[Kenokie]

Quote "The club urges people to get used to the vagaries of the old Hornby Controller before making the change over to the hand-held push button"

 

For a very good reason. If you have learned to drive the loco using the Hornby controller when you then try the Live-Drive controller you will realise just how good it is . . . . 

 

Its a secret plan   

 

Chris O

[runs as required]

I had a chance today to finish my new control box kit

these are the hand held push buttons: it is necessary to mark out and  open up holes in the light plastic holder, thread the jack wire in and solder  up the three wire connections

 

 

 

the completed kit of control box (with its diodes now added) and the plug in hand-held push buttons is pictured left  - and on the right is how it connects in between the existing Hornby Live Steam transformer and the track - (in this case still my Hornby Rolling Road).

 

Now I have to tell you that, although I had a brief test steaming where (to my huge relief) nothing blew up, I have had to leave off for a week away before I can return to get to grips with driving my Mallard on the track.

Most frustrating!

But you might enjoy a video here of one of these locos pulling 30 coaches. Nick (Uptosteam) from the OOLS Club remembers one of their Hornby locos with 42 on!

 

Better still, if you live close enough, you can catch the Hornby Live Steam Club with its collection of locos and layout at The Model Engineering Exhibition at Alexandra Palace this weekend.

While actually overlooking that ECML racehorse track, you can have a go yourself at driving a Live Steam Gresley Pacific.

 

You may even catch a glimpse of Richard Hallam looking every inch the Inventor hard at work lovingly fettling the miniature marvels he brought into being.  From Derby, he's really a 'Midland' man. He works adjacent to his magnificent Duchess simmering quietly along with other LMS derived locos that incorporate his ingenious system.

 

See you soon...

dh

Edited January 16, 2016 by runs as required

[Uptosteam]

Glad you managed to complete the LiveDrive controller Dave, Fun to make aren't they!!! Certainly sharpen up ones soldering skills I'd say!!

 

By the end of March we will have sold 100 of these marvellous box of tricks. I just hope that all 100 are built ad up and running!

 

For those with assembly difficulties we can offer a mutual solution so if you are in this position, please get in touch with the OOLS club at livesteamsales at btinternet dot com.

[VMAW]

I live in Northern Ireland and have a Boxed Mallard Live Steam set that my late Hubby had ordered from our Model Railway retailer as soon as it was announced in the Model Rail Magazines. He passed away before it arrived and I felt it only fair to take delivery of it.

I myself used to exhibit Thomas and Friends. But a fall compacting two lumbar Discs put an end to that.

So if anyone residing in N Ireland wants a Live Steam Hornby Mallard train Set I am open to Offers. Buyer collects.

V Maw

[rockershovel]

I saw these at the Peterborough Show last year. I can quite see why they didn't catch on, but I can also see why they have a niche following..

 

They are so very BRITISH, somehow... a truly original idea, ingeniously executed but lacking development, marketed before it was ready (or possibly, not prevented from being marketed in time) and lingering on as a might-have-been..

Edited October 13, 2017 by rockershovel