W. G. Glassco

The North American Live Steamer, Volume 1, Number 6, 1956



Knowing this magazine is strictly for live steamers, I thought perhaps some of your readers might be interested in a model gasoline powered Diesel locomotive which I have completed early this year.

The body is made from 16 gauge steel and can be easily removed from the angl eiron frame for access to the mechanical drive which is friction similar to the early automobiles. The engine is a No. 9 Briggs & Stratton and has easily pulled a load of seven or eight hundred pounds gross weight.

The track which appears to be rough in the picture is T section fence posts. These are inexpensive and make good track and also switches.

W.G. Glassco

R.R. 3 Chatham, Ontario, Canada

Frame and Drive
The North American Live Steamer, Volume 1, Number 9, 1956

For those people who want the thrill of having a garden railway and have neither the time or money for a live steamer, the Diesel type locomotive is the answer. These three photos show an inexpensive form of transmission used on my own 1-1/2 scale "Over Garden Railway" and give numerous ratios in forward and reverse. The gasoline engine is belted to the faceplate shaft which is spring loaded to keep constant pressure to the leather lined friction wheel. A lever releases this tension for easier shifting of the friction wheel from one side to the other of the steel faceplate which gives direction of travel of the locomotive. From this point chains are used. The large sprocket and its mate are from a bicycle, the others are No. 40 roller chain size. The chain to the truck is directly on center with the kingpin. This allows the truck to swivel on curves without trouble. This locomotive works on curves slightly under 25 foot radius with ease, although I would suggest nothing smaller if much speed is considered.


 * W.G. Glassco
 * R.R. Chathamm, Ontario, Canada

Hand car
The North American Live Steamer, Volume 1 Number 11

This is quite a departure from a live steamer, but while dad is busy getting up steam the anxious youngsters can quickly pass the time with this hand car I recently built for my son.

It can easily accomodate two with comfort and is approximately 30 inches long, 11 inches wide, 24 inches high over all. The handle support is built up from 1/2 inch rod and the rest is made from oak. I made up a wood pattern for the wheels. The thread was not machined, only the axle hole bored. Sprockets from a bicycles provide the power transmission.

Both my son and I have had much pleasure from this simple hand car. Maybe others will find it interesting.


 * William G. Glassco
 * RR 3
 * Chatham, Ontario, Canada