Rudy Tariel

The Roundhouse

A Department for Live Steamers

Rudy Tariel "Lets Off Steam"

The Model Craftsman, June 1945



Happy to see that "The Roundhouse" is gradually bringing out some of our old-timers, to show us what can be done in the way of building steam locomotives. Perhaps if we go after them hard enough we will see and hear more from some of our old "live-steam" friends.

I was also glad to see that Mr. Shattock was able to take time out from the many things he has to attend to, to pass on the information on his alcohol burner. This burner, though simple, is very efficient, if one will follow closely the instructions set down by Mr. Shattock. I have ridden behind several engines equipped with this burner and find that very little or no attention at all is required, after the engine is fired up. This burner can also be used to burn kerosene if it is constructed without a cover. This Mr. Shattock discovered after writing the article for The Model Craftsman. However, kerosene is not recommended for indoor operation.

Having built several 1/2 inch scale locos, I have decided to tackle something in a much larger scale, but so far have been unable to obtain much information. I was pleased to see that Mr. Daney has had considerable experience in building 1-1/2 inch scale engines, according to his article in the December Model Craftsman. Perhaps he could be persuaded to give us an article on building, say a 1-1/2 inch or 2 inch scale Pacific. I sure would like to see something along this line appear in "our" magazine. I have been in contact with several live-steamers who would like to build outfits that could be operated right on the ground, but none of them (including myself) seem to know just how to go about it. There is also the question of castings for these larger jobs; perhaps Mr. Daney could tell us where these might be obtained, or give us some information about what can be done toward using built-up parts in place of castings.

Enclosed is a photo of Yours Truly and two of my one-half-inch scale engines. The little engine is a "free-lance" logging engine, which I built in 93 hours. The larger engine is my Southern Pacific Mountain type. Both engines are fired with kerosene as they operate on outdoor track. The track is pear-shaped and 265 feet around.

My wife is now a "live-steamer" too; she has a free-lance old-timer which she operates when the rest of us get our locos out on the track for a run.


 * Rudy Tariel
 * Del Paseo Heights, California