Building the NM&RC

[Svein]

Thanks Reinhard, it sure was fun firing up the engine and watching it run its first laps around the newly laid stretch of track. More track to come later, two passing tracks and a couple of sidings, but our first priority was the continuous loop.

This was our first time ever running a live steam engine, so we're probably not the right ones to show how it's properly done. I found that to keep a nice even speed, a steady hand on the throttle and continuously making small adjustments is a must, quite a difference from the DCC H0 engines we run inside. Also, all live steam engines have to be broken in, allthough our engine were running very smooth from the factory, according to the importer, he tried it on another layout just before he delivered it to us. It may also have something to do with the weight, this engine is quite large, and reacts a little slower and behaves more realistic than the smaller ones. Plus, a string of cars behind will probably also affect the running characteristics, so I guess it's time to start building kits.

We haven't done any real slow speed running yet, maybe try some today and make a short video.

Svein