Hi Fellow Train Geeks:

I have been involved in garden railroading since the the late 1990’s and converted my railroad completely to live steam in the year 2000. I now have a about 200 feet of track and 6 operating live steam locomotives. My railroad doesn’t really have a theme, but I have locomotives that represent Germany and Austria. I also have an interest in US narrow gauge, which I plan to represent more in the future.

Here is a photograph of my Accucraft model.

The Accucraft model uses the piston valve concept just like the 'Ruby' and many others that they offer, that means that the Allan valve gear is mostly for show, however the 'Ruby' piston valve system as proven very reliable if cared for. This loco has a loud chuff, Which I enjoy, and has plenty of power, it can pull 6 LGB coaches easily!

Here is a picture of the prototype loco with it's crew.
I am guessing this photo dates from the 1890's.

This Model, built by the Regner Company in Aurach Germany, was a special locomotive made to commemorate the firm's 25th Anniversary.

Only 200 were built.

This locomotive is one of the most famous in all the world because it is LGB's flagship loco.

The Regner Model features a functioning Allan Valve gear. This was the first model Regner used this type of valve gear, and I have found that it needs adjustment once in awhile. The slide valve position needs to be adjusted to allow for the extra play in the eccentrics as the gear wears in.

It also has cylinder drains, which are operated by radio control. This loco is has 3 channel radio control installed one for speed and direction and the one for the cylinder drains.

When this loco is adjusted correctly it runs very well pulling a prototypical 2 coach train.

This model represents the loco as it was originally built by the Krauss Company in 1892. The 'Staniz of Today' looks different because it was altered to add superheating equipment in the 1960's.

Here is a picture of Stainz no. 2
at the Tamsweg station on the Murtal Railway in Austria.

And here is one in action
on the Murtal Railway.

Click the above photo to
see a larger color photo of
my Stainz model.

Sadly the prototype
Stainz No. 2 is not in working order anymore.

However it's sister Loco is on display in Slovenia. This loco, the K3, is much closer to the model Regner has modeled.

This is model is based on this loco –Kennebec Central Railroad No. 4:

This model was built by Roundhouse Engineering, and has been discontinued. The model is supposed to be a Forney type locomotive. However, it is more a single Fairlie type. Both the power a trailing truck are articulated.

No. 6 was detailed By my good friend Ray Cadd. He made the pancake type stack and added details such as a steam pump and air pump, he also did the lettering and special painting. This a great Locomotive it runs very well at slow speeds and will pull a prototypical 5 car train. It is built to an unusual scale (close to 1:24 scale), which works well with Bachmann rolling stock.