Helping dead live-steamers isn't confined to battery / RC (as long as the live-steamer has insulated wheels, such as my Accucraft Shay does).

 

While I was shooting this double-header video, the Accucraft Shay ran out of fuel twice.   In both cases, the train was on level track, so the Bachmann 3-truck Shay was able to keep the train rolling for the camera!

 

If they run out of fuel or water you just refill them and run them back.  It's when they have a breakdown that can't be fixed that you have to tow them back.  I use an aristo RS3, battery powered.  It was inexpensive and works great.  I also use it as a track clearing and maintenance of way machine.  Aristo makes a good product as I have had this one for several years and run it without any problems.