[norman]

Hello:

Has anyone ever ran a Hornby 3 1/2" gauge Stephenson's Rocket? Performance thoughts? Would anyone know why Hornby discontinued the live steam Rocket product?

I owned a Rocket years ago but traded it in unfired at a Hobbyshop. I was disappointed in the Rocket detail level. The coaches were highly detailed and beautiful. I owned three coaches but was told that the Rocket wasn't capable of pulling all three coaches.

Thank you
Norman

 

[norman]

Hi there:

Would either of you gentlemen remember who the other manufacturer of the 3 1/2" gauge Rocket model was during the Hornby Rocket model production time period? The other manufacturer's Rocket had a wood tender and a wood clad boiler. Expensive, very detailed and accurate model.

Thank you for informing me of the Hornby Rocket model performance. I was considering buying one again but will now pass. There is a You Tube video of a Hornby Rocket pulling two coaches. The hobbyist gave a gentle push to the two coach train at start up and once during the run while on level track!

Norman

 

[norman]

Hi Tac:

Cooper profession barrel building:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooper_(profession)

I viewed a TV documentary on cooperage a while back. This is a trade that takes many years to perfect. Hence, your "enjoyment" in building the Rocket tender barrel.

Last year the OS RTR Rocket was around 3,500.00 US. Expensive but realistic. Today, following currency fluctuation pricing adjustment by OS, the RTR Rocket is around 5,500 US. Too expensive for a novelty locomotive.

The Rocket model I refered to was produced in the 80's and definitely was 3 1/2" gauge. It was a limited release, advertised as museum grade, natural wood finish, black stack and would probably be so expensive that I would be hesitant to steam it.

Thank you
Norman