Accucraft Caradoc

[G SCALE JASON]

I was back over at the Dorchester Garden Railway today as I slowly rebuild my late dads G Scale railway and couldn’t resist digging out my dads live steam engine.





It is I think a Round House Engineering Caradoc.

Thanks to all those who took the time to correctly identify the manufacturer of this engine which is Accucraft, this will make getting info about it some much easier !

This could be the first time it’s been out of the box in over three years and I can’t wait to service and fire her up once the rebuild is complete.

Jason.

 

[phils2um]

"and don't call me Shirley"

 

[casey jones snr]

Jason, the locomotive is a Accucraft product, not a Roundhouse. It’s still a very nice locomotive.

 

[dunnyrail]

Jason, the locomotive is a Accucraft product, not a Roundhouse. It’s still a very nice locomotive.

That was my view but I think it may be a Caradoc though.

 

[Railfan]

Jason, the locomotive is a Accucraft product, not a Roundhouse. It’s still a very nice locomotive.

Correct, Casey. It is an Accucraft Caradoc. It is not modeled after any prototype and is just a generic loco. It was sold in the UK market, but a small quantity were sold here in the States. I have a red one and it runs great. There was also a green version that was available in very small quantities in the US. I have never seen a blue one. Does it look like a repaint? I converted mine into RC with a servo only on the Johnson bar. I purchased mine directly from Accucraft in Union City, California which is only about 20 miles from me. The name plate would have been added after purchase.

Have fun running it!

 

[G SCALE JASON]

Thanks for the info about who manufactured this engine. It explains why I am having trouble finding any information about it

My dad brought this engine over a decade ago from one of the G Scale Society shows, I believe it was at a school or sports complex in Wales but it’s been to long to remember exactly.

I can’t remember just who it was brought from either, it was a stand with many live steam engines with some very impressive price tags, but it was brand new and was already in blue but didn’t have R/C but the chap was able to design and fit a system so my dad did a deal and paid a deposit for collection at a later date.

He then made a trip a few weeks later to collect engine with R/C system all fitted and while he waited he had the name plates made by Garden Railway Specialists with my mums name.

I just have to get some distilled water and new batteries and give it a bit of check over, it seems fairly well oiled up and free moving, as he has plenty of butane and steam oil on hand.

Thanks.

Jason.

 

[casey jones snr]

Thanks for the info about who manufactured this engine. It explains why I am having trouble finding any information about it

My dad brought this engine over a decade ago from one of the G Scale Society shows, I believe it was at a school or sports complex in Wales but it’s been to long to remember exactly.

I can’t remember just who it was brought from either, it was a stand with many live steam engines with some very impressive price tags, but it was brand new and was already in blue but didn’t have R/C but the chap was able to design and fit a system so my dad did a deal and paid a deposit for collection at a later date.

He then made a trip a few weeks later to collect engine with R/C system all fitted and while he waited he had the name plates made by Garden Railway Specialists with my mums name.

I just have to get some distilled water and new batteries and give it a bit of check over, it seems fairly well oiled up and free moving, as he has plenty of butane and steam oil on hand.

Thanks.

Jason.

That would be the Llanfair Show normally held in early September.

 

[tac foley]

That could also be the Llanfair Caereinion show that is normally held in late August/early September.

Lots of folks here who run live steam will be ready to offer you help and advice, if needed. Just ask.

Shame you are not anywhere near Ramsey Mereside, where we are having a big stream-up tomorrow. I'm taking five or six live-steamers and rolling stock for what promises to be a great day out, making steam!!

 

[G SCALE JASON]

Cheers guys and i think the name Llanfair rings a bell with me so it could of been there my dad brought the engine.

I did have a much hacked about Accucraft Mimi, a Ruby with a tender, which must be burried away some where at my dads now i come to think of it ! so did have a bit of experince in running basic live steam engines. But i feel that decade between steam ups have left my knowledge of those little tips and trciks we use to get the best out of these little locos is long gone so will be asking the odd silly question i am sure.

Jason.

 

[dunnyrail]

Cheers guys and i think the name Llanfair rings a bell with me so it could of been there my dad brought the engine.

I did have a much hacked about Accucraft Mimi, a Ruby with a tender, which must be burried away some where at my dads now i come to think of it ! so did have a bit of experince in running basic live steam engines. But i feel that decade between steam ups have left my knowledge of those little tips and trciks we use to get the best out of these little locos is long gone so will be asking the odd silly question i am sure.

Jason.

Noting that you are in Berks, if you are going to get into Live Steam in any way well worth while thinking about joining the 16mm Association. Lots of Local Meeting Groups, sure that there would be one near you. Here you will get lots of practical hands on help and the ability if you feel the need to get a Boiler Test. After such a long while out of use a very worthwhile thing to do as it would show up any loose pipes etc and there would be practical knowledge to help fix in the spot.

 

[tac foley]

Good idea there by DunnyRail - it's always very useful to have lots of help immediately to tentacle. After all, you NEED those eyebrows, right?

 

[Paul M]

The Buckingham Railway museum has a 16mm group, they shouldn't be far away. As previous comments, if you're into live steam it's definitely worth checking out the 16mm Association

 

[a98087]

Just remember to do gas, oil, then water, Simply because any excess gas will have dispersed before lighting,


And don’t top up the gas whilst it’s still lit! That’s another important safety rule

There are active 16mm groups in north wilts, Salisbury, Hampshire and I think one probably one in Dorset, haven’t got the magazine to hand so I can check.

Dan

 

[G SCALE JASON]

Thanks guys for the heads up about the 16mm society and especially for the firing up tips those will be very handy.

Jason.

 

[dunnyrail]

Just remember to do gas, oil, then water, Simply because any excess gas will have dispersed before lighting,


And don’t top up the gas whilst it’s still lit! That’s another important safety rule

There are active 16mm groups in north wilts, Salisbury, Hampshire and I think one probably one in Dorset, haven’t got the magazine to hand so I can check.

Dan

Sorry Dan I disagree with that order Water first as if you Gas up (no water) and then light the fire....well not good. If you are worried about the excess Gas going whooompf you can always use a cloth to disperse it. Water Oil Gas is my recommended order. Get the two things in that protect the Loco First.

 

[casey jones snr]

Sorry Dan I disagree with that order Water first as if you Gas up (no water) and then light the fire....well not good. If you are worried about the excess Gas going whooompf you can always use a cloth to disperse it. Water Oil Gas is my recommended order. Get the two things in that protect the Loco First.

I’m with you Jon. Safety is paramount with live steam locomotives, water, oil and gas in that order seems to me to be the safest system. I check and tighten all nuts during the oiling process.

 

[Paul M]

I’m with you Jon. Safety is paramount with live steam locomotives, water, oil and gas in that order seems to me to be the safest system. I check and tighten all nuts during the oiling process.

I assume you mean steam oil? Lubricating the moving parts should be first, especially the under parts. Otherwise the other stuff will leak out!

 

[tac foley]

I usually sparingly oil around while the kettle is boiling....

 

[Paul M]

I usually sparingly oil around while the kettle is boiling....

I can never seem to hit the right spot if I try that and end up oiling the track

 

[tac foley]

The kettle is a euphemism for the boiler, of course you knew that, right? Get yourself one of those spiffy little Press-to oilers from your local teeny train store. Mine came from old pal Bob in that great train store in Alton, Hampshire. many moons ago. If you make sure you get the plastic-friendly oil you can use it on any plastic cars you may have - LGB/Bachmann et al.