Hornby Live Steam Mallard 15th Steaming R1041

This video demonstrates the 15th Steaming of my Hornby Live Steam Class Mallard Locomotive, which is an improved version of my previous R1041 Upload. Unlike the previous video, I chose to film the Locomotive in action, from the Left side, with its Body Off. Basically, this is the more interesting side to view as you can see the Gears and LED Regulator Arm / Wiper in action. This video also demonstrates numerous changes of Direction which, somehow I didn't achieve or notice, in the previous video.

Having the Body off allows you to admire the amazing Steam Engineering that goes into these models. A fully working Steam Engine crammed inside an 'OO' Gauge sized Locomotive. How clever is that? Shame these models were discontinued by Hornby around 2008-9. Still, All credit to Hornby for their commitment, producing such an amazing range of Live Steam Models which are becoming quite Collectable now. This model was manufactured by Hornby during Week 01 Year 2004 (01 04) so was one of the very earliest Mallard's to go on Sale in the UK. During the Introduction I have displayed this Locomotives Service Record, which I have completed since its purchase in June 2020, in order to maintain the Good Running Order of this Old Live Steam Locomotive.

I am using my Live Drive Controller which connects between the Hornby Live Steam Controller and the Hornby R8211 Rolling Road. Control of the Locomotive can be achieved using either the Hornby Controller or the Live Drive Controller without any Re-Wiring. However, the Live Drive Controller does make controlling Live Steam Locomotives far more efficient and straightforward, which I hope is demonstrated during this Video. That said, with excessive Rapid Live Drive Button Operation, sometimes the Locomotives Electric motor, which changes the Steam valve position, can stick now and again. This can be seen during my Flying Scotsman 3rd Steaming Video on this Channel. The video also demonstrates the rectification of this situation without too much difficulty.

Although bought Brand New (there was a faulty internal Rail Connection), I found the Hornby R8211 Rolling Road connecting spring clip block & internal connections to be of a poor quality and not suitable for the Heavier Gauge Live Steam Power Supply Wires. I therefore adapted the Rolling Road for Functionality & Reliability rather than Neatness, hense the Bullish, over the top 30 Amp Chocolate Block connector, which is connected to 1.4mm gauge Copper wires that have been soldered directly to the Rolling Road Rails. However, the rest of the Rolling Road build Quality & Engineering is very good indeed.

Obviously, my modified Hornby R8211 Rolling Road is suitable for DCC, Live Steam and probably DC (with a Capacitor?) Locomotives.

Thank you for your Interest.
B. John. K