It is a 64 page (A5) paperback booklet, fully illustrated with colour photographs. It describes the various types available (old and new), how to operate them and how they work. It also gives some tips on maintenance and restoration.

It is published and printed by the author who has many years experience playing with steam engines of all sizes.

"I was born in Birmingham in 1949 and spent my childhood living within yards of a railway station and goods yard, in the days when steam was still the norm on railways. It was also, as it happens, near to where Geoffrey Malins first set up his business, later to became Mamod.

I was given my first live steam toy sometime around 1960 but I didn’t start collecting them until about 30 years later. I have been involved in live steam, both large and small, for many years and spent over a decade working as a volunteer for Summerlee museum in Coatbridge, near Glasgow, restoring and running many exhibits, including steam engines."

Chapters:
Introduction
Safety
Running Your Engine
How it Works
Parts of a Live Steam Toy
Variations on a Theme
Accessories
Maintenance, Service, Repair
Restoration
Makers Past and Present
Useful Contacts

• This Booklet is often offered for sale on eBay.
• Alternatively, you can order direct from me at £4.99 + postage at cost (0.76 to UK). Just drop me an eMail giving your details and indicating your preferred method of payment (e.g. PayPal, cheque, postal order, etc.).