Welcome to this new site dedicated to the restoration and building of miniature railway steam locomotives. I (Joe Nemeth) first became involved in miniature railways back in 1969 when my father built a 10 1/4" gauge petrol electric American diesel outline locomotive ,two carriages and 100 yards of track, as part of our fairground attractions, at Severn Beach.
This picture from our family album, taken in 1969 showing me in the drivers seat .this engine is still around but was rebuilt back in the late 70s for John Hall-Craggs. From those early days of miniature railways I was hooked! especially with the seaside miniature railways. My first attempt at steam engine building was at the age of 15, when I completed a Stuart 10H from castings . Soon after I built a 3 1/2" gauge Rob Roy and completed it in 12 months! The next engine was a "Bonds o Euston" road 3 1/2" gauge Royal Scot. Other locos I have built include 5" gauge super detailed GWR 55XX 2-6-2 tank , 7 1/4" 0-4-0 Hunslet , & a 7 1/4" gauge 0-4-2 "Tinkerbell" type named "James". This Loco was built for the Oldown miniature railway and ran for 3 years, the park now sadly closed. I have to date carried out work on over 30 locos from basic overhauls to finishing of part built projects.
A fine spring days on the Oldown miniature railway with me driving James.This is a powerful engine and regularly hauled trains up to 3 tons.