The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum

Superheated · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 10:14 am Post subject: MAMOD /MSS LOCOS

Hi guys ,

Your help would be appreciated. I would like to get myself a couple of these locps and was wondering:

-What brand of O scale track is suitable to run them on?
-Are the older Mamods better runners than the new william 2 or is Mss locos the better choice for the beginner.

Thank you

Mamodevon · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 11:06 am Post subject:

The William is a completely different beast to an old Mamod or MSS loco. It is gas fired and has slip eccentric valve cylinders, whilst a standard old Mamod or new MSS loco is solid fuel fired and has occilating cylinders.

Whilst some may lement the shorcomings of the simple occilator type of loco, they have been brought by many more over the years as they are a good intro into live steam, reletivey cheap to get going with and hold endless potential to upgrade and modify to you own heart's desire.

The new MSS loco is made using the same die tooling and presses as the original Mamod loco and the company was started by the ex-Mamod production manager. There have been one or two improvements over the years but essentialy they are one of the same thing - except a new one comes with a warenty whilst a used one is an unknown quantity. Some have experienced problems with both but in general they are reliable and do the job reletive to the cost. If you want to get to know your loco and may want to do some modifications later on, I would suggest a kit built version as they are easier to take apart. I had an article published in last months Garden Rail mag on what to look for when buying a used Mamod or MSS loco if you can get a copy.

The William 2 is an improvement on the William 1 but is still expensive for the level of build quality and toy like characteristics. As too is the new Mamod loco, which is still a bit of an unknown quantity as they are apparently constantly making changes to this new design, which suggests there is somethingf not quite right yet. I would give it a year or so out in the market place to establish itself yet before recommending it to a beginner.

If you want something of a higher spec and build quality I would suggest the Accucraft Edrig or a Roundhouse Millie or even a sedate Reger Konrad.

The best track is Peco, but this can be expensive when it comes to points and is a bit of a pain to lay if you use the flex track for your curves. The cast alloy Mamod/MSS track is very popular, robust, easy to use and is the cheaper option on points. The MSS loco runs well on both and the starter sets come with the cast alloy track.

If you need any other advice, let me know.

Alan (Mamodevon)
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johnreid · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 11:14 am Post subject:

Where are you located, availability of various brands of track varies by location.
I agree the MSS or Mamod SL series Locos are great fun, Another alternative ifs the Gas fired New Mamod Loco, it is an oscillator engine that is a great value for what you pay, Again though where you are could change things as availability and pricing might vary by country.
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Superheated · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 11:48 am Post subject:

I live in Australia.

Thanks for that avice guys its invaluable.

gremlin · Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 1:20 pm Post subject:

If you can get hold of a mamod train set i think they are a great start. I've just sold a lovely SL3 set to Mooseman, the loco was superb.
Be careful though, one that's been half flogged to death will need money spending on just to get it going. Probably new wheels and pistons for a kick off, unless it was cheap I'd hold on for a better loco.
I've got a nice Sl1 that I might be parting with but I guess shipping would be a bit expensive.
good luck
Dave

WeedenSteam · Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 2:46 pm Post subject:

Mamod's will run on most 0 gauge track, you may want to consider that in the future you will likely acquire larger locos such as a Bowman 234, so it may be wise to purchase track suitable for them as well.
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pauly · Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 4:24 pm Post subject:

I find that mamods run best on 45mm track because the center of gravity is right between the rails so they dont derail nearly as much on 32mm track
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johnreid · Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 6:21 pm Post subject:

My Mamods only derail on my 32mm track when they are going way too fast.The plus of 32mm is if you decide to get a Bowman later.
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