Bowman 265 live steam locomotives were not fine scale models by any means. They were meant to be practical and bulletproof for kids and adults to get into running simple live steam engines. In fact, they were sized close to number 1 gauge but running on O gauge track. This gives them a rather top heavy narrow gauge look.

Recently, I have been getting more and more into 16 mm to 1 foot (1:19) scale narrow gauge live steam, which runs on 0 gauge track (32 mm between the rails. Many people call this SM32.). Engines like my Mamod Mark 3 built nominally to this scale/gauge combination are great fun.

I started looking at my big bulky Bowman from 1928 or 1929 and thought what if...

In addition to making physical add ons to convert the engine to pull my Mamod and other 16 mm scale cars, I worked on improving its firing and steam cylinder efficiency.

I was gobsmacked to find the 90+ year old loco now pulls much heavier weight than it could manage before - and consistently and steadily! The outdoor video shots were made in weather hovering not very much above freezing.

I forgot to mention in the video that I replaced the combination water fill/safety valve with a new after market one from England.

Enjoy!

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