Q:- Do they have to pay for a tax disc?

A: Steam vehicles are road tax exempt; however it is a legal requirement that a current road fund licence is displayed if used on the road along with number plates.

 

Q: How are all steam engines tested?

A: There are Two tests that are required. A hydraulic test every 5 years, then a cold exam and steam test every year on a steel boiler and every two years on a copper boiler. (this applies to a boiler that has a test done by an independent boiler tester.) If the boiler is test by a local club you will find that a Steel boiler will have a Hydraulic test every 2 years and a steam / cold exam every year.   

 

Q:-Do they need a sort of MOT?

A:- No just the Boiler test is needed

 

Q: Are there companies that will build them on one's behalf?

A:- Yes if you look in any steam preservation magazines e.g. Old Glory, Vintage Spirit, Model Engineer, Engineering in Miniature there will be advert. Just a few companies that do this service are:-

Great Northern Steam, John Rex Model Engineers, Maxitrak LTD.   

 

Q: In what sizes do the miniatures come in?

A: Miniatures vary from ¾" to the foot through anything up to 9" to the foot. The most common size is 3" , 4" or 6" to the foot.

 

Q: Do you need a licence to drive a steam engine on the road
(Full size or miniature)?

A: Yes. A licence is required except in the case of a full size roller where a category G licence is required.

 

Q: Is there a minimum age before you can start learning to drive one?

A: 17 years

 

Q: Is there a maximum age limit?

A: No but standard rules for car drivers apply

 

Q: Are there any clubs for steam engine enthusiasts? And magazines?

A: The National Traction Engine Club caters for all road steam enthusiasts including the steam apprentice club ( S A C ) and they also run an excellent "apprentice" scheme. The Road Roller Association deals mainly with rollers as the name implies. There are also a number of local model engineering clubs around the country that can be very beneficial to steam enthusiasts whether they own an engine or not. There are magazines specialising in steam traction engines include Old Glory, Vintage Spirit, Model Engineer and Engineering in Miniature.