Here's a question (surprising?)

[Quentin]

I am looking for a live steam train set, one of those that you can ride on. I know this isn't Bachmann related, but it's train related so I put it here.

Let me know if you know anyone or any website you know that does sell those.

Thanks!
Quentin

[Terry Toenges]

It looks like he sells parts but he could probably tell you where to buy the whole thing.
https://allenmodels.com/

[ebtnut]

It's highly likely that Allen Models can provide names of folks willing to build one of their locos for you, if they don't offer that service direct.   Also, if you want to ride behind, you need to have the models be at least 3/4" to the foot, and preferably one inch to the foot scale.  And, you're looking at a very sizable financial outlay not only for the loco, but rolling stock, track, and a large enough lot to accommodate it all.

[Trainman203]

You might have to sell the yacht and the condo in Monaco to afford live steam like you'd like.

[rich1998]

I have ridden behind one like that a friend had. He built it from parts he bought. It was a 4-4-0. Not as large.
There are smaller versions that the driver rides side saddle on a flat car.
A place exist in Southwick, Mass. Pioneer Valley Live steam Club. They have a site.
They have an old hydraulic car lift from a gas station to lift the loco from a trailer.

Rich

[prr22]

Discoverlivesteam.com for sale page. That's how I got into it. Good luck!

[WoundedBear]

Wow......I built my dragster cheaper than one of their kits on the site.

https://auctions.discoverlivesteam.com/item/74077871/os-engines-baldwin-mogul-75-gauge-kit-with-super-heater-and-injector

[Trainman203]

And it's a kit.  You'd better know what you're doing.... both building it and running the machine shop you also are going to need.

[Quentin]

I found one that said "New low price! Lowered to $38,500!" Yep, "Low price" is relative in this subject. Thanks for all the help!

[Quentin]

I did find one that was steamer, tool car, operator car, 3 passenger cars, AND a trailer with track installed for transportation for $35k. Not insane, probably a good deal because the trailer itself costs about 30k! (it's a nice trailer, bad thing is it's open air)

[Piyer]

Wow......I built my dragster cheaper than one of their kits on the site.

https://auctions.discoverlivesteam.com/item/74077871/os-engines-baldwin-mogul-75-gauge-kit-with-super-heater-and-injector

Funniest ad on that site is for a "working shovel" 1/8th scale. I mean, finally! You have no idea how many dummy shovels I have amassed over the decades! LOL!

https://auctions.discoverlivesteam.com/item/93259951/working-shovel-in-1-8-scale-extra-capacity-extra-long-handle

[prr22]

For anyone just starting, I would highly reccomend the plum cove boxcab kit.  It is probably one of if not THE cheapest new engine that you could buy to get into the hobby.  Then once you've had your fun, it could probably sell for exactly what you bought the kit for.  Bench riding car kits are low in price as well, and are the best price-friendly way to ride.

http://www.plumcovestudios.com/electro_01.html
https://auctions.discoverlivesteam.com/item/63231281/easy-assembly-15-scale-ride-astride-car-kits-5-version

[Terry Toenges]

Uh oh! That's not that expensive. Who has the cheapest track? I have a good sized yard.

[Terry Toenges]

I have a good sized yard.  Let's see... 20' x 60' = 160' of track. 
About 320 grooved ties (2" x 3" ties with 3" spacing) $1.10 =$352.   320' feet of rail at $1.35 foot (10' sections)= $432. Box of 50 rail joiners - $22.50. Ballast? GE full kit  - $1999. Ride Astride Car Kit - $175 (Minus 1x2 steel center beam).
About $3000 to get started?

[prr22]

Exactly!  Over the past couple of years, the hobby seems to have realized that we don't all have a cash orchard on our estates!  Maybe in a year or two we can all meet up with our boxcabs lol!