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Live steam

This article is about live steam powered models. For live steam heating, see Steam heating.
A hand-crafted, coal-fired, 1:8 scale 2-10-0 'live steam' locomotive in 7+1⁄4 in (184 mm) gauge
A "high line" representation of a Whitelegg-designed Baltic Tank in LT&S Livery. This engine runs on a track gauge of 3.5 inches and is powerful enough to pull several people. High lines are a configuration of a continuously elevated track and riders sit side-saddle or with legs straddling the track depending on lineside clearances.

Live steam is steam under pressure, obtained by heating water in a boiler. The steam may be used to operate stationary or moving equipment.

A live steam machine or device is one powered by steam, but the term is usually reserved for those that are replicas, scale models, toys, or otherwise used for heritage, museum, entertainment, or recreational purposes, to distinguish them from similar devices powered by electricity, internal combustion, or some other more convenient method but designed to look as if they are steam-powered. Revenue-earning steam-powered machines such as mainline and narrow gauge steam locomotives, full-sized steamships, and the worldwide electric power-generating industry steam turbines are not normally referred to as "live steam".

Steamrollers and traction engines are popular, in 1:4 or 1:3 scale, as are model stationary steam engines, ranging from pocket-size to 1:2 scale.

A live steam festival with equipment on display ranging from small stationary engines to full-size locomotives. Porvoo, Finland, 2003

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