Fuel for your Steam Engine!
Those involved in the hobby are aware that, over the years, there have been changes to recommended fuels and options available to owners as rules have changed and technology has moved on.
Decades of these changes mean that, today, a model steam engine owner has a number of options when it comes to deciding what to use, regardless of the type of steam engine you own. In this blog article, we list out the most popular options to help you make the decision!
Why do we need fuel?
The basic principle of any steam engine is relatively simplistic - you take a sealed container with water in (a boiler) and you add heat to it. Eventually that water will boil forming steam which then builds up in the boiler making pressure. The steam engine itself runs on steam pressure. The reason for the fuel is because we need to be able to add a steady source of heat to the boiler to keep the water boiling whilst the steam engine is running.
Option 1: Gel Fuels
The rising star of model steam engine fuels, in part driven by the law change in 2023 affecting the availability of solid fuel options. There are two main, readily available options with the suitability depending on the type of engine you have.
Gel 1 - Live Steam Gel
Mamod, Jensen and similar, historical, brands with flat or slightly lipped trays will be best suited to our ‘Live Steam Gel’. A white, viscous gel which is comparatively very safe to use and offers great value for money. We hold a large stock of this fuel and include it as standard (or an equivalent) with new Mamod and Jensen engines. We do not recommend it for use in Wilesco branded steam engines. Shop for the more popular, 250ml option here: Live Steam Gel
Gel 2 - Wilesco Gel
The second type of gel is specifically for Wilesco branded products and unsuitable for other tray types. Due to the different design of Wilesco fuel trays, it is not recommended to simply use existing gel products in their original, solid fuel trays (distinctively, they have holes drilled down both sides!). Instead, Wilesco have now launched an updated type of tray with an associated, clear blue gel. The new trays can be retrofitted to existing models and the gel is now readily available from our online store and in person. Wilesco models supplied in the UK now include the new style burner trays for Wilesco gel. Shop the range here: Wilesco Gel
Option 2: Gas
A very popular, aftermarket adaptation for the more seasoned collectors’… Converting your model steam engines to run on gas is a relatively simplistic job however, does require a larger start up cost as it will be necessary to purchase the appropriate hardware. The fuel itself is easily to source (your local DIY or camping store will usually offer it - either 100% butane or up to 30/70 propane/butane).
Mamod have, historically, offered an official gas ‘scuttle’ which fits straight into their mobile engines. Wilesco and Jensen do not currently offer any official gas conversion options however options, such as the Bix brand, are available on our website HERE. The Bix range is very versatile and offers options for setups far beyond the typical steam engine. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about setting up to run on gas!
Option 3: Solid Fuel Tablets
The option of choice for many UK-based owners for many years until 2023, and still an option for enthusiasts around the world. A change in law means that solid fuel tablets are now regulated in the UK and users must obtain an EPP licence prior to purchase or use. This can be done here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/licensing-for-home-users-of-explosives-precursors/licensing-for-home-users-of-poisons-and-explosive-precursors
Once the buyer has obtained a licence, they would need to visit our shop in person with the EPP licence and a form of ID before being allowed to buy solid fuel tablets. We hold a stock for those owners who are keen to continue using this popular fuel source in the UK.
Being popular with UK owners since its introduction via Mamod in the 1970s, and with Wilesco owners for longer, Hexamine based solid fuel is a tried and tested option. Camping veterans may be familiar with the brand name Esbit, which is the same material and which was the official supplier of Wilesco fuel for many years.
Whilst we cannot post solid fuel (either in the UK or overseas), model steam engine owners elsewhere in the world can often still obtain the fuel with no further requirements.
Option 4: Methylated Spirits
For the older collectors and owners, this may well be a trip down memory lane! Methylated spirits was the fuel of choice for Mamod owners until around 1976, at which point it was superseded by fuel tablets following media outrage and public pressure after an alleged safety issue. Whilst still popular with all ages today, toy steam engines have somewhat transitioned from being a main-stream toy to a hobby for collectors. For this reason, those alleged safety issues are less of a concern and it has been possible for suppliers to reintroduce aftermarket methylated spirits trays whilst reiterating to buyers that there is a danger of serious damage if lit fuel is spilt or added to when alight.
Methylated spirits is readily available from a range of suppliers, including the local DIY store, and the aftermarket burner trays are relatively inexpensive. As with any of the fuels mentioned in this blog, be sure to always fire on a non-combustible surface, never leave children unattended with a lit engine and do not attempt to refuel whilst lit or whilst still hot. You can shop our range of aftermarket burners HERE.
Bonus Option: Electricity
This first bonus option is not one which has really made the mainstream in the UK but is available infrequently on the second-hand market and is something which we are considering bringing to the UK soon!
Both Wilesco and, notably, Jensen, offer 110v/240v mains electrically powered heater elements for a selection of their models. This is not an aftermarket adaptation but rather specific models which are built to run an element to be boiled up on electricity, much like a kettle. It is a clean option, perfect for buyers who are unable to fire outdoors or with adequate ventilation. We hope to bring electrically powered options to the UK market during 2025 but watch this space!
Bonus Option 2: Candles
This final option is not viable for the majority of steam engines however there are currently two products in Wilesco's range which run on beeswax candles!
Look out for the Wilesco D2 and Wilesco D4 HERE.
We stock replacement candles too!
Final Safety Tips
The answer to which option is the most suitable is a personal preference. Regardless of what you choose to run your steam engine on, it is essential that care is taken to ensure there is no danger of causing damage or injury. A few tips include:
- Never refuel liquid fuel when the engine is lit or warm.
- Always ensure there is plenty of water in the boiler, never allow it to run dry and never light with an empty boiler. Most models require around 3/4 of a glass of water.
- Gas can quickly overheat even a full boiler if used incorrectly. Follow the instructions carefully and take care to keep it low.
- Firing an engine is a one way avenue - once fired, you will find it will be sooty and, on steam engines (such as those offered by Jensen), paint can change colour and peel. This is expected for a model steam engine as they are working products but it is worth keeping in mind to avoid disappointment.
- Be careful to avoid spilling lit fuel, especially liquid and gel fuels. If spilled before lighting, ensure it is suitably cleaned up and not on clothing or combustible surfaces before lighting.
- Only use recommended, tried and tested fuels. For instance, many gels look similar but often have different properties to those tested and recommended by manufacturers and distributors.
If you have any questions about the fuelling options for your model steam engine, the team at the Milbury Model Company are more than happy to help!
Email info@milburymodels.co.uk or call 01392 715322 to speak to a member of the team today.
