So many of the steam locomotives I’ve seen over the years, whether here in the U.S. or overseas, share one common detail in the fitting of a shelf to the backhead where oilers, tallow pots and other items were warmed by the heat of the boiler. I’m sure a few pots of coffee or tea as well as other food items were also warmed there on a cold winter day.

After seeing that the little Kahului Railroad’s Kalakaua had been fitted with one of these shelves I just had to add this detail to my own model. Of course I also needed something to put on the shelf other than tiny flapjacks so I came up with these models based on designs found in the Hubbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. catalog c.1900.

I am currently offering these oil cans in non-functional 1.5″/1.6″ and 2.5″ scales. We will soon be adding a functioning 3.75″ scale pair of cans as well. The 1.5″/1.6″ scale versions are solid brass investment castings which require some light finishing work to add the handle and chains to the Tallow Pot. The 2.5″ scale versions are also solid brass investment castings that require assembly using a silver solder such as Stay-Brite. In either scale I include the appropriate wire and chain materials, and detailed instructions for the models to be completed.

In addition to the two oil cans, I am also producing the shelf in either investment cast brass or 3D printed sintered stainless steel.

1.5″/1.6″ scale Locomotive Oiler and Tallow Pot kit, including the Brass Shelf $400 / 1.6″ scale kit with Blackened Stainless Shelf $325 / 1.6″ scale kit without shelf $255.

2.5″ scale Locomotive Oiler and Tallow Pot kit, including the Brass Shelf $475 / 2.5″ scale kit with Blackened Stainless Shelf $375 / 2.5″ scale kit without shelf $300.

Note: I can include custom raised lettering of your road name/initials on the bottom of the Locomotive Oiler. Ask for details.