Welcome, this group exists for people who are interested in the
model locomotive designs and plans developed by Kozo Hiraoka and
published in the magazine Live Steam and Outdoor Railroading. These
plans provide detailed instructions for metalworking hobbyists to
build working, coal firing model locomotives. Kozo's plans are
presented in 3/4"& 8221; to the foot scale for 3-1/2"& 8221; track, with
additional information on scaling the designs to popular larger
sizes. The locomotive plans include two Shay models, a Climax
model, a Heisler model, and a Pennsylvania Railroad 0-4-0 switcher.

This group was originally founded because there was a need for file
space, in the Discover Live Steam Kozo support group,
http://livesteam.proboards23.com/index.cgi?board=kozo. Now, with
the collection of photo albums, and other materials, the group has a
life of its own that complements the Discover Live Steam discussion
website. Here we can share our learning, our experience, and our
pride in craftmanship. You will find photos of a variety of
locomotives, in a variety of sizes under construction. You can see
typical equipment setups and tools in action. There are also other
photos of interest to the group such as photos from a visit with
Kozo in Japan. Welcome aboard!