- Where are Aster Live Steam models made and who makes them?
They are made in Japan by the Aster Hobby Co Inc.
- These models look complicated. I have no machining skills, can I build one of these models?
If you can handle a screwdriver and pliars you can assemble an Aster kit. All parts are prefinished, there is no painting or cutting or welding or soldering required, you simply bolt together the parts following the excellent detailed assembly instructions and diagrams.
- What special tools do I need to build an Aster kit?
Nothing fancy, small pliers, side cutters, a set of jeweller's screw drivers, needle files, tweezers, a set of nut drivers, you will find most of the tools required in the average home handyman's tool box. Some tools come with the kit however some extra items will be needed.
- What if I buy one, start assembling it and find I can't finish it?
You can return the kit to us and we will arrange to have the model finished for you for a very reasonable charge.
- How many parts are there in an Aster kit?
This varies with the model, however, the DR 03, (a full sized model) has 700+ parts and 469 (imcludes 76 spares) nuts, bolts washers etc. Incidentally, if you lose or break a part during assembly, don't panic, Aster and Arygle Locomotive Works will back you up with spares and know how.
- I would like to get an Aster 'Schools' Class loco which I have seen at a friends home.
Sorry, the Schools Class loco is no longer available, it was in fact the first loco Aster produced, in 1975. Aster produce around 3 new models each year, each model in a limited, once only production run of usually around 400 locos, when sold out that model is no longer available, thus their value is preserved and in fact enhanced for Aster models are highly collectable and appreciate in value.
(P.S. If you liked the Schools loco you will love their latest locos for the quality has improved immensely since 1975)
- How many different locos are currently available?
Aster have produced over 50 locos. However, for the reasons given above only around 10 are currently available.
- I am interested in steam locos but have never built anything like this before, would you suggest that I buy an assembled model first?
No, I would suggest you buy a kit in preference to a ready built model. You will get great pleasure in putting the model together yourself, it is not difficult and in addition you will learn how it works and you will be able to operate and maintain the loco with confidence. (You will also save yourself a bundle that you can put aside for your next model!) Remember, if you do run into trouble we can finish the job for you.
- O.K. So now I have the loco, where do I get the track on which to run it?
Well - Aster will probably shoot me for saying this, however, in my opinion, the best track for outdoor, Gauge I, Garden Railways comes from Tenmille Products in the U.K. The track uses code 200 bull head rail in 915mm (1 yard) lengths. with plastic sleepers that you slide on to the rail. These plastic sleepers have withstood many years of exposure to the elements in gardens here in Australia where other, lesser brands have curled up their toes and died in the summer heat. (They also make matching large radius points.)
- What have Aster got coming up in the future?
For details of Aster's next projects, see the Latest News Page or contact Argyle directly.
- How can I find out more about Aster's models and kits?
Send for an Aster Catalogue. See the Products & Pricing Page for details.