There is one good reason why I prefer alcohol (coal is best of course) over butane, I believe it is closer to the prototype and a bigger challenge to steam. A blower is required and the exhaust nozzle is critical too, in addition to other factors. So it is closer to a coal fired loco than butane. I realise there are some butane fired than do utilize a blower and exhaust nozzle--those are great. I'm sure that is very possible with ceramic burners and I believe that would be closer to coal than alcohol, especailly with a burner that stayed red hot for a while like coal. With the amount of steaming I do, however, cost is a very important consideration.
I just get most thrills from steaming my coal fired, next the alky fired, lastly the butane fired. Each to his own! It's what you enjoy. Geoff
