Hello all,

 

This is Trainmaster64, here to let you into the Sumtown Tramway's workshops. Here, you'll get to see all of the locomotives of the line, as well as any other engines that may stop by. For a look at the line itself, visit the thread in the Layouts section. For now, feel free to enter and view all that goes on in the shops!

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OPERATIONAL LOCOMOTIVES:

 

ALCO 0-6-0ST Switcher

Boiler Ticket: 2016

Service: Full

Long the mainstay of the STC for many years, this engine comes from Bachmann's 'Spectrum' line - known for its high-quality models. This engine has been modified with the addition of hook-and-loop couplers front and rear, which will be screwed or soldered on soon (for now, they are superglued, and hold well provided that the strain is not overly great). Running is fine, although it needs a little bit of looking-at by myself at a point.

 

CP Rail EMD SW9 No.7401

Operating Certification: 2015

Service: Full

A powerful diesel locomotive, the SW1200 could be found in many railway yards across North America. This particular engine is modeled after No.7401 of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and is very well-proportioned. The front ends have been modified a bit to allow the hook-and-loops to be fitted, but otherwise this engine is very nice - smooth and strong, it can pull anything I ask it to with little difficulty.

 

GWR Class 5101 No.5108

Boiler Ticket: 2022

Service: Full

With the original 'Large Prairie' tank engine, No.6167, withdrawn with a failed ticket the line was in desperate need of a powerful yet economical tank engine. The Class 5101, externally identical to the Class 61xx, was different only in its assigned running numbers and its slightly reduced boiler pressure, and so the decision to bring in another 'Large Prairie' was easy to make. No.5108 is a powerful and strong engine, that is a solid performer and is able to stroll away with any load given to it - it is economical, efficient, reliable and powerful; a perfect fit for the long-term future of the railway.

 

CR Class 0F 'Caledonian Pug' No.272

Boiler Ticket: 2022

Service: Full

The Sumtown Tramway Company had been in need of motive power for some time prior to the arrival of this engine; in particular, the line was in need of a small tank engine for shunting and light trip workings. The Caledonian Class 0F was purchased with this intent in mind, and it has proven to be a strong performer. Quick and nimble, it runs smoothly and is able to do the necessary work required, while adding a unique Scottish flavour to the railway that is appreciated and encouraged.

 

BR Class 08 No.08513

Operating Certification: 2018

Service: Full

The Class 08 diesel shunter was numerous, found all over BR's network, and so it is that one is founed here as well. Based off of Tri-ang's old tooling, the Hornby RailRoad Class 08 came from a multi-car pack in 2008, and has proved invaluable ever since. A perky, quick engine, this one is definitely good bang-for-your-buck, particularly as it comes with its own train ready to go. This engine runs smoothly and is quick to respond.

 

LNER Class A3 No.4472

Boiler Ticket: 2017

Service: Full

Every self-respecting UK layout must have either Mallard or Flying Scotsman, and so here is the famous A3. Modeled by Hornby as it appeared in the 1930s, this engine is striking in Apple Green, and fairly powerful. Its only flaw is in its horrid tender-drive system; otherwise, it operates well and certainly looks the part. A must-have in any guise.

 

LNER/BR Class A4 No.60010

Boiler Ticket: 2020

Service: Full

The pride of the line, this is my model of Hornby's superb locomotive Dominion of Canada. Detail is simply stunning, with legible gauges and plates, a false knuckle-coupler on the tender, and a complex, intricate drive system. This engine is very powerful and fast, and is usually found rocketing along with the Collett express carriages. One of my personal favorites (and my favorite A4 of them all), this engine is perfect the way it is.

 

GWR/BR 'Castle' Class 4073 No.5053

Boiler Ticket: 2019

Service: Full

A limited-production locomotive from the Pete Waterman Collection, No.5053 Earl Cairns was purchased as a region-specific express locomotive. The livery, BR Early-Crest Green, is done especially well, and the locomotive itself stands as a true Western express engine. Performance is excellent, and the locomotive is used quite regularly on the passenger runs - surprisingly surpassing No.60010 in terms of use at times, due to its simplicity of design comparatively.

 

CN 'Consolidation' C-Liner A-Unit No.9344

Operating Certification: 2016

Service: Full

A locomotive that was obtained several years ago, this diesel is the epitome of express service for Canadian railways. The locomotive is striking in its streamlined shape and powerful motor that propels it to exemplary speeds. While not the fastest engine, it more than makes up for this with sheer hauling power. Set up with my Canadian Pacific streamlined carriage rake, this engine makes a statement - unfortunately, due to the geography of the Sumtown Tramway Company this locomotive does not make such statements too often, meaning that they are all the more important when they are made.

 

LBSCR/IoWR/SR/BR/Bluebell 'Terrier' Class A1X No.55

Boiler Ticket: 2020

Service: Limited

One of the most famous tank engines in the world, No.55 Stepney arrived on the Sumtown Tramway in July of 2011. This engine is powerful for its size, and despite its noisy efforts when manoeuvering the line it puts up a valiant effort in all fields. This locomotive is used as often as needed, despite its status as a limited-edition from the Bluebell Railway - though a delicate hand is always used when operating this Victorian locomotive.

 

GWR 'City' Class 34xx/37xx No.3440

Boiler Ticket: 2021

Service: Limited

City of Truro, the first steam locomotive to reputedly travel 100 miles per hour, arrived in January 2011. Crisp and detailed, this locomotive is not the most powerful but definitely stands out and is very desirable to run on many journeys. A limited-edition model imported from the National Railway Museum, this locomotive is capable of any workings required at this point. However, due to its delicate nature and rarity, this engine is also only used on limited occasions.

 

Modified 'Planet' 4-2-0

Boiler Ticket: 2016

Service: Limited

Better known to the world as the John Bull - the oldest operable steam locomotive in the world, this modified 'Planet' is faithfully and accurately rendered by Bachmann. This particular engine was bought on its own in its own box, without the carriages from the set, and so is significant. The only modification is the addition of a loop-coupler at the rear in place of the original coupler (the hook had to be cut off in order to fit the loop - a minor inconvenience); otherwise, this engine runs very well and smoothly. Because of its unique nature this locomotive is only used on limited services.

 

Climax Class A No.3

Boiler Ticket: 2014

Service: Limited

This is not the sort of locomotive one would see operating on many lines anywhere, and so is a fine addition here. This engine was bought second-hand for a song, and runs decent enough - slightly jittery and noisy, but then, it is (I suspect) hand-made. The body is not attatched, and comes off easily for maintenance. This engine pulls strong and runs fair. A unique piece that works and seems well-off. Only used on limited workings due to its spotty history and performance.

 

CFPL Mallet-Type No.III

Boiler Ticket: 2018

Service: Limited

The most powerful steam locomotive in the entire fleet, this articulated 2-6-6-2T was obtained as a powerful alternative to a conventional rigid-framed locomotive on freight turns. As a North American design, it certainly stands in the minority and is used on limited turns as such, but its power makes it a star performer and its looks turn heads every time - from its real brass bell to its delicate valve gears.

 

CPR 'Mastodon-Type' No.3

Boiler Ticket: 2016

Service: Limited

A powerful steam locomotive and a rare one at that. This locomotive was purchased when another locomotive failed to perform to expectations and was sold. Known as the 'Mastodon' locomotive, this engine is a strong and powerful performer that rarely fails to meet expectations.

 

AT&SF Porter Hustler No.6705

Operation Certification: 2020

Service: Full

Another North American switching locomotive, the diminuitive Porter type was obtained from the AT&SF as a yard shunter. While definitely not the most powerful locomotive, it is quite capable of performing its shunting duties fairly well. Obtained cheaply, it is a different sort of locomotive that will continue its duties well whenever brought out.

 

SBB Ee 3/3 No.16367

Operation Certification: 2022

Service: Full

A smooth and powerful electric shunting locomotive from Switzerland, this locomotive was obtained as an experiment in operating electric traction on the railway in May of 2012. With a powerful drive and a unique set of looks, this locomotive is definitely a high-quality item that does not disappoint in terms of looks, use, or ability.

 

LB&SCR/NWR Modified Class E2 No.1

Boiler Ticket: 2014

Service: Limited

The most famous engine of all, 'Thomas' was purchased a few months ago as an exhibition piece rather than a true necessity. The locomotive stands out in terms of appearance, with all the famous details captured perfectly. Performance-wise, however, it is clear that 'Thomas' is not as great a performer as would have been hoped - proving that the individual gets what they pay for. Still able to work, albeit not as well as expected, the locomotive is only put to work on limited services, but creates a stir whenever it makes an appearance.

 

L&YR/NWR Class 28 No.5

Boiler Ticket: 2015

Service: Full

The Bachmann model of 'James' has garnered a bit of flak over the years, but I really can't see too much of why - this model is fairly accurate in terms of looks, and has decent pulling power - the weight of this engine is a key factor in this. The only modification to this engine I have done is to 'black-out' the smokebox extensions (done after the photograph was taken). This engine is fair enough to run, and even looks alright pulling the Collett express carriages at times - although the Hogwarts carriages do look better behind it overall!

 

GWR/BR/NWR Modified Class 1340 No.6

Boiler Ticket: 2015

Service: Full

My original 'Percy' model suffered manufacturing defects, and so had to be replaced within a few weeks. This engine, my second, has lasted ever since, and has proved loyal and useful. While not the most powerful engine (actually, it is the weakest - don't buy this one if you need a hauler!) it is smooth to operate and quite responsive at times. It will need a minor examination at a point, but it operates well for now.

 

BR/NWR Class 07 No.2991

Operating Certification: 2018

Service: Full

One of my more recent locomotives, this model of 'Salty' is one of my favorites purely for its attention to detail - it's an absolutely gorgeous model, which works well on the line. This one can pull whatever it needs to, with decent results - the only flaw with this one is that the eye mechanism is slightly off when the eyes move to the engine's left, resulting in a cross-eyed glance that is slightly disconcerting. Otherwise a fine engine that regularly performs the shunting turns.

 

NWR Class G 'Stirling Single'

Boiler Ticket: 2021

Service: Full

A fine example of Victorian design, melded well into the Sudrian universe, 'Emily' arrived in 2012 as a striking exhibition locomotive. In this regard this locomotive is exceptional, with its ability to pull a few carriages with little real difficulty. Though its power is limited, its looks are unique and its position on the railway is quite clear indeed.

 

Davenport 0-6-0 Diesel Shunter

Operating Certification: 2014

Service: Full

The first of the miniature engines to be purchased for the railway, this diesel locomotive was obtained to build the line and act as a test locomotive - for future reference, and for the line's decisions to be made concerning its future. Small but nimble, slow speeds are not the strongest suit of this diesel, preferring to operate trains efficiently and quickly.

 

UP 'American' Type No.119

Boiler Ticket: 2014

Service: Limited

A steam locomotive to operate the trains, this locomotive was obtained second-hand from another failing railway. With a relatively strong mechanism, the locomotive was able to operate the trains with some degree of strength - though its age and mechanical wear is definitely showing in many places.

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STATIC EXHIBITS:

 

GER/LNER/BR/NWR Class J70 No.7

Boiler Ticket: EXPIRED

The Sumtown Tramway Company needed a tram engine to keep its name and status, and so 'Toby' was the logical choice. This engine is very detailed to the TV model, and runs fairly smoothly when in operation. In the past, this engine worked very well and fits into the line quite naturally. Unfortunately, the chassis seems to have given out on it, which is surprising considering how well it operated only a few months ago. Overhauls on this engine are not planned for the immediate future due to its delicate nature and its uniqueness.

 

B&O Norris 4-2-0

Boiler Ticket: EXPIRED

A typical Norris-built locomotive of the early years of railways in America, this engine was split from the 'Lafayette' set from Bachmann, along with three carriages from the period (which are present here too). This engine's modifications are very minor - the nameplate has been blanked to allow renaming in the future. A fine runner on its good days, it is unfortunately in need of a major overhaul before it works again.

 

GWR/BR/Hogwarts 'Hall' Class 49xx No.5972

Boiler Ticket: EXPIRED

The first locomotive that I ever received, No.5972 Hogwarts Castle ('Olton Hall') operated flawlessly. The locomotive was powerful and capable of high speeds with its stock, thanks to what I later learned was its capable powertrain within - the split-chassis system employed was very effective. Due to misuse and neglect, however, the locomotive is now in a sad state, with a very worn chassis that has necessitated its withdrawal and a bodyshell with obvious signs of age. A cosmetic overhaul may be undertaken at a point, but a full overhaul may be another story.

 

GWR/BR Class 61xx No.6167

Boiler Ticket: EXPIRED

Purchased as another means of Western power for the Sumtown Tramway Company, No.6167 was a bit of a lemon at times, but produced lemonade at others. The locomotive had some performance issues resulting from a difficult chassis, but performed well on its good days, rivalling No.9344 on its peaks. This engine was a second-hand brass-built engine, and as such put down good weight when it came to hauling. The locomotive had been withdrawn in early spring of 2011, and the motor removed to discern whether a replacement could be found. At this time the locomotive is a rolling exhibit, with no motor and a disengaged chassis, awaiting a replacement motor that may or may not come.

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LOANED LOCOMOTIVES:

 

No locomotives have been officially loaned to other railways at this time. All locomotives are currently under the employ of the Sumtown Tramway Company.

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SOLD/SCRAPPED LOCOMOTIVES:

 

LNER/BR Class A4 No.60022

Arrived: April 2010

Departed: April 2010

Disposition: Scrapped

The world's fastest steam locomotive, No.60022 Mallard, was a resident of the Sumtown Tramway Company for only a few days - the locomotive operated as a DCC-Fitted locomotive from new, and was unsuccessful at operating on the DC Sumtown line as such. The locomotive eventually destroyed its DCC chip when attempting to reverse onto a train of Collett carriages purchased at the same time, and so was quickly dispatched back to its sellers for a full refund. No.60010 has proven to be a far better member of the class in terms of looks and performance.

 

AT&SF EMD Class SW1 No.2325

Arrived: April 2012

Departed: May 2012

Disposition: Sold

Obtained in 2012 as an engine to bolster the North American fleet, No.2325 was bought cheaply. Upon first examining the locomotive, its couplers were unsuitable for the work it would be doing - these were replaced in haste, and the locomotive was able to start limited work at once. Unfortunately, an issue with the bogies had rendered this locomotive unusable - because of its relative value when purchased, the locomotive was sold and its losses recuperated in full.

 

GWR/BR Class 57xx No.5705

Arrived: March 2008

Departed: May 2012

Disposition: Scrapped

The iconic pannier tank design of the GWR goes back many years, and many variants were created. This one, the 57xx, is the most iconic of them all, with several hundred being built, including No.5705. This engine was bought used, and I am quite sure that this engine is a brass-kit build - although I am unfamiliar on the make of kit, it holds well and ran decently. The only modification I made was to remove the original hook-and-loop couplers and put new plastic ones on, while the originals were donated to No.7401. Upon mechanical failure, this locomotive was removed from service - however, when an attempted overhaul went badly the decision was taken to scrap the locomotive instead, with efforts being concentrated into obtaining a proper, quality locomotive of the same type to replace it.

 

SJ Class S1 No.383

Arrived: March 2012

Departed: May 2012

Disposition: Scrapped

Obtained as an experiment in locomotive repair and reconstruction, this locomotive has murky origins. What is known is that this locomotive was built with bad internal mechanics, resulting in a short operating life before its withdrawal. With a lack of parts available to properly overhaul this locomotive, and given its relative value in comparison, the decision was taken to remove this locomotive from service completely.

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PROJECTS/EXPECTED ADDITIONS:

 

DCC Fitting

All of my locomotives will be fitted with some form of DCC before I am through; DCC is ultimately more desirable and the preferred choice. This will take time, money, and effort, so no changes are expected just yet.

 

BR 'Leader' 0-6-6-0T No.36001

The grand idea of steam which ultimately failed due to design flaws and lack of interest. The Bulleid-designed 'Leader' was due to revolutionize steam, but is now a piece of history that will be modelled in OO scale. This will take a long time, but will be done - if I cannot purchase the Golden Arrow RTR model in time, perhaps I will need to build it from a Class 59 or something similar. This will be my magnus opus, so to speak, and will be one of the biggest projects I undertake.

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Thanks for visiting, and be sure to check back here again for more updates! Comments and queries are always welcomed, as they can only help me to get better. Until then, farewell for now!

 

Cheers,

Trainmaster64