A rare Locobox Sophie

C

Chris Bird

Steam,gardening, photography
Hi folks
My Locobox Sophie had an outing yesterday at Roy Wood's railway - running in the cool shade of his hedgerow. It is hauling modified Triang Big Big skips and also some Binnie ones a bit later on.
You can see it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCXFT8CWSF4
Incidentally, some of you will know that this loco was previously resident on Peter and Nick Harling's Pimlico Tramway, now sadly gone. Nick, however is an acomplished railway artist and I now have a couple of his narrow gauge prints shown on a dedicated page on my website.
Nick's website is www.tractionart.co.uk (no connection)
Cheers
Chris
 
Yes another fine video. Was a real shame for the Pimlico Tramway to close but at least the loco looks just as at home at Roy's.
 
What a brilliant little loco. Where does it get the power from?
If I could find a steamer like that I would go live steam.
Do my eyes deceive me or is that really a Mamod chassis and cylinders?
 
Thanks guys - and John, a shame indeed, it is still one of my all time favourites......
Keith - well the smokebox is definitely Mamod and the frames are certainly to pattern, though probably thicker, I would need to check.
The cylinders are definitely not - I am pretty sure they are larger bore as they were promoted as "big bore" and of course the big difference is that they drive the rear wheels. The boiler is internally gas fired and probable is running at 50psi (that's where the power comes from!) and the wheels are certainly more robust than the original Mamod.
A real shame there were only about six made - in fact I have only ever heard of one other one.
Cheers
Chris
 
She's a lovely loco Chris and she runs as sweet as a nut:love:
 
Thanks Chris
I thought there was at least a passing visual resemblance. My Mamod struggles with a 1degree incline.
 
The Sophie looks great, Chris! And another interesting video, too. :)
 
Thanks guys - and Keith, it sounds like your Mamod would benefit from a new safety valve, and/or boiler and/or cylinders.........
Cheers
Chris
 
Chris great steamer to have in the collection. Nothing like having a steamer where only a few were made. I just recently acquired an originally Berkley Locomotive works Cricket. Now I just need a Westminster cricket and Ill have all three generations. As soon as this heat waves we are having leaves ill have to shoot a video. Good stuff as always Chris.
 
Thanks Shawn - sounds like the 'cricket' season over there :D Maybe some photos....?
How hot is it there? 80 F seems warm enough here!
Cheers
Chris
 
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