#real train stuff

[sparkarrestor]

2026 Baby!

[edwardthomasnw]

Awdry's model of Rocket

Been looking up about Awdry's models for other reasons, but got reminded during it of his 'Rocket' model, and I'm wondering if it's like Bloomer, as an in universe working replica as part of that Hatt Collection? (whether that's actually separate to the NWR I dunno, but that's not the main thing 'ere)

Course it could just be something he liked - but that's what we thought about Bloomer then The Lecture happened..

Pulled that photo from the wiki, but it originates from the NGRM's Awdry Collection page and is just rather low quality. Sorry!

Originating in the first replica - built by the LNWR in 1881 - following it's eventual scrapping in 1973 a good chunk of it's metal components were reused in the 1979 replica (now at the NRM), which then itself was substantially rebuilt as an effectively new machine (reusing only the drivers and cylinders) during it's 2009 - 2010 "overhaul".

Bit of a tangent here, but went off looking up Rocket and the replicas, and found the NRM's working replica has technically been three different locomotives

So that's something.

Sidenote, I often wonder why there's no replica's of her as rebuilt. Would be rather nice to see that.

Also, the reason for the cylinders shifting from the angle to horizontal was because it would bounce when applying power - presumably when the pistons came back up (I now cannot find the particular source I read it on while looking around, which is annoying). Which doesn't sound fun.

On a personifying locomotives point though, does sound rather fun. My initial thoughts from that likened it to a puppy :P

[sparkarrestor]

So Proud!

[sparkarrestor]

Outdated locomotives on the scrapline, as they should be.

[sparkarrestor]

Glug Glug

[sparkarrestor]

He must have been bitching the entire time

[sparkarrestor]

Smooch

[sparkarrestor]

Happy Pride Month, have some engines kissing