Two types of Narrow Gauge Breakdown Trains have been used on the Skarloey and Mid Sodor Railways.
The Breakdown Train
The Breakdown Train is composed of one crane and conflat. It is usually hauled by Rusty and used for maintenance work and rescue operations.
The Breakdown Train was originally used on the Mid Sodor Railway, before being transferred to Skarloey Railway.
Biography
The Railway Series
While Falcon and Duke where double-heading a passenger train through The Mountain Road, Falcon derailed at a cliffside. Duke bravely held onto him with all his strength, until the Breakdown Train arrived and the workmen taught the passengers how to lever Falcon safely back onto the rails.
Thomas & Friends
Due to strong winds and rain, the Rheneas Bridge was once damaged and washed away. So Rusty brought the Breakdown Train and workmen to construct a new bridge. Peter Sam used the Breakdown Train to pull slate wagons out of the swamp under the Old Iron Bridge.
The Breakdown Train was used to recover Duncan when his impatience at The Incline Railway sent him plunging into a muddy ravine. When Skarloey dangled dangerously at the Old Trestle Bridge, Rheneas brought the crane to rescue him. The crane was used yet again when Duncan had a high-speed derailment at Elephant Park station.
Later, Rusty and Peter Sam used with the Breakdown Train to help clear away storm damage and they discovered an old railway coach. Sometime afterwards, Mighty Mac worked with the crane to lay new railway tracks.
The Narrow Gauge Breakdown Train was stored at Arlesdale Sheds on the Mid Sodor Railway. On the Skarloey Railway, it was stored at the Incline Railway and later at the Transfer Yards.
Technical Details
Basis
The Narrow Gauge Breakdown Train is based on a French Magnard six ton crane used in World War I. A similar example was once used on the Ffestiniog Railway.
Livery
In the fourth to sixth series, the breakdown train was painted a reddish-brown all over. From the seventh series onwards, the crane itself was repainted dark green while the conflats remained reddish-brown.
Appearances
The Railway Series
Companion Volumes
|
Books
Magazine Stories
|
Trivia
- The small-scale model of the Breakdown Crane, which was used in the fourth and fifth series, is owned by Twitter user ThomasTankMerch.
- The large-scale model of the Breakdown Crane was briefly reused as a stationary crane used for set dressing at the Works and Knapford Sheds in the seventh series episodes, Something Fishy, Bulgy Rides Again and Gordon and Spencer.
- In the fourth series, the chassis for the trucks were modified from a Cooper Craft O gauge "GWR Match Truck" (3016).[1]
Merchandise
- Take Along (discontinued; known as "Rescue Cars")
- Plarail (discontinued)
- Collectible Railway (discontinued)
The Works Train
The Works Train generally consists of some open-wagons and a brake van. One of these trucks is equipped with two gas cylinders for welding and cutting, which acts as a secondary Breakdown Train.
Biography
Once, Sir Handel deliberately derailed himself to avoid pulling trucks, so Peter Sam arrived with workmen to put Sir Handel back on the rails and brought his passengers home.
When Duncan was trapped in a collapsing tunnel, Skarloey brought the Works Train to free Duncan and repair the tunnel. Following this incident, Rusty brought the Works Train to lever Duncan onto the line when he derailed at worn stretch of track near Cros-ny-Cuirn.
During wet weather, Rusty was kept busy taking workmen along the line, removing any branches and leaves that prevent the water from flowing. Sometime afterwards, one of Skarloey's coaches derailed, and Duncan sulked about having to pull the Works Train. He then shunted the train into a siding and left the workmen to sort out the mess.
Technical Details
Basis
The trucks are inspired by typical examples of Welsh narrow gauge rolling stock from the heyday of the slate traffic era. The brake van is based on a Talyllyn Railway's No. 6 guard's van with added duckets.
Livery
The Works Train consists of trucks painted brown with black frames. A brown brake van is most frequently used, although the red and blue brake vans have occasionally been seen.
Appearances
The Railway Series
Companion Volumes |
Thomas & Friends
|
Books
|
Trivia
- The small-scale model of the breakdown truck without a crane, is owned by Twitter user ThomasTankMerch.
- In the fourth series, the chassis for the trucks were modified from a Cooper Craft O gauge "GWR Match Truck" (3016).[2]
See Also
References
Locomotives | Duke | Stanley* | Smudger** | Falcon | Stuart | Albert* | Jim* | Tim* | The Mine Engine* | |
---|---|
Rolling Stock | Coaches | Saloon Coaches* | Coaches** | Cora* | Trucks (Slate Trucks) | Breakdown Train** | Gunpowder Wagons** | Flatbeds | Conflats | V-Tipper Wagons* | Brake Vans |
People | The Mid Sodor Railway Manager |
Locations | Arlesburgh (West, Bridge Street) | Ffarquhar Road | Marthwaite | Arlesdale Green | Arlesdale (Engine Sheds, Mines) | Cas-ny-Hawin | The Mountain Road | Ulfstead Road | Ballamoddey | King Orry's Bridge | Bertram's Old Mine** | Elm Farm** | Duke's Old Village** |