Simplex 0-6-0 Steam Engine - LMS 1240
Having come into our possession in March 2022, this Simplex steam powered locomotive underwent a comprehensive inspection by our engineering team. Since then, it has been actively in service almost every weekend. Notably, it runs beautifully &, considering it’s a steam locomotive, operates with remarkable simplicity, free from any peculiarities or idiosyncrasies.
After one of our younger & more frequent travellers showed a keen interest in this locomotive, we decided to christen the LMS Simplex ‘Arthur.’ The name pays homage to his one of his favourite characters from a renowned series of children’s books & animated TV shows, He even brought us his toy to show us 😊
After one of our younger & more frequent travellers showed a keen interest in this locomotive, we decided to christen the LMS Simplex ‘Arthur.’ The name pays homage to his one of his favourite characters from a renowned series of children’s books & animated TV shows, He even brought us his toy to show us 😊
British Rail Class 66
Acquired brand new and fully operational in 2019, Class 66789, named ‘British Rail,’ swiftly became the club’s primary passenger hauler until 2022. Its robust capacity allows it to effortlessly pull three full passenger carriages. Enhanced with functional front lights and an internal sound system, this locomotive replicates the sounds of its full-sized counterpart, a Class 66, through recorded audio.
Notably, this locomotive marked the club’s first-ever acquisition of a fully completed model. The full-sized Class 66 locomotive, also dubbed ‘British Rail,’ remains the property of GB Railfreight (GBRf), operating under the same distinctive large logo heritage livery. On certain occasions, it has even made appearances within the southern network.
Notably, this locomotive marked the club’s first-ever acquisition of a fully completed model. The full-sized Class 66 locomotive, also dubbed ‘British Rail,’ remains the property of GB Railfreight (GBRf), operating under the same distinctive large logo heritage livery. On certain occasions, it has even made appearances within the southern network.
Class 67 'Queens Messenger' Funded By Sussex Community Foundation.
In 2022, we welcomed a new locomotive to our fleet, replacing our aging diesel outline Class 20. The selection of this class 67 locomotive held a special significance as a tribute to the late Queen. The acquisition of this locomotive was made possible entirely through the support of the Sussex Community Foundation, an organisation that unites individuals of inspiration, including philanthropists, investors, business & community leaders, volunteers, & families. Collectively, they contribute towards a thriving Sussex, driving the change it needs.
The full-sized counterpart of our locomotive, the 'Queen’s Messenger' 67005, was one of two locos available for a top-and-tail configuration, pulling the Royal train. The second locomotive, class 67006 'Royal Sovereign,' also shared this prestigious role. Like our class 66, our latest club locomotive also boasts the capability to pull three full carriages & features illuminating lights as well as an integrated sound system. This locomotive was provided by Abbotts Model Engineering, the same supplier behind our Class 66 locomotive & all our passenger carriages. Interestingly, if you find the Class 67's sound reminiscent of the Class 66, your observation is accurate—both locomotive classes are powered by the same engine in real life."
The full-sized counterpart of our locomotive, the 'Queen’s Messenger' 67005, was one of two locos available for a top-and-tail configuration, pulling the Royal train. The second locomotive, class 67006 'Royal Sovereign,' also shared this prestigious role. Like our class 66, our latest club locomotive also boasts the capability to pull three full carriages & features illuminating lights as well as an integrated sound system. This locomotive was provided by Abbotts Model Engineering, the same supplier behind our Class 66 locomotive & all our passenger carriages. Interestingly, if you find the Class 67's sound reminiscent of the Class 66, your observation is accurate—both locomotive classes are powered by the same engine in real life."
Class 42 Warship 'Dragon'
Constructed by a dedicated club member many many years ago, & later presented to the club in his honour, this locomotive underwent a comprehensive drive system overhaul in 2022.
Following years of unreliability that required regular repairs, the engineering team addressed its needs in early 2022, successfully reintroducing it to operation in May 2022.
Regrettably, the following week, a passenger-caused derailment led to a complete electronic control systems failure & other consequential damages. Substantial financial investment & countless hours of effort were expended to rectify the situation. Eventually, in August, the Warship locomotive made its triumphant return & has once again resumed its role among the club's routine passenger haulers.
Following years of unreliability that required regular repairs, the engineering team addressed its needs in early 2022, successfully reintroducing it to operation in May 2022.
Regrettably, the following week, a passenger-caused derailment led to a complete electronic control systems failure & other consequential damages. Substantial financial investment & countless hours of effort were expended to rectify the situation. Eventually, in August, the Warship locomotive made its triumphant return & has once again resumed its role among the club's routine passenger haulers.
Class 08 - D3800
This is our trusty ‘go-to’ small workhorse. It’s just light enough to be swiftly picked up and placed on the track in case of motive power problems during a running day. Additionally, it has served as a banking engine when a steam locomotive was acting up. When initially supplied, this model was coated in a dull satin black, with the intention of painting it. However, over the years, it has suffered some wear and tear and never received the promised paint job or any other detailing.
In May 2023, something remarkable happened. What began as a simple painting task, following necessary internal modifications by the workshop team, quickly evolved into an unexpectedly extensive project, as such things often tend to do. The transformation exceeded expectations, resulting in a complete makeover. The full-sized locomotive that our model is based on currently boasts a livery it never wore during its operational years. After being retired, it found new life through active preservation at the Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire. Its exterior now showcases the British Railways late crest green paint scheme, a departure from its historical appearance. Our rendition faithfully replicates the present state of D3800.” External details include an impressively realistic fuel tank gauge, grill vents in the side-opening compartment doors, handrails, and running lights. The actual locomotive bore a couple of different nameplates during its revenue service, but as one of our members possesses a steam engine named “Mole,” we opted to christen the 08 “Arun,” after another local Sussex river. This naming convention might carry forward to future locomotives at The Goffs Park Light Railway.
Please note the intricate inside cab detail - a first for a locomotive owned by the club. It’s assembled from assorted bits and pieces, along with some Lego! Yes, there’s even a light inside — LED lighting proves incredibly versatile.
Kudos to the workshop team for a job well done!
In May 2023, something remarkable happened. What began as a simple painting task, following necessary internal modifications by the workshop team, quickly evolved into an unexpectedly extensive project, as such things often tend to do. The transformation exceeded expectations, resulting in a complete makeover. The full-sized locomotive that our model is based on currently boasts a livery it never wore during its operational years. After being retired, it found new life through active preservation at the Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire. Its exterior now showcases the British Railways late crest green paint scheme, a departure from its historical appearance. Our rendition faithfully replicates the present state of D3800.” External details include an impressively realistic fuel tank gauge, grill vents in the side-opening compartment doors, handrails, and running lights. The actual locomotive bore a couple of different nameplates during its revenue service, but as one of our members possesses a steam engine named “Mole,” we opted to christen the 08 “Arun,” after another local Sussex river. This naming convention might carry forward to future locomotives at The Goffs Park Light Railway.
Please note the intricate inside cab detail - a first for a locomotive owned by the club. It’s assembled from assorted bits and pieces, along with some Lego! Yes, there’s even a light inside — LED lighting proves incredibly versatile.
Kudos to the workshop team for a job well done!
Below is what "Arun" looked like for many years in it’s unfinished state. i am sure you will agree, It looks a whole lot better now.
Simplex 0-6-0 Steam Engine - BR Black
Currently undergoing a complete rebuild from the chassis rails up, this has been with the club for many years. It was last steamed in 2021 and was withdrawn from service at that time. We do have some plans for this loco; it's appearance is likely to be rather different to the last time it ran. There's a clue in the photos below...
Page last updated August 2023
Copyright © 2006-2024, CME CIC
Copyright © 2006-2024, CME CIC