Each Decemeber, since 2002, my family and I have ridden the Santa Train at the South Simcoe Railway, which starts from Tottenham, Ont.
This summer, I recently learned that the steam engine that they have been running -- a 4-6-0 -- broke down. It was out of service for most of the summer and they had to run their diesel instead. Their older loco, a 4-4-0 built in 1883, has also been in for repairs for the past few years. But I heard that they just might have it ready for these Christmas trains. Then I heard that it wouldn't be ready for December and that they'd still have to run the diesel. :cry:
Well, when we arrived at Tottenham, you can imagine my delight
when I immediately smelled that distinctive steam smell ! :mrgreen::mrgreen: They DID have the 4-4-0 running, but just barely. It still needs a lot of work and they still had the diesel operating, giving it an extra hand at the other end of the train.
This was one of our best visits to this railway. The 4-4-0 was chuffing and steaming like crazy. It was very cold, making this loco give off a LOT of smoke in the -9 to -11º C (14º to 16º F) weather.
Here are a few pics of it giving off steam near the station and one shot showing the diesel at the end of the train in the country.
Despite the cold, this was a great trip with lots to see and take in. I really recommend this railway to anyone who is contemplating a trip this way. FYI, Tottenham is about an hour NW of Toronto.
Cheers, Rob
This summer, I recently learned that the steam engine that they have been running -- a 4-6-0 -- broke down. It was out of service for most of the summer and they had to run their diesel instead. Their older loco, a 4-4-0 built in 1883, has also been in for repairs for the past few years. But I heard that they just might have it ready for these Christmas trains. Then I heard that it wouldn't be ready for December and that they'd still have to run the diesel. :cry:
Well, when we arrived at Tottenham, you can imagine my delight
when I immediately smelled that distinctive steam smell ! :mrgreen::mrgreen: They DID have the 4-4-0 running, but just barely. It still needs a lot of work and they still had the diesel operating, giving it an extra hand at the other end of the train.This was one of our best visits to this railway. The 4-4-0 was chuffing and steaming like crazy. It was very cold, making this loco give off a LOT of smoke in the -9 to -11º C (14º to 16º F) weather.
Here are a few pics of it giving off steam near the station and one shot showing the diesel at the end of the train in the country.
Despite the cold, this was a great trip with lots to see and take in. I really recommend this railway to anyone who is contemplating a trip this way. FYI, Tottenham is about an hour NW of Toronto.
Cheers, Rob