Technical Specifications for the Gollie class:
Well chuffed are a small, relatively new manufacturer of 16mm live steam locos. I had been watching their website for some time and was interested in their locos. Although the models are freelance, they have a charm about them that was immediately attractive - they remind me of some of my favorite locos. In the fall of 2004, Keef Brown of the Chidham Light Railway purchased a Well chuffed Archie and published a review on his webite. This was an enthusiastic write-up, so when funds became available for my next purchase it had to be a Well chuffed loco.
I quickly decided on the "Gollie" class loco. It was time to move up from four-coupled to six-coupled locos and I do enjoy outside-framed engines. The loco was ordered in October 2004. Because these are hand-crafted machines, each built to order, it takes a while for them to to be manufactured. Fortunately Well chuffed kept me informed via email throughout the process. By later January, Socrates was really taking shape. Here is the first photo I was sent as he approaches completion in the Well chuffed workshop (January 27th. 2005).
The following two photos show Socrates complete and ready to ship from Wellchuffed on 7th. February 2005.
Socrates arrived on Valentine's day 2005. I finally had the latest addition on my line and ready for his first steamup on February 15th. 2005.
Unfortunately we had a couple of teething problems that need sorting out. The connection bewteen the live steam pipe and the cylinders had worked loose in transit, and the tape holding the radio control servo for the valve gear had worked loose. Fortunately the fine folks at Well chuffed were quick to diagnose the problem and a couple of replacement parts are on their way to California. Once they are fitted, I've every reason to believe that Socrates will be an excellent performer.
Here is No. 5 with the bodywork removed undergoing work. The offending servo is the blue box in the cab.
May 2005: Socrates has been sent back to WellChuffed in the UK for repairs. After fitting the parts sent out from Mick Atkinson in March, there were still problems: Socrates would steam well but wouldn't move far under his own power. It appears that the valve timing is off. Because I don't have the experience to fix this problem, Mick kindly agreed to take the loco back for fettling. I expect Socrates to return to the CR&DJR sometime in late May.
Update June 2005: On June 20th. Socrates arrived back in California from Wellchuffed. The initial teething problems are now cured and the loco runs wonderfully well. Mick's valve gear makes Socrates powerful and very controllable. A more detailed review is forthcoming, but for now here's a photo of Socrates at the head of a short train of slate wagons.
Home - Trackplan - Construction - Stock - Movies - Gallery - Links