Our website added a Robin R. Beck photo of the unusual locomotive displayed at the Collie Visitor Center in Collie, Australia. An example of a nicely preserved and quite unusual locomotive.

Also known as Tractor Locomotives. A very British concept, these things were essentially steam traction engines with flanged wheels. Steam traction was far more popular in Great Britain and the Commonwealth than it was here in the US and was still being used for heavy hiway haulage into the early 1960s. These were primarily industrial units and could be used for other tasks around the yard.This one does not seem to have a steering mechanism for off track use but it does have a power take-off. Think of it as a steam driven trackmobile.

GME