What is this wooden replica a model of? Is a C56 one of those Japanese 2-6-0s, with a six-wheel tender? Aren't there several real examples of these still extant in Thailand? Anyone have photos?

http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=6160
ryarger@rypn.org

> What is this wooden replica a model of? Is a
> C56 one of those Japanese 2-6-0s, with a
> six-wheel tender? Aren't there several real
> examples of these still extant in Thailand?
> Anyone have photos?

Yes, there are at six C56 steam locomotives in existance; two of them are operational out of Thonburi shed in Bangkok. Rob Dickinson's website has pictures of them, I linked to it below.

They were imported during World War II; one of these was once on display at the "Bridge over the River Kwae".

Japanese C56 2-6-0 pictures

james@survivingworldsteam.com

Considering that some of the real ones still exist and look to be fairly light and truckable, I wonder why they went to the trouble of making a wooden replica?

ryarger@rypn.org

> Considering that some of the real ones still
> exist and look to be fairly light and
> truckable, I wonder why they went to the
> trouble of making a wooden replica?

I can only guess that they wanted something a little smaller and a little lighter than the real thing.

I noticed that the article quoted the length of the model as 13 meters, which I believe is smaller than full size. And since it is made in part of wood, it is probably a lot easier to move around.

Anyway, it can't help but generate some positive publicity on railway preservation during what appears to be a national holiday. Perhaps it will do for railway preservation there what the parade of tall ships did for marine preservation during our Bicentennial.

-James Hefner
Hebrews 10:20a

Surviving World Steam Project
james@survivingworldsteam.com