I found a "Critter" in service at the shops of the South Carolina Central just west of Darlington, SC. There is a contract railcar repair company there as well, but I neglected to write down the name of that company from the door of their trailer/office adjacent to the shop building (it was possibly Quantum Rail Services). I did not see any identification plate on the front or the left side of the locomotive, and I couldn't photograph the right side without stepping across the tracks and potentially getting in someone's way.
I have Jay Reed's Critters, Dinkys & Centercabs and have looked at the wide variety of Plymouth locomotive photos on the North East Rails website, but I can't find one that looks like this one. With the low hood and three panels or doors on the side of the hood, I'm thinking it may be a DL model, but they had so many different models. As you can see, it does have an interior frame.
Can anyone give a solid identification on this Beastie?
Bill
Sure you are not looking at a Brookville 15T -20T?
Sez "Plymouth" above radiator....
Wow, what a cute thing you found. Looks like the perfect loco for my future On30 layout.
John
A couple of short line or tourist line railroads I have been to have several of these around in various forms of dismantlement. I would guess maybe the model number goes by either weight or horsepower?
trainfan1221 I would guess maybe the model number goes by either weight or horsepower?
I would guess maybe the model number goes by either weight or horsepower?
That would be logical, but not the case for Plymouth locomotives. Plymouth used a variety of powerplants over the years, and model numbers often connected to the brand of that motor. Thus: DLB has a Buda engine; DLC has a Climax engine; DLH has a Hercules engine; and DL318 has a Caterpillar D318 engine. Then there is an added distinction on the type of transmission. A DL model has a mechanical transmission but the same unit with a hydraulic transmission was a DDT. With over 7,500 units produces by Plymouth, it gets to be a puzzle. For the problem at hand, it appears that the exhaust stack is flush with the top of the hood, removing the option of quickly knowing whether that exhaust is centered or offset (which may imply the powerplant).
For John Edwards - This certainly has the overall quirky dimensions to result in an interesting model, and there is certainly a narrow gauge precedent. Palmetto Brick up in Wallace, SC uses a 3-foot gauge model DLH/6 which is very similar overall to this one in Darlington. The narrow gauge version has an exterior frame. It appears that the "trunk" has been added to the back of this locomotive to provide added weight. Perhaps it was found to be slippery on the back axel. Here are a couple more photos to assist your construction, including one of the cab interior.
I have been pleased to present a question that is apparently a little difficult, but I would still like to know the model designation of this little Beastie.
Might the "trunk" be for sand and/or salt? Notice the chained lid and handle.
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