Nostalgia - Smokey Joe

[The_Rail_WAy]

Anybody remember Smokey Joe? Produced for Hornby railways it was a little 'Caledonian Railways Class 0F, not to be confused with the similar NBR G class, shunting loco that woud have been seen on lines in Scotland (although they have been spotted as far south as Crewe?) up until the 1960's They were also famous for having little, basic made coal tenders to increase the amount of coal they could carry.

I think the original one, number 56025 imaged by Hornby could be seen at St Rollox Railway Works, Glasgow which is currently as Alstom maintenance facility and Tesco! The words 'Smokey Joe' were inscribed on the side of the loco in white, and this allegedly was written by shed as it was a nickname for the little loco.

The little loco has been popular amongst Hornby customers, especially amongst children because the locomotives 'cheeky' characteristics. It has been criticised amongst older customers who neglect it because it perhaps lacks realism whilst its 12V motor is far to powerful for such a small loco. He also has his own Hornby kit which comes with track and a selection goods wagons.

What are other peoples memories of 'Smokey Joe?'

(Link to image: http://www.buyhornbytrains.co.uk/acatalog/R782.jpg)

 

[90019]

Is it me or has this been posted here recently?
Or am i thinking of somewhere else :???:

Anyways, personally i never had Smokey Joe, i had a different little steam loco that i cant remember what it is, but again the motor's a bit too powerful. It seems to be the case with a fair few small hornby locos.

 

[Phoenix]

How could anyone forget smokey joe.
Somehow that was the fastest loco I had always went faster than even my newest trains back then.
I sold it at a car boot sale in the end Bloody shame really.

 

[LittleRedTrain]

I have one of those (Though the LMS version as 16030).

Was the first loco I ever owned, and it's still going strong, although doesn't get much use these days, mainly because I don't have a model railway.

 

[wensley]

I have a 'proper' Smokey Joe, 56025.

Might be a pic here somewhere...

 

[Doorslammer]

Yep, had one of those when I was 5...

 

[BJMorley]

Yh, I have a Smokey Joe, incarnated as Caledonian Railways 0F 0-4-0T No. 272, as my christmas present this year. I've gone from a Bachy 57 to a Steamie!! I've gone backwards!!!

 

[mbonwick]

Never had "Smokey Joe" in the flesh so to speak, however it was my favorite engine when I got Hornby Virtual Railway at the age of 6.

 

[Daniel533]

Still got my Smokey Joe and still going strong, minus its chimney.