Snake & Newt

Snake & Newt is a twins engine

Bio
Snake and Newt were originally brought to the Island of Sodor as contractor locomotives to help with the construction of the Sodor China Clay Pits at Brendam Bay, though were over 65 years old by this point. Although useful during the construction of the Clay Pits, the two engines were not deemed suitable for the needs of the Sodor China Clay company to run the trains to the Harbour at Brendam on a regular basis given their age and height. With their owners deciding to abandon the elderly engines on completion of the Works, they were unofficially adopted by the NWR and given the numbers 48 and 49. They were succeeded by Bill and Ben when the mines opened in 1948 but were kept as spare locomotives in case of emergency. Emergencies were few and far between over the years, and Snake and Newt very rarely saw service apart from when Bill and Ben required overhauls or repair. They were stored under cover at Brendam for a number of years before going on display at the Harbour until the effects of the sea air began to take their toll on the two engines in the 1990’s, when they were once again moved to storage to avoid further damage. The Sodor China Clay Company did attempt to pass the locomotives on permanent loan to the Sodor Railway Preservation Society whilst they were still based at Ballahoo, but given that space and funds were both at a premium at that time, the two locos were rejected. However, when the new museum opened in 2009, Snake and Newt were welcomed with open arms and cosmetically restored at Crovan’s Gate Works to their former glory. Here they formed part of the exhibition telling the story of Sodor’s industrial heritage for 4 years before being sold to a new home away from Sodor at the Daleside Valley Railway where they are both currently undergoing overhaul to original condition. As well as working on their own railway, it is hoped that other heritage railways and museums will hire them for special occasions.

Personality
Little is yet known of Snake and Newts characters- including how they came to receive their names! But they seem a friendly pair, and during their time at the VRM made good friends with the other exhibits in their static display around the China Clay Pits and similar industries. Bill and Ben have a great affection for them too, as the pair spent many years in storage at Brendam, so their reuniting after so many years recently was a great occasion.

Trivia

 * has some remake for Bill & Ben.