The GER's Terrific Trams - GER "G15" & "C53"

In today's video, we take a look at the tram engines of the GER that may or may not have been the inspiration for a certain author's own square engine
Also a MASSIVE thanks to the GER Society for providing many of the pictures and the information for this video, couldn't have done it without them
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This video falls under the fair use act of 1976.
This video is available to use under the appropriate Creative Commons Licence.
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Oxyman
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Walter Dendy
H.C. Casserley
W. Porter

[@TrainFactGuy]

Do you like the Great Eastern Railway? Their early locomotives were a little too basic for my tastes, but when the G15's came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercial and stylistically. The trams had a clean, simple design, and a flair of public safety that really gave the tramway a big boost. They've been compared to electric trams, but I think the 15's have a far much more old fashioned and rustic appeal. In '03, Holden released these, the C53's, their most well known trams. I think most people know them as "Toby the tram engine", an engine so recognisable, most people probably don't think about the C53's. But they should, because they're not just reliable machines, and uniquely designed, they're also reflective of the state of rural tramways themself. Hey Paul! 🪓

[@Irobert1115HD]

SHEDS ABOUT TO GO DOWN!

[@odintheallfather4863]

I love the GER D56 Class aka Claud Hamilton

[@JonAschenbrenner]

The line's pretty generic and their locomotives except the J70s, the B12 Ten Wheelers, and the Claude Hamiltons were all average.

[@Comeng_]

My dumbahh thought that said 1983 💀

[@joshslater2426]

I love the GER; they’re my second favourite pre-grouping railway. They had the Claud Hamiltons, but also the S56, G58, Y14, T26, the P43 singles which had a short life, and the unusual Decapod. They had a beautiful livery, nice locomotives and a distinct style that stuck around after the grouping.

[@Steamteamrailworks88]

Insert Toby The Tram Engine theme

[@Rusty_the_little_diesel]

TOBY OH TOBY (continue it)

[@AbbeyYard]

​@@Rusty_the_little_diesel Is it electric?

[@patriciolei9193]

Way ahead of u

[@pencilman2554]

@@Rusty_the_little_dieselWHAT WILL BECOME OF YOU

[@shippingbad]

​@@AbbeyYard"HOUSH"

[@patriciolei9193]

North of the island, There lived a dear old train A little tram engine, Toby is his name He's quaint and old fashioned, but careful and wise His coach is Henrietta and she’s seen better days His mind keeps returning to the good old days When they were busy working every day But nobody rides with them nowadays They can't understand why things have changed Their line is closing down today Forever

[@redengine4433]

this is the Second comment first even if not counting the pinned one

[@ToaTakanuva7]

next morning the shed door was flung open, and he woke with a start to see his driver waving a piece of paper. DRIVER: wake up Toby (they shouted) and listen to this, its a letter from the stout gentleman. Toby listened and.... but i mustn't tell you any more or i shall spoil the next story.....

[@lettuce984]

“Oh too hell with it!” Said ringo *whhaaaattt?*

[@gamerdude612]

Toby oh Toby what will become of you the world's much nicer whenever we see you Toby dear Toby there's so much to learn from you oldies but goldies we still care about you All of the children came to say goodbye they clapped and cheered as Toby rang his bell bye bye everyone was sad to see them go whatever would they do and where would they go?

[@MarshallRedmon01]

Suddenly news came to brighten up there day And Toby and Henrietta were needed right away The Fat Controller has written to say Could they please come and help right away Now their part of his family forever Toby oh Toby show them what you can do The world's much nicer whenever we see you Toby dear Toby there's so much to learn from you Oldies but Goldies we still care about you Oldies but Goldies WE STILL CARE FOR YOU!

[@primrosevale1995]

Speaking of Toby, I find it kinda funny how most people, Thomas fans included, don't realize he has a whistle. LNER J70s actually had their whistles inside the cab, located on the steam dome atop the firebox.

[@matthew_natividad]

I guess it does make more sense

[@Sudriantank12]

Fascinating

[@Totally_Not_An_Alien19]

"Is it Electric?"

[@Steamteamrailworks88]

Toby: Hoooooosshhhh!

[@NathanielPiscian]

Sh sh you offended him 🫢

[@Mac_Spector]

Electric indeed!

[@Steamteamrailworks88]

@@Totally_Not_An_Alien19 Bridgette: But Trams are electric, aren’t they

[@edward002gaming]

"Hmmmph, electric indeed"

[@patriciolei9193]

Fun fact: GER C53 No.127 is the real life Toby, as stated be Wilbert Awdry himself

[@redengine4433]

wow nice fact did The jinxed steam boat gave you it

[@patriciolei9193]

@@redengine4433 well not directly. When he mentioned Toby’s BR number, I was curious so I did a bit of research and found out his GER number

[@xavierjuno4572]

​​@@patriciolei9193is that his actual BR number because Awdry was usually very vague on those

[@spe-notapopularytbersus1237]

@@xavierjuno4572its in the actual ios book

[@doct0rnic]

Obviously

[@edward002gaming]

"Oldies, but goldies, we still care about you"

[@theazurefire91]

I can't believe you made an entire video about tram engines *just* so you could make that pun at the end.

[@steam1303]

Sometimes it hurts to be this hip

[@jaredhebert942]

Still a roundabout Toby nod, so I'll allow it (:

[@petersmith4455]

great to give Toby the tram engine a mention,,super little locos always assosiated with Thomas

[@1471SirFrederickBanbury]

love these little guys. One of my favourite jokes to claim that a LNER Y6 was somehow related to the N&W Y6b and then see the hilarious face that people made, first when they saw the massive difference, and again when they realise that their face was the punchline!

[@gwyneddboom2579]

I’ve had to look the Y6b up, and yes they are indeed related.

[@1471SirFrederickBanbury]

@@gwyneddboom2579 such similar engines, totally not an order of magnitude difference in size and power, that would be ridiculous!

[@James-the-idiot]

Huh cool

[@railtrolley]

They did both run on Standard Gauge track. Weight of rail required: lb/yard, might be slightly different.

[@sabertooth3studioshq838]

Toby in the railway series: the wise grandpa who gives no fucks. Toby in magic railroad: " Oh diesel won't bother with an old engine like me he thinks I'm useless " Toby in the cgi series: "Which signal is mine ?"

[@ciarangleeson2880]

You forgot the model series.

[@sabertooth3studioshq838]

@@ciarangleeson2880 oh

[@jonahhex6593]

Deadass, as many shortcomings as Magic Railroad had, it nailed Toby.

[@TheDefiantPirate]

We Dont Talk about CGI Series toby EVER!

[@sabertooth3studioshq838]

@realkirt expect for the episode titled " heart of gold"

[@keldeostudies149]

Toby oh Toby! Where would we be without you

[@scotthamp384]

The world's much nicer whenever we see you

[@tad7441]

@@scotthamp384Toby, dear Toby, there’s so much to learn from you.

[@scotthamp384]

@@tad7441 oldies but goldies, we still care about you

[@TankEngineMedia]

I love the look of the tram engine (maybe because of a well known tram engine from a popular kids series), they look so small and cute! I looked up the G15 a while ago and they look very cute!

[@devinpaul9026]

Toby always was my favorite. I had several, but he was top dawg.

[@ciarangleeson2880]

Here, here!

[@aJunctionMalfunction]

One still hopes and dreams that a replica will be built one day... they're such a quirky little design. Interesting how both Rev. W. Awdry & Christopher Awdry both made use of the engine's faults & features in stories. Such as Toby running out of water, needing to fill up more frequently than the other engines, and even turning the event mentioned at 4:52 into a story starring Toby. Neat trivia about the water tanks being the running board, I never knew that! I suppose I never really wondered where Toby's water tanks were before today. And of course, you mentioned the Class 04's which serves as the basis for Mavis. But of course in the world of Thomas, Toby & Mavis both happily co-exist on the Ffarquhar Tramroad, who doesn't enjoy a happy ending?

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

Nice to see Toby is getting some recognition.

[@DillianTrainzStudios]

"Toby, oh Toby, show them what you can do. The world's much nicer whenever we see you. Toby, dear Toby, there's so much to learn from you. Oldies, but goldies. We still care for you!"

[@rmarsh9387]

The history of these little trams have always fascinated me. Thanks for covering them and opening my eyes to so many more details on their history and old line

[@Leeham03]

Finally after 22 years of my life I've found the backstop of my favourite Tank engine, Toby!

[@Leeham03]

Back-story*

[@ItzAtrain2905]

Never thought I'd get to see pictures of toby and his sibling on his original railway 😂

[@awesomecronk7183]

The best part about this design is that when the original Thomas TV series used it for Toby, the trait the writers chose for him in the theme song was "...he's square."

[@drdewott9154]

Man this could be a great idea for a modern day rebuild, and possibly quite ideal for many shorter heritage lines with tramway characteristics. Also love the cover of its hip to be square, though all I could think about while hearing it was bees.

[@BHuang92]

I've heard there was an idea of an modern reconstruction of one. I don't know about its progress if there's any.

[@AmirPrinceling]

There is currently a reconstruction going on, he still just has his frame currently based on the most recent update.

[@marcusyoutubegamineer]

@@AmirPrinceling Excelent

[@MrNoUsername]

​@@AmirPrincelingAny links for this?

[@AmirPrinceling]

@MrNoUsername Just look up LNER Y6 Restoration. Though unfortunately, after doing more research, it turns out the project was cancelled after the owner died, and the frame has just been in storage for the past decade or two.

[@jimtaylor294]

Definitely the two classes of engine most in need of Tornado'esque replicas 🤔🙂

[@Planetkid32]

Train of Thought: uploads a video on the LNER Y6 and J70 trams. Everybody: “OMG IT’S TOBY!!1!”

[@thesjlawshow759]

Toby is NOT a shed on wheels. He is great and old fashioned but careful and wise.

[@MartinLong-y1b]

I have really enjoyed your video and it really helps me with my recovery from my brain tumour and stroke as I try to get back to my modelling I mention my illness so you know who is watching and why thank you l mention my illness so you know who is watching and why thank you again I am a good old fashioned anorak but this looks like good reference material 👌

[@tjmfarming9584]

The fact that BOTH a G15 and C53 were earmarked for preservation yet still met the cutters torch is... frustrating to say the least! Even if they were preserved, I doubt that both would've steamed under their own power for long periods of time, and probably given same retirement as the T26. Having said this, with H2 Beachly head resurrected by the Bluebell being completed recently, perhaps we could find out which locomotive was earmarked for preservation and resurrect it, too. Surely building a tram engine would be far cheaper than the likes of the Grange, Tornado and the P2

[@Ramtamtama]

I decided to check the comments section before watching the video. It was exactly what I expected, full of Toby, which was very reassuring.

[@warmstrong5612]

The first steam locos were built in a shed, so it makes sense for them to come full circle.

[@ryandavey3712]

My great grandfather worked as a shunter at Ipswich docks.

[@matthewmurnaghan2583]

Toby is a tram engine. He has cowcatchers and side plates and doesn't look like a steam engine at all. This is a nice video on the J70s / G15s / C53s.

[@datprawn4850]

Awdry mentioned with Tody having a limited water tank in “Time For Trouble” and the trouble with cows in “Cows”. It is genius for Awdry to have Mavis be the type of shunting diesel that replaced Toby’s brothers.

[@ciarangleeson2880]

Do you think that Rosie and/or Salty would get into conflict with Thomas, if they were in The Railway Series?

[@sukottotsukeshi.]

@@ciarangleeson2880I doubt it

[@ciarangleeson2880]

Okay, maybe not Salty, but the TV series kind of alluded to a conflict between Thomas and Rosie.

[@sukottotsukeshi.]

@@ciarangleeson2880 from what I barely remember those those seasons I don’t think Thomas would have any conflicts with Rosie

[@jchinuk]

My late Father would relate the tale that he was with his Grandfather on his allotment in the early 30s, Dad would have been about 6 or 7, which was next to the main line near Romford and one of these 'sheds' sped past on the mainline, heading to Stratford Works for a service. Apparently, they used the fast lines to avoid clashing with the local services, but obviously had to fit the loco's movements in the gaps in express services and allowing the small loco to take on fuel and water. The speed of the tiny (in comparison with the usual locos seen on the line) made an lasting impression on Dad.

[@yeoldeseawitch]

British Y6 - tiny wooden shed on wheels American Y6 - MASSIVE SUPER POWERFUL GIANT

[@TheGreyTurtleEntertainment]

Alright at this point I'm being haunted by Hewy Lewis and the News. Power of love plays at work. Back in time is recommended on my KZbin. Heart of rock and roll plays on the radio. And now hip to be square here.

[@AlexsTrainYard]

"When I was on my holiday, I met a nice little engine called Toby."

[@detro225]

I love your work, helps me fall asleep

[@BrokenIET]

I can’t tell if this is a compliment or not lol

[@detro225]

@@BrokenIET compliment, I enjoy listening to train history as I go to sleep and his voice is relaxing.

[@davidantoniocamposbarros7528]

"Toby Oh Toby, show them what you can do" 🗣️🗣️🗣️🔥🔥🔥

[@mrmoviemanic1]

Toby will always be one of my favs, glad to see the Tram Engine getting it's video.

[@NintendoFlashShorts]

I saw the thumbnail and turned into the guy pointing at the screen meme

[@PotentialAutist42069]

ive always had a particular fascination with steam trams or other interesting industrial locomotive designs. They have this almost shiplike vibe, where they can be serviced from all around while underway.

[@22pcirish]

The Shakespeare class. Toby or not toby! I’ll get my coat….😂😂😂😂

[@AxiomRazor]

The C53, more known as the J70, was the inspiration for Toby the Tram Engine.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

Appreciate the Huey Lewis & The News nod at the end.

[@beard3451]

I love that Toby the Tram Engine brought both his coach Henrietta and the off-screen luggage van Elsie with him on his long journey to the Island of Sodor, even though he didn't have to. I love the thought of Toby making his way across England with only his faithful coach Henrietta and luggage van Elsie behind him. And the Fat Controller gets free rolling stock!

[@harrisonallen651]

“You’re a really useful steam train Toby!” - The Fat Controller

[@GamerB2022LikesTugs]

I knew the exact types of comments I would see once I clicked this video

[@a.squirrel1511]

The punch line. Priceless. Well done.

[@thomashambly3718]

I remember the NVR was converting a (Belgian, I think) steam tram into one of these to go with their "Thomas." But I think they had copyright issues or something and I haven't heard an update about it in a while

[@MagiTailWelkin]

It's not any copyright issues. It's more that it's a one man project and that one man rarely has the time to work on it.

[@NewController01]

If anyone wants to read more about this lost tramway, I recommend finding a copy of The Oakwood Press's "The Wisbech & Upwell Tramway". It does contain some facts that are kind of surprising, such as there were ideas for a Doubledecker coach using a double bogie tramway coach as a basis.

[@forrestrobin2712]

It would be great if a group got together to produce a new J70. They have so much character ! I’d even be tempted to say they have shedloads of character 😂

[@lukechristmas3951]

Huey Lewis and the News reference at the end of the video! The Unlucky Tug also had some of the same facts to share in his Real Life Basis deep dive video today, so there are two videos out today where I learned something new about the C53s. These engines had more of a life that just being trams in a peaceful town setting from being used by the USATC to being involved in fatalities along the tramway.

[@alicehodges9964]

@@lukechristmas3951 I Like The Steam Engine

[@vickielawless]

The only surviving tram is one of the Drewry diesel shunters, no. 11103, now at Mangapps Farm Railway in Essex, along with a replica numbered 11104.. Tramcar no.7 also still exists at Nth. Norfolk Railway..

[@Thej611]

Playing Hip to be Square at the end was a nice touch 😎

[@AceWolf777]

9:49 🎶 "Toby! Well let's say, he's squaaaareee!" 🎶

[@gtptvanbuuren3795]

Love my Toby Tram Engine.

[@NewController01]

4:58 a "Mega Train" you could say ;)

[@mrsteamie4196]

I love them so much, toby was always a favorite of mine

[@simaesthesia]

Huey Lewis and The News - Hip To Be Square ; what a tune!

[@Ghfvhvfg]

Cute honestly i love the way it looks

[@godlugner5327]

I'm here for the "Toby" comments. .

[@M0rtunodos]

I like Toby!

[@tge_iii]

Funnily enough, the next video in my recommended feed is about Toby.

[@minicle426]

This for me feels like it would make a nice little place to live in.

[@RandomTrinidadian]

Hey!! Its Toby!!

[@wolf986]

i think they look fantastic

[@984francis]

Marvelous 😀

[@Straswa]

Nice work ToT! Yay it's Toby the tram engine!

[@lukegauci1159]

I'm suprised a certain character who was inspired by this class was not mentioned. Par tof the reason why they have such a legecy and haven't been forgotten like other classes.

[@TenShine1productions]

Hey my town got mentioned!! Didn't know the trams came to my town towards the end

[@ZeldaTheSwordsman]

The easiest way to tell a J70 is the extra panels in the skirts, needed to accommodate the outside cylinders and provide access to the more complex rodding.

[@Arkay315]

TRAMS, STEAM TRAMS!!!

[@TroyWard-v2p]

These GER G15 & C53 tram engines resembles to Toby the tram Engine, the tramway coach resembles to Henrietta and the Class 04 tramway diesel shunter resembles to Mavis on Thomas & Friends.

[@Mr.Slaughter]

YOUR NAME IS TOBY!

[@happymark1668]

The world was much nicer whenever we see them

[@crestfallensunbro6001]

Toby!

[@michaelXXLF]

I believe the tram system of Basel, Switzerland regularly runs on of those engines as a tourist attraction through the city.

[@C.A.A93]

I don’t know why but the thought of a shed on wheels lead me to the title of “The Weinermobile of engines”

[@JamesRyanLindeman]

good 'ol Tobias the Tram engine

[@ANDREWLEONARDSMITH]

This is the precursor of the guards brake van which was used at the rear of trains in days gone by As the similarity in appearance is so obvious Were these sheds used to build the familiar Guards brake van when these trams were scrapped?

[@HaruMochizukiVT]

ToT talking about the tram engine’s color changes. “Oooh, I don’t know, I like my brown paint,” we all immediately think.

[@jossdeiboss]

Quite impressive machines I may say. Well designed for their scope. That is what matters.

[@CrystalClearWith8BE]

Now, we know more about steam tram engines like that.

[@altermike3197]

There's something special about these trams engines, can't quite put my finger on it, though.. 🤔

[@spirit1369]

I wish some of them were preserved. But at least the legacy of these locos will live on in Toby the tram engine.

[@thelittlebrightonshunter]

It’s hip to be Square!😎

[@mikego18753]

Thanks

[@fishw]

I have so many of these in so many gauges, my favourite is my 5" gauge version 😁

[@Pyrotrainthing]

My favorite steam trams.

[@SDCornishman]

They were very popular in Sydney lasting into the 50’s.

[@michael32A]

Seems Stratford were hopelessly careless with anything due to be preserved?! At least if it related to the W&U - they destroyed the newly restored W&U carriage (the one of the pair that had featured in the Titfield Thunderbolt) they had in store destined for preservation too, the new paint had scarcely finished drying properly. Great video!

[@joelightrailway2362]

Old, but useful engine.

[@ciarangleeson2880]

Oldies, but goldies.

[@redengine4433]

4:48 i wonder if a certain son of a revrent got inspired by that story to make his own

[@BashirTheTrainMaster]

Toby was indeed a very useful engine.

[@ericemmons3040]

The story about Toby the Tram Engine was the first story I got that featured Thomas and all his friends.

[@Weesel71]

Clever solution.

[@engie809]

Hello. I’ve been watching your channel for awhile now and I love your content and listening to your voice. Just a suggestion if you’re looking for ideas, mabye you could do a video on the Pennsylvania railroad duplex engines? The PRR had some bizarre locos if you want to look into that. Hope your doing well and have a good day God bless

[@shug831]

I like these tram engines, pity they all got scrapped.😢

[@ShukakuTheCrazy1]

One of these managed to survive on sodor

[@jakeFindlay-b1j]

With one Y6 and one J70 being marked for preservation and scrapped is just like what happened to North Star and Lord of the Isles when they were marked for preservation in 1871 and were scrapped in 1906 after they were taking up to much space at Swindon work in 1906 Train of Thought.