B.R.S.C Coaster-Type 0-4 + 4-0T

The B.R.S.C Coaster-Type was the first design ever created by B.R.S.C. It was a narrow gauge steam locomotive that utilised double-Fairlie technology. The Coaster was a powerful 0-4 + 4-0T locomotive and was designed for the Fomphson & Co. Railway, between 1946 and 1947. The first example's construction was completed in 1948, at B.R.S.C Locomotive Works.

Purpose
The Coaster was designed for the Fomphson & Co. Railway as a result of their outdated fleet; they placed an order for three locomotives and rolling stock in March, 1946, and the order was completed in late 1948. The design process of the locomotive lasted from 1946-1947, and the first example was completed in 1948, after the second locomotive, the B.R.S.C Burren-Type 0-4-2ST, had already arrived at the railway. The Coaster was designed so that it could navigate sharp turns and inclines, as were on the railway it was designed to travel and was meant for mainstream mixed-traffic use. The Burren was smaller and less powerful than the Coaster. It was also less complicated; its design and construction process was significantly shorter. On a small railway such as the Fomphson & Co. Railway, the Burren was more flexible, but it couldn't handle the heavier trains and struggled more on the inclines. This was when the Coaster's strength and powerful nature was put to good use.

To the right are pictures of two of the Coaster's basis'. At the top is the Saxon IV K, and at the bottom is 'Monarch'. As 'Monarch' wasn't built yet when the Coaster was being designed, the locomotive was actually based on Monarch's predecessor locomotives built to a similar design.

Below is the part of the original order which included the two locomotives. The order was compiled by B.R.S.C Secretary Albert Jones.

"They want 5 standard narrow gauge branch line (4-wheel) coaches, and 3 new engines: 2 reliable narrow gauge tank engines for mainstream mixed traffic use; coaches and trucks, cargo vans and flatbeds (trucks with loads of stone, slate, coal, ballast etc.). "

Design
The design of the Coaster was a heavily modified variation of a mix of three different (but similar) locomotives. Below is the original explanation of the design, written by Albert Jones by using the notes of Mr. Burwell, the engineers, and the designers.

"Engine No. 2 is based on a Kirkless Light Railway Kitson Meyer 0-4 + 4-0T crossed with a Saxon IVK and <'Monarch's predecessor locomotives>, transferred to narrow gauge, with a different shape: shorter (less long), quite a lot taller, and a bit wider. Add modern design/knowledge/technology for greater power, efficiency etc."