Phoenix locos are UK based international distributors of high quality, affordable battery electric model locos,
rolling stock and loco bogies in 5 inch and 7.25 inch gauge that are ideal as club locos or in garden railways.

40HP Simplex Protected Loco Information

The Simplex 40hp protected locomotive was built by the Motor Rail Company for use on War Department light railways. They were used to supply the trenches with ammunition and for occasional troop movements. Commonly known as the Tin Turtle, these iconic locos have survived to the present day on preserved railways.

The Phoenix Tin Turtle has all the elements of the original engines with scale driver protection panels, starting handle bracket, door handles and retainers, the curved bonnet panels and drag beam detailing. It is supplied as a bolt together kit with all brackets and fasteners.

We have the main parts and panels finished in olive green powder coating to give a tough resilient finish to the loco and to save a lot of painting. The loco is powered by a 1Hp 24volt motor with a 180amp Digital controller. Both axles are driven and the short wheel base means it will negotiate curves as low as 10ft radius making it an ideal loco for the garden railway.

We have scaled the loco at close to 1/3rd full size, making it a very practical 812mm mm (32ins) long. Making it a very easy loco to transport, though you will need two people to lift it! If you like the idea of running something a little bit different at the club track or you are a fan of these historic locos. Take a look at the Phoenix Tin Turtle.