Mr Therm the Play Train

In today’s society most all playground features are mass-produced homogeneous affairs. Like other manufactured items, once you are in the know, you can have fun guessing the maker and checking on the label.

This post is long overdue about a local play feature based in Aberdeen’s Seaton Park. It’s Mr Therm, the Play Train. It’s one of the quirkiest play equipment pieces I’ve ever encountered.

Mr Therm (2239/1947) is a ‘pug’ engine 0-4-0ST designed and built by Andrew Barclay who initially specialised in winding engines for collieries and building works. This company was established around 1842 in Kilmarnock. It’s a little shunting locomotive that used to work at Aberdeen Gas Works. This was based near Aberdeen Harbour and was a functioning site between 1840 and 1972. At this point, Mr Therm was stored for a number of years before being smartened up and put on show at Duthie Park. I’m not sure when it was moved to Seaton Park.

In 2017 it underwent a refurbishment by David Ogilvie Engineering, also a Kilmarnock company that specialises in play area furniture, amongst other things and do a very unusual line in litter bins.

In addition to the engine itself are three of the wagons from the former gas works and an LMS brake van. All have been repainted after the metal corrosion was repaired – but I think they were also seriously funked up with the colourful designs on the fencing.

The back area is even more unusual in that it is not a space for running about but a seating area with a range of games that can be played, including an Aberdeen Monopoly board!

The wagons and brake van can be accessed via steps, a climbing board and there 3 or 4 slides as well. It’s mainly a space to run around, up through and out of.

However, there is something about it that reminds me of the carriage the Child Catcher used in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang film. Thankfully it’s not nearly as scary! Just fun.

2 Comments

Liz edwards on 28 July 2022 at 07:01

Repurposed real pieces of equipment have a fascination for both children and adults alike.
When my boys were little we would frequently visit the city farm in our local park graves park sheffield. The tractor ( a real tractor) that had parts removed and matting attached to any sharp edges) was the favourite. It had a proper tractor seat steering wheel and gear stick. A climb required to get into seat. You had to go at quite times otherwise you had to wait patiently in a queue. Which they did willingly to have their turn on the real tractor.😃🚜

Juliet Robertson on 28 July 2022 at 07:43

Thanks Liz – that’s a good point – often children do seem to prefer repurposed real equipment. I love the history behind this play train and the local connection too.
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Liz edwards on 28 July 2022 at 07:01

Repurposed real pieces of equipment have a fascination for both children and adults alike.
When my boys were little we would frequently visit the city farm in our local park graves park sheffield. The tractor ( a real tractor) that had parts removed and matting attached to any sharp edges) was the favourite. It had a proper tractor seat steering wheel and gear stick. A climb required to get into seat. You had to go at quite times otherwise you had to wait patiently in a queue. Which they did willingly to have their turn on the real tractor.😃🚜
- Juliet Robertson on 28 July 2022 at 07:43
  
  Thanks Liz – that’s a good point – often children do seem to prefer repurposed real equipment. I love the history behind this play train and the local connection too.