SUMMERLANDS CHUFFERS
Welcome to the Summerlands Chuffer Website!
Here, with the help of many fellow enthusiasts, we are able to tell you all about the Summerlands Chuffer, explain how to fit it and let you hear it in action on the many videos (there are two at the bottom of this page). This website also has lots more to interest the garden railway enthusiast as you can see in the contents list.
First, though, here is a brief explanation. The Summerlands Chuffer a highly developed and precision engineered chuff pipe that can bring the real sound of a working steam loco to your 16mm and G Scale railway. Designed to be a straightforward fit to many of the commercially available steam locos in these scales, it amplifies and enhances the sound of the exhaust steam and has the additional benefit of directing the oil and water downwards when starting.
With the optional FX Control, you can control the loudness of the Chuff and also enhance the steam plume for spectaculay steamy photography!
If your locos are radio control, the Summerlands Chuffer really does add a whole new dimension to your driving - because you can now hear the loco working. You can sense the need for more regulator and when to ease back and when your loco is out of sight, you can still have full control, just by listening to the exhaust!
And if you are a manual contol fan, just load her up, sit back and enjoy the sight and sound of your steam loco - pure magic!
In fact Marc Horovitz, editor of Garden rail magazine, writing in the Feb 2010 issue said that it "adds a whole new dimension to running steam". So if you fancy adding that "new dimension" to your garden railway, browse this site to see videos, fitting notes and ideas from fellow enthusiasts across the world who have helped bring the sound of the Chuffer to a huge variety of locos.
A Roundhouse Katie with two Cheddar coaches stops at Larkbarrow on the Summerlands Light Railway.
Website Contents
Please click the heading or use the buttons above
Here you will find the latest information on new Chuffers and fitting, as well as the latest featured videos from Summerlands productions and from our customers.
This is where you find the right Chuffer for your loco and can see the full range. The Chuffer and the various fitting types are explained and there are links to the free design service if we do not list your loco.
The new FX Control, which allows you to control the chuff and steam plume is explained.
Here are notes from people who have fitted Chuffers. Some have been done in house, but many are from satisfied customers. There is also a link to FAQ's and to a design chart if your loco is not listed.
Here you can see a wide range of high quality garden railway videos. The links will take you to the video pages to see many of your favourite locos in action. There are also links to my Beginner's Guide videos.
Here you can find our contact details the details of our Summerlands Chuffer dealers across the world and a links to our authorised Chuffer Fitters.
I am a garden railway enthisiast, first and foremost, and here you can read about my projects, both on magazine scans and via links to other sites where I have recorded them.
Here is a real mix of stuff. There is occasionally secondhand stuff and always a selection of pages which I host for traders. Some now have their own websites, but like to keep the pages on here. Beware, though, temptation lurks here! There is a link to some recommended reading and also to the occasional big railway!
About us and a bit of background
Customer Comments
"Well done on bringing to market such an excellent enhancement for our models."
"The Summerlands chuff pipe is one of the best investments I have made in 16mm. I am one satisfied customer!"
"Thanks ..... for all your efforts in producing this little gem. It's worth
every penny and I love it!"
"I just installed my Chuffer in the "Countess" and I can't believe the change in the sound. Even here in the wilds and high altitude of Western Canada the device works very well."
"At one point I had to close my eyes as it sounded just like one of the real (Darjeeling) B's on my Toy Train to the Clouds DVD" (Roundhouse Darjeeling B)
"We thought that someone was driving a Black 5 at full chat up the Conwy Valley!"
(Accucraft Superior)
"I can confirm that the Summerlands Chuffer does exactly what it says it will do".
"....all I can say is brilliant - made the world of differences to the locomotive - really pleased....." (Roundhouse Billy)
"....I have to say that they bring a new and positive dimension to 16mm live steam. Very impressed and will be recommending the brand to anyone who is interested (and to those who think they’re not)."
(Roundhouse Silver lady, Russell and Accucraft Lyn in NZ)
"Got the chuffer put in last night, ran it this evening for the maiden voyage. Holy sh#t I had people from a block and a half away watching!! They could hear it from that far away!! This thing is great!!
Much loader! Very realistic. My ears are still ringing!!!"
(Accucraft K-36)
Chuffer v. Bark Box
Nobuoka Naoki must be one of the few people to carry out this comparison on the same loco (the gas fired Aster B20). Here is his verdict (I have tidied up the translation a little - though not the description of the sound):
"I love your very nice (chuff) pipe
Of course barkbox also nice, but I prefer your pipe sound:
BarkBox = da.da.da
Summerland = schw.schw.schw.
Such a feeling sound voice".
Now I have always been a huge admirer of the Bark Box, so I guess it is all just a matter of what you like!
An Accucraft Wrekin with the Cheddar coaches again at the Summerlands Light Railway
Two 'taster' videos
These two videos were made back in 2010 so are not of the highest quality, but they show a range of Roundhouse and Accucraft locos fitted with the Summerlands Chuffer
Guest Traders
We host pages for a number of traders. Click the name to go to their pages:
See also on the Other Stuff page
Brian Wilson Jack Section
I am proud to be hosting the information site for Brian Wilson's 7/8ths scale Jack build that was serialised in Garden Rail magazine. in 2015/16. Click here to find the parts lists, videos etc. etc.
