Albion Mines “Samson”, “Hercules” and “John Buddle”

The “Samson” and its two sisters were among the first steam locomotives in Canada. They had been ordered from Hackworth in Durham for the Albion mines in Nova Scotia. In May 1839 they arrived disassembled by ship in Canada and were then taken to their destination and assembled. The three coupled axles were driven by vertical cylinders. The boiler had a return flue, meaning the firebox and chimney were both at the front. Thus, the positions of driver and fireman were at opposite ends.

Despite its primitive design, the “Samson” remained in regular service at the Albion Mines until 1867, during which time it also had to haul passenger trains. Up until 1885, it was used to assist other locomotives when needed and had a higher tractive effort than more modern, faster locomotives. In 1883 it made a trip to the Chicago Railroad Fair.

Only in 1893 it was rescued from the junkyard and preserved with a passenger car by the Baltimore & Ohio until it came back to Canada in 1927. Today it can be seen in the museum in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. This makes it the oldest surviving locomotive in Canada and also is almost in its original condition.