This set was inspired by the fast-paced mail trains from the 20th century, some of which used special carriages known as Traveling Post Offices or TPOs. A TPO was used by postmen to sort mail, transport it over long distance, and with the help of special equipment mounted on the side, pick up and drop off bags of mail - without the train ever stopping!

Just like those real trains, this little suburban consist, headed by a trusty blue steam engine named Alcedo, has its own Traveling Post Office. When the train passes the pick-up platform near the track, the mechanical net on the TPO is able to swing out, grab a mailbag hanging from the deployed arm, and close back up again. Also included are two passenger cars, one of which has a baggage section.

Only railway crew minifigures were included to keep the parts count as low as possible, these being the driver, the fireman, the guard, and a postal worker. However, I encourage you seat your own minifigures in the passenger cars.

Locomotive Stats:

Length: 24 studs (footplate), 26 studs overall
Width: 8 studs (footplate and tanks), 9.4 studs overall
Height: 13.9 studs from railhead to chimney
Detailed cab interior
Powered-Up Compatible
- Replace front chassis with standard train motor
- Replace cab interior with battery hub
- Insert LED lights into back of headlights (optional)
Color scheme inspired by the dark red wheels introduced in the current palette and by the plumage of certain kingfisher birds (genus Alcedo) hence the name of the locomotive.

Traveling Post Office Stats:

Length: 34 studs (main body), 36 studs overall
Width: 8 studs (excluding mechanism lever), 9 studs overall
Height: 11.8 studs from railhead to roof
Detailed car interior
Removable roof and windows for easy access to interior
Sprung net mechanism to grab mailbags from the pick-up arm
- This is activated when the train passes the pick-up arm, flipping a lever connected to the net.
- A shock absorber spring closes the net again when the train continues moving.

Compartment Coach Stats:

Length: 34 studs (main body), 36 studs overall
Width: 8 studs
Height: 11.8 studs from railhead to roof
Detailed car interior
Removable roof and windows for easy access to interior

Brake Coach Stats:

Length: 34 studs (main body), 36 studs overall
Width: 8 studs
Height: 11.8 studs from railhead to roof
Detailed car interior
Removable roof and windows for easy access to interior
Baggage compartment has plenty of room for bulky items

Mail Platform Stats:

11 x 18 x 14.1 studs
Pick-up arm can swing out of the way when not in use
Total of 4 mailbags

The whole train is 142.8 studs long when fully coupled up.