The power of yesterday’s railway network, now preserved to inspire future generations and remind them of days gone by.
Undergoing repair in the workshop at Swanwick Junction is Peckett 0-4-0ST 2111 ‘Lytham St Annes’, which was returned to steam for the first time since 1996 in April of 2017.
Sitting inside the exhibition hall at Swanwick Junction is preserved British Rail Class 77 EM2, 27000 ‘Electra’.
Sat inside the exhibition at Swanwick Junction awaiting an overhaul is former National Coal Board RSH 0-4-0ST number 7817, formerly a shunting locomotive at Castle Donnington Power Station.
Having been in outdoor storage for a very long time, British Rail Class 108, 56484, is looking the worse for wear, but plans are in progress to restore this vehicle so it can work pairs with the other preserved Class 108 car at the Midland Railway Centre.
Perhaps the most unusual locomotive in the collection is one that couldn’t really be called a locomotive. Boots No.2 was built by Andrew Barclay & Sons in 1935 as a fireless tank engine, used as a large steam reservoir that was fed steam by an external source at 160psi. The locomotive was capable of shunting, but only had a capacity to carry out two and a half hours of work before requiring a recharge.
Seen at the far end of the yard in Butterley are preserved BR DMU’s, Class 100 number 56097, and Class 108, 56484.
1988 IFA Multicar
InterCity Class 93 mock-up
Arriving into Butterley after a quick jaunt down to Hammersmith is this preserved British Rail Class 127, wearing the attractive BR Green with yellow ‘Cat Whiskers’.
Awaiting the return working back to Butterley at Swanwick Junction is this preserved British Rail Class 127.
Hurumph!
Seen in a not particularly good state of health is British Rail Class 127, 51610, basking in the sun at the Midland Railway Centre, Butterley.
