TINY AND THE BOARD OF SURVEY

This was the case for disposal of Tiny, taken to the SMG Board of Survey as the second stage of its consideration for disposal: “Unsuitable for the collections. Whilst the broad gauge story is an important one in the field of railway history, “Tiny” is very much an oddity and not representative of what we would wish to see as part of a broad gauge display. Its provenance as the only genuine broad gauge locomotive is unquestionable, but as a small locally made shunter, its heritage is in the South West, where it is currently on loan to the South Devon Railway. It is currently on display there and cared for appropriately.” The Board of Survey’s reason for rejection: “[name redacted] would like this case to be re-presented with clearer reasoning for disposal. It was agreed that although the object doesn’t represent a typical broad gauge [locomotive], it is a unique object and the only type in the country. It should remain on loan until the case is re-presented.” [Above information supplied under Freedom of Information]. Our subsequent questions to the NRM The Freedom of Information response highlighted that a proposal to de-accession the broad gauge locomotive Tiny was taken to the museum’s Board of Survey last year, but was rejected. Will you consider bringing its potential de-accessioning back to the board of survey? “Not at present, but if a future review brought the issue back to the table, we would consider it and go through the appropriate channels as per the Museums Association’s guidelines. [The] South Devon is the right place for the locomotive and we’re very happy with the relationship there. It’s part of their local railway history, something which is very important to us.” Can you yet reveal the identity of the steam locomotive that is currently being considered for de-accessioning? “We cannot release that information until all the appropriate measures and processes have been undertaken and completed and that the potential recipient is able to confirm their ability to take the locomotive. As soon as the details have been confirmed, we will make sure the public is informed via a press release, our social media pages and websites. We can confirm that it is not Tiny.”