‘Pug’ to go main line in Poland
Beyer Peacock saddle tank to star in Steam Railway-Wolsztyn experience gala.
Beyer Peacock 0‑4‑0ST No. 1827 – which spent its entire working life at the company’s Gorton Foundry – is to go abroad. The 1879‑built saddle tank will head to Poland this summer for a gala at the home of the world’s only main line steam passenger service. Running from June 21‑25, the ‘Wolsztyn World Steam Extravaganza’ is expected to feature the little 0‑4‑0ST working around the famous shed, as well as on the main line. At just 21 tons, the Foxfield Railway‑based locomotive, which bears a striking resemblance to the later Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway ‘Pugs’, will be transported across Europe by road on a low‑loader. Howard Jones from the Wolsztyn Experience footplate holidays organisation preparing the event told Steam Railway: “It’s probably going to be the last opportunity to combine a gala event with scheduled services – we’re combining this with something that’s unique in the world. But to make that more appealing, we’re bringing, for a second time, a British locomotive to Poland.” “There may never be another chance because the scheduled services are only secure for this year [2018] and the next.” As a Beyer Peacock shunter, No. 1827 could have moved many locomotives destined for export, despite never going overseas itself. Built as an 0‑4‑0ST before being rebuilt into a crane tank and having a trailing truck added, the locomotive was re‑converted after the Second World War. It remained at Beyer Peacock until closure in 1966, afterwards being displayed on a plinth at Poynton in Cheshire. A subsequent move took the 0‑4‑0ST to Oswestry and it steamed in 1990, later taking up residence at the Foxfield Railway in the mid‑1990s. It has made a number of high‑profile visits elsewhere, including to Workington steelworks, as well as the Welsh Highland Railway, where it ran on a specially laid section of track. “While the Beyer Peacock is a
ThErE may NEvEr bE aNoThEr chaNcE – ThE SchEdulEd SErvicES arE oNly SEcurE for ThiS yEar aNd ThE NEXT Howard Jones
small engine, it will be out and about on the main line for the first time – perhaps ever,” added Mr Jones. “Being a Victorian engine also makes it novel – I don’t think anything of that era has run anywhere in Poland, maybe since shortly after the Second World War when the ‘Dean Goods’ disappeared.” In addition to the celebrity role to be played by the saddle tank, Mr Jones said planning for the gala included further special opportunities “like a triple departure or parallel running.” The event is expected to feature a number of special trains using Wolsztyn’s own locomotives; normal scheduled steam‑hauled services are to continue to run. Preserved ‘Tkh’ 0‑6‑0T No. 05353 is also expected to attend. Movement of No. 1827 to Wolsztyn comes around a decade after a previous trip to Poland by a British engine: the Flour Mill’s ‘Small Prairie’ No. 5521 went for the 2007 centenary of what was originally a Prussian shed, and also worked trains around Wrocław. John Allman, who owns No. 1827, told Steam Railway: “I’m all for things like this [that are] out of the ordinary.” “I’ve never, ever, been to Poland, so I’m looking forward to it.” The Wolsztyn Experience is offering a package deal including accommodation, tickets on the special trains and access to photographic shoots (see panel). The planned gala is separate to the annual Wolsztyn parade, which in 2018 is to be held on April 28. ●● Timetable revisions in December meant a pause in the running of Saturday steam‑hauled trains between Wolsztyn and Poznan´ . Weekday services to Leszno remain, with two return trips Mondays‑Fridays. Currently operational for the trains are 2‑8‑2 No. Pt47.65 and recently overhauled 2‑6‑2 No. Ol49.69; classmate No. Ol49.59 is now out of ticket but expected to return in time for the gala event.