INDUSTRIAL NEWS
Six approaches made for turn-of-the-century 0-4-0ST.
Several parties have shown an interest in acquiring a Peckett 0-4-0ST that is being given away to a good home. Currently at the Ribble Steam Railway, 119-year-old Daphne was first advertised two months ago (SR475). By mid-February, six approaches had been received for the Bristol-built machine, although not all from registered museums, which the RSR would favour. The line intends to make a final decision on a new home for Daphne at the end of March. Never steamed in preservation, the 1899-built locomotive is considered to be in relatively poor condition after spending many years on open-air display in Skelmersdale and Lytham St Annes. A new firebox and boiler barrel would be necessary for a return to steam, and the ex-Pilkington Brothers machine is also missing its boiler fittings. It is, however, one of the earliest surviving locomotives built by the famous firm of Peckett & Sons. Daphne has a solid north west pedigree, having been based in St Helens when it was owned by Pilkington Brothers. However, it has been low on the list of priorities in Preston, and is one of only a small number of locomotives which are yet to be given covered storage at the RSR’s Chain Caul Road base. Before moving to Pilkington Brothers, Daphne worked for Tytherington Stone Company at Church Quarry, which was connected to the Midland Railway’s Thornbury branch north of Bristol.