NORTHAMPTON & LAMPORT SECURES STEAM FOR 2018 – AND HALF A SHED

The Northampton & Lamport Railway has a working resident steam locomotive for the first time in over a year, having secured the services of Peckett Dunlop No. 7. Formerly based at the Battlefield Line, the 1949-built 0-4-0ST (Works No. 2130) is the NLR’s first operational resident steam engine since Peckett 0-4-0ST Works No. 2104 was withdrawn for overhaul at the end of February last year. According to NLR company Chairman Adam Giles, Dunlop No. 7 is to undergo a period of running-in before entering service, for which no date has yet been set. In other news, the NLR is over halfway to its £12,000 target for its first-ever engine shed. Mr Giles said: “Ever since the NLR started running trains in 1996, we’ve had to store our engines outside, with the associated deterioration and security issues. The time has now come where we need to construct undercover secure storage.” The single road 65ft shed will enable two small locomotives to be stored under cover for the first time, and will incorporate some of the windows recovered from the Bedford (Midland) shed. The design will also allow for subsequent expansion “as and when finances allow”. The foundations for the structure are already finished and it is understood that work on erecting the steel frame will begin imminently. Donations can be made via the railway’s website – www.nlr. org.uk – or by sending a cheque payable to Northampton Steam Railway Ltd, with the envelope marked ‘Shed Fund’.

ADAM GILES Taking the place of cut-down Peckett ‘R4’ class 0-4-0ST Works No. 2104 as the NLR’s resident working steam locomotive is Peckett 0-4-0ST Works No. 2130 Dunlop No. 7, from the Battlefield Line.