BYE BYE BELLEROPHON, HELLO HUNSLET AT FOXFIELD GALA

Brookes No. 1 to star at colliery line as veteran well tank bows out of traffic.

THERE ARE LIKELY TO BE A FEW TEARS IN THE EYES OF THE RAILWAY’S VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS

Unique 1874-vintage 0-6-0WT Bellerophon will make its last public appearances at the Foxfield Railway’s annual steam gala on July 21/22, before the end of its boiler ticket. A long-term resident at the Staffordshire line, the Vintage Carriages Trust-owned locomotive will be the centre of attention on the Knotty Coach Trust vintage train on both days, but will also get the chance to tackle the famous Foxfield Bank for one last time, hauling an 18-wagon coal train to bring the curtain down on the event during the Sunday. Hunslet 0-6-0ST Brookes No. 1, from the Middleton Railway, will be the star guest. The 1941-built locomotive (Works No. 2387) returned to traffic less than a year ago after an extensive overhaul. The sole surviving 14in-cylindered six-wheeled Hunslet now has an historically accurate appearance after spending much of its previous period in traffic as a ‘Thomas’. It has made only one sojourn away from its Leeds base since returning to action, to the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre in May. The gala is also intended to feature both resident ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0STs, Wimblebury and Whiston. Wimblebury is currently receiving a repaint following axlebox attention, while Whiston is fresh from main steam pipe repairs. Popular Dübs crane tank Works No. 4101 will make its first appearance in steam this year, and it is hoped that Beyer Peacock 0-4-0ST Works No. 1827 of 1879 will join the line-up, subject to inner firebox and motion repairs being completed in time. Foxfield director Dave Scragg admits that there are likely to be a few tears in the eyes of the railway’s volunteers and supporters when Bellerophon takes its final bow. But plans are in place for the Haydock Foundry-built locomotive to return to action in time to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026.