Present your case

If there’s a locomotive that you think needs to be offered ready-to-run, here’s the place to voice your opinion…

Locomotive: RSH ‘Ugly’ 0-6-0ST

Gauge: ‘OO’

Proposed by: Hayden Mccullagh What is it?

A post-war extension to Stewarts & Lloyds’ vast Corby steelworks’ internal railway system required a more powerful locomotive than the Manning Wardle, Kitson and RSH machines already in use. A Hunslet ‘Austerity’ was borrowed and Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns was commissioned to design what was effectively an ‘Austerity’ but incorporating features from earlier locomotives.

The chief feature was the raised firebox, which meant that there was a gap between the saddle tank and the cab. This gave rise to the unflattering nickname of ‘Uglies’. They were some of the last steam locomotives to be built in Britain and featured many innovative devices, such as electric lights.

Seven ‘Uglies’ were built in 1950, an eighth in 1954 and a ninth in 1958. They served Corby steelworks well, pulling 500-ton mineral trains on its main line until 1969. Despite their nickname, the RSH ‘Uglies’ have a large following of enthusiasts who appreciate their power and efficiencies.

What would make it viable?

I work with two of these locomotives (Nos. 56 and 63) at the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) and they’re great, possessing the power of a ‘Black Five’.

There’s a real shortage of ready-to-run industrials and the ‘Uglies’ would make a great addition to the range. They’re distinctive, big enough for larger layouts but small enough for a micro. They would suit green, black, or sometimes red or blue colour schemes.

Can I see a real one?

Five have survived into preservation. S&L Nos. 56 and 63 (Nos. 7667/50 and 7761/54) are at the Great Central Railway (Nottingham), S&L No. 60 (No. 7671/50) at the Colne Valley Railway and S&L Nos. 57 and 62 (Nos. 7668/50 and 7673/50) are at the Spa Valley Railway. The latter is a source of spares but No. 62, now named ‘Ugly’, is in service.