Sad demise for LH Group shunter

RES-liveried No. 08873 is no more, the stripped shell having been dispatched from Barton under Needwood to Beaver Metals for disposal on June 23.

Built at Darlington works it was delivered as No. D4041 to British

Rail in 1960 and allocated to Crewe North Depot. During its BR career it moved around a bit, including a stint at Stratford depot where it received InterCity colours, complete with cockney sparrow, performing station pilot duties at Liverpool Street.

Sold to ABB transportation (Derby) in 1998 it went on hire to the Manchester Ship Canal Company in 2000 to work the Barton Dock Branch, and while still there was sold to Hunslet Engine Co.

It then saw stints at Felixstowe, Southampton and Hams Hall, returning to the Barton under Needwood workshops for the last time in 2017, where it has remained until now.

■ LH Group's No. 08643 has moved from the Mendips to the Barton under Needwood workshops for repairs, arriving there at the end of June.