Former MoD ‘01/5’ to be plinthed
PUT up for sale by the Lavender Line in the latter half of 2021 (see October 2021 issue), former Ministry of Defence Ruston shunter No. 422, latterly allocated a TOPS identity of No. 01583 when it was used on East London Line extension work in 2008, is to become a static exhibit at Moreton Business Park, Hereford. Although it is planned to put the loco on a plinth, it is in running order and could be returned to operational use should the need arise.
The decision to acquire this loco for use as a static exhibit came about as it is identical to the last loco which operated for the Army at Moreton-onLugg back in 1991, when the site was owned by the Ministry of Defence. The final loco to be used was No. 430 – this later moved to Bicester and is now located at Copehill Down on Salisbury Plain. No. 422 has been repainted into the Army colours previously carried by No. 430.
■ Moreton Business Park is also the home to three preserved former BR shunters, Nos. 03145, D2303 (Class 04) and No. D2578 (Class 05).