PARTS THEFT IS A MAJOR SETBACK FOR SINGAPORE RESTORATION

Plans to return Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0ST Singapore to steam could be in jeopardy after some of its parts were stolen.

The 1936-built machine lost vital valve gear components in a theft at its Rocks by Rail home in Rutland. Eccentric straps and rods, which had been removed for repair, have been stolen from storage on site. Trustees at Rocks by Rail are calling for help in tracing the sizeable components, all stamped with the locomotive’s works number, 3865.

It is the second locomotive at the centre to suffer such a major setback. Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST Rhos (Works No. 1308 of 1918) lost parts in a break-in during March (SR478).

Singapore is a registered war memorial thanks to its unique service history with the Admiralty. In 1942 it was captured in Singapore and sustained shrapnel damage, which is still visible today.

After returning to Britain in 1953, Singapore entered preservation in the 1970s and has been at Rocks by Rail since 1978. An appeal has been launched with the aim of raising £35,000 for its return to steam.