5553 brings home the goods for NLR
FRESH FROM its starring role at Peak Rail’s Mixed Traffic Gala (see separate story), Collett ‘Small Prairie’ No. 5553 was the headline act at the Northampton & Lamport Railway’s gala over the late August Bank Holiday Weekend.
The August 27‑29 event was the first time the BR unlined black 2‑6‑2T had visited another railway since the completion of its latest overhaul in October last year. Unusually, the 1928‑built GWR tank faced south during its first visit to the NLR; most steam locomotives on the line face north. NLR chairman Adam Giles said: “It was certainly something different for the photographers. We might have to have engines facing south more often if people like it.”
He added: “We carried just over a thousand people over the three days. Numbers were a bit disappointing but that could just be everyone having to tighten their belts with the cost‑of‑living prices. I don’t know all the figures revenue‑wise yet, but taking into account transport I’m sure we made a small profit. All the volunteers certainly seemed to enjoy themselves. So long as the gala at least breaks even, then it will stay a permanent fixture in the calendar.”
One new feature at this year’s event was the running of two goods trains, facilitated by the recent arrival of six iron ore wagons, which are in the process of being repainted. No. 5553 worked alongside NLR resident Hawthorn Leslie 0‑4‑0ST Works No. 3718 Swanscombe No. 4, with both locomotives participating in a photo charter on the Friday.
Mr Giles said: “We had some points issues at Pitsford sidings but nothing too detrimental – just a little extra shunting after everyone had gone. We had a track circuit failure first thing Saturday morning at Pitsford sidings that threatened to cause chaos, but the S&T team sorted it at the last minute, and everything ran more or less to time.”
He added: “If all goes to plan we want to have the Boughton extension open by April next year.”