Woolwich Arsenal locos join Statfold collection

WALTHAM Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills Company

Ltd (WARGM) has transferred ownership of 18in-gauge ex-Woolwich Arsenal Avonside 0-4-0T Woolwich (1748/1916) and 0-4-0+0-4-0 Hunslet diesel

(4524/1954), together with five carriages and a powder wagon, to the Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust Ltd (SNGMT).

The Woolwich Royal Arsenal locomotives and stock formed the initial equipment for the Bicton Woodland Railway, and were acquired by the Royal Gunpowder Mills in 2000.

A 2ft 6in-gauge line was already being developed at the Gunpowder Mills, and with no progress made on building an 18in-gauge line Woolwich went to Crossness Pumping Station on loan in June 2011.

Woolwich was dismantled for overhaul, the intention being to construct an 18in-gauge running line at Crossness, but work stalled, and Crossness opted to build the 2ft-gauge line being developed as the Royal Arsenal Narrow Gauge Railway.

Carnegie remained stored at the Royal Gunpowder Mills.

WARGM decided to concentrate on its 2ft 6in-gauge Gunpowder Railway following a review of its railway equipment, and deemed the 18in-gauge locos and stock surplus to requirements. In return for transferring the equipment to SNGMT, which will restore the locos to operation, Statfold will donate an operational

2ft 6in-gauge loco to WARGM.

Statfold has a length of 18in-gauge line, dual gauged with the 3ft-gauge running line employed by its ex-Burton & Ashby tram, on which 18in-gauge Hunslet 0-4-0WT Jack (HE684/1898) is demonstrated during open days.

The 18in-gauge line will be extended now the ex-Woolwich locos and stock have been acquired.

CLIFF THOMAS Avonside 0-4-0T Woolwich pictured on June 26, 2011 shortly after arriving at Crossness. Subsequently dismantled, it remains essentially a kit of components, which will be moved to Statfold for restoration and reassembly.