Waterman ‘Rat’ runs again after nearly a quarter of a century

RESTORATION of Class 25

No. D7659 (25309/25909) has been completed at Peak Rail, entering service in October. It was the first loco bought by Pete Waterman in 1988, but was last used on a passenger working in 1998.

This BR Sulzer Type 2 is of historic significance, being the final loco completed at

Beyer Peacock’s Gorton Works, Manchester (8069 of 1966). Now owned by the Waterman Railway Heritage Trust, it moved to Peak Rail with the rest of the trust’s collection in 2017. It arrived in strippeddown condition and has since undergone a complete rebuild, albeit interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

STUART GRAVES Newly restored Class 25 No. D7659 is seen while on trial following a thorough restoration. It is seen ready to leave Peak Rail, Matlock Platform 2 with the 11.36 for Rowsley South on October 12, double-heading with Class 44 No. D8 Penyghent and RSH 0-4-0ST No. 15 Eustace Forth at the rear.