Barclay locos withdrawn from service
ROCKS by Rail at Cottesmore has retired its two Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST locomotives following the expiry of their boiler insurance certificates. Works number 1931, built in 1928, should be running within a year, but Sir Thomas Royden (2088/1940) requires more work and may be out of service rather longer. As is always the case, a final decision cannot be made until the locomotive is dismantled. The museum is hoping that privatelyowned Peckett 0-4-0ST Elizabeth (1759/1928) will be back in action in time to take on the steam services in 2023. With boiler work now completed, the aim is to have it fully reassembled over the winter period. Flagship locomotive, Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0ST Singapore (3865/1936) remains on static display and is used as a memorial locomotive for the Far East Prisoners of War since it was captured and used by the Japanese in the Second World War. It is hoped to begin repairs in the near future with a view to steaming in 2025 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War.