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Foxfield stalwarts withdrawn for overhaul
HUNSLET‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST Whiston (3694/1950) has been withdrawn atthe Foxfield Railway pending afull overhaul.
On December 31 the loco, which has been a stalwart of the Staffordshire line’s services, became the last loco to operate at Foxfield during 2020 as it undertook permanent way duties ahead of planned track work during the coming months.
The same day signalled the end (for nowat least) of another Foxfield favourite – Dubs 0-4-0CT No. 4101 of 1901 –which had also reached the end of its boiler certificate.
Despite not being used on passenger trains, the Dubs has been a star performer at the railway’s gala events, being currently the only operational crane tank in the UK.
In ticket
The two withdrawals leave Hunslet‘Austerity’ No.7 Wimblebury and Beyer, Peacock 0-4-0ST No. 1827 as the railway’s only‘in ticket’ steam locos. However, this is only expected to be a temporary situation as the railway has four other locos waiting in the wings that could join the fleet this year if Covid-19 allows.
Dave Donkin’s Giesl ejector-fitted Bagnall 0-6-0ST FlorenceNo. 2 (3059/1953) is being reassembled after having its overhauled boiler returned from Israel Newton & Son, while the extensive restoration of Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0ST Marston, Thompson &Evershed No.3 (3581/1924) has reached the stage where the boiler is being re-tubed.
Bagnall 0-4-0ST Hawarden (2623/1940) is also expected to be completed later this year, and Jack Dibnah’s fast-track restoration of Kerr, Stuart 0-4-0ST No. 4388 could be finished by the summer.
Your reports and pictures are most welcome. Highly competitive rates are paid, especially if exclusive to The RM.