THE Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway gave its former United Collieries/ NCB Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No. 6 (2043/1937) a suitable send off on January 5, with a special steaming to mark the expiry of the loco’s boiler ticket.
The loco made several trips from Bo’ness shed to Kinneil throughout the day; the destination being fitting as No. 6 finished its pre-preservation career at Kinneil Colliery, having previously worked in collieries from Foulshiels and Canderigg to Blantyre and Bedlay to name a few.
A week later, and 150 miles to the south, the unique Stephen Lewin 0-4-0WT No. 18 (683/1877) performed the final duties of its boiler certificate at Beamish Museum on January 12.
The former Seaham Harbour Dock Co loco spent its final day in steam shunting at the museum’s Rowley station site before having its fire dropped for the last time.