PECKETT 0-4-0ST May (1370/1915) has been purchased for further use at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre (BRC). Originally bought by Dr Peter Beet for preservation at Steamtown, Carnforth, in 1975, May eventually passed to his son, Chris Beet, who has now sold the loco on. It has latterly been at Beamish.
A BRC spokesman said: “This purchase has only been made possible by the generous legacies left by Beverley Potter, Ron Thrift, Derek Mulquin and Forrester Sylvester, to whom we are very grateful. With seven years of its ticket remaining, this addition to our fleet will provide cover for Hunslet ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST No. 66 (3890/1964), allowing for washouts and maintenance, as well as taking the lead while No. 66 has its overhaul at the end of its ticket in 2025. It will also allow for works to continue on other loco and new overhauls.”
Peckett 0-4-0ST May after arrival at Quainton Road on January 24.
New to Coventry Ordnance Factory, the ‘R2’ moved to GEC Stafford, where it was named Lady Godiva. After being bought by Cohens scrap dealer and loco merchant, it was sold to Yates Duxbury, Heap Bridge, Bury and named May, where it joined a similar Peckett 0-4-0ST Annie (1159/1908).