The Middleton Railway has announced the arrival of a new locomotive. Mersey Docks & Harbour Board No 45 [HCD1373/65] has been transferred to Middleton by the Sentinel Diesel Preservation Group, based on the East Somerset Railway, as they wish to see it preserved and operated in the city of its manufacture.
As the locomotive is Vacuum fitted and in full working order, it will be able to enter service on Saturday passenger trains as soon as sufficient drivers have been trained in its use.
MRT Chairman, Malcolm Johnson, said “We are delighted to have acquired this historic locomotive and it will now become part of our ‘Leeds Collection’ of locomotives manufactured in the city of Leeds, to be enjoyed by our visitors. It has been well maintained and is a great example of Leeds engineering.”
As MD&HB 45 arrives, the railway sees the departure of Cockerill 0-4-0VBT “LUCIE” [Cockerill 1625/1890] which has been sold to two private individuals who are transferring it to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for restoration.
Commented Malcolm Johnson “This historic little locomotive has seen little use at Middleton and we are delighted to be able to see it go to a new home where it will be able to be restored and used occasionally.”
Middleton Railway operates services every Saturday and Sunday through to 19 November from its station at Moor Road in Hunslet. It is now taking bookings for its popular Santa Specials which run from Saturday 2 December through to Sunday 24 December and the Railway will be open on the Wednesday of Half Term, 25 October.
