0-4-0 Saddle Tank ‘William Steuart Trimble’ at Locomotion

ne of the last steam locomotives built by Andrew Barclay Sons & Co. – with Work Number 2361 of 1954 – the locomotive, known as W.S.T., was delivered to the Long Meg works of the Long Meg Plaster & Mineral Co. Ltd. at Lazonby, near Carlisle, on June 10, 1954. The locomotive was named after Mr William Steuart Trimble, the plaster company’s Deputy Chairman.

As new, it was a very sophisticated industrial locomotive, being fitted with a mechanical lubricator, water softening apparatus, a device for the removal of sludge from the boiler, and water sprinklers for the wheels to help the locomotive round sharp curves.

In 1969, the engine was transferred to the company’s nearby Cocklake Works as a spare engine to the diesels which had recently arrived. It remained out of use until 1980 when Cocklake Works’ owners, now British Gypsum, sought a new home for her.

The Bowes Railway in Gateshead was delighted to be able to offer the locomotive a home, and took the locomotive on long-term loan. The locomotive was fully overhauled at Springwell and repainted in her original olive green livery, and re-entered traffic in May 1983. British Gypsum very kindly signed ownership over to the Bowes Railway Trust in September 2008.

W.S.T. will be used to haul the museum’s passenger steam train service throughout the Spring months. For more information on steaming dates, please contact the museum on 01388 777999.

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For more information on events and exhibitions at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon, please visit www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion contact:

George Muirhead
Museum Manager
01388 771440
george.muirhead@durham.gov.uk
george.muirhead@nrm.org.uk

Pam Porter
Events Officer
01388 771445
pamela.porter@durham.gov.uk
pam.porter@nrm.org.uk