WD 132 Sapper

[Ryewolf]

On the ELR at Rawtenstall

[JamesT]

A somewhat unusual design, was it originally a shunter or an industrial locomotive?

(I can't help but think the number ought to be 40)

[Ryewolf]

38 minutes ago, JamesT said:

was it originally a shunter or an industrial locomotive?

Thanks James. They were originally built for the War Department, this one was then bought by the National Coal Board and used at Bold Colliery until 1984. The ELR has another of these called Swiftsure.

[JamesT]

1 hour ago, Ryewolf said:

They were originally built for the War Department, this one was then bought by the National Coal Board and used at Bold Colliery until 1984.

Thanks, that makes sense of the very utilitarian design.

[Ryewolf]

Surprisingly, 70-80 of this class of engine have been preserved out of the 485 that were made.

I'm just glad that so many people and heritage railways up and down the country decided to preserve many of the old steam trains for future generations to enjoy, this one is getting on 75 years old.....