The Middleton Railway has announced that ‘Sir Berkeley’ will return to steam in its original livery.
The heritage railway is working with the Vintage Carriages Trust to restore Manning Wardle to its original “Logan and Hemingway” livery.
It is hoped that the locomotive will be back in service in 2020 and will be the only working example of a Manning Wardle contractor’s locomotive
This type of locomotive helped build some of the UKs infrastructure, such as the Great Central Railway and the Manchester Ship Canal.
What did the officials say?
VCT Chairman Trevor England commented:
“We are delighted to be working with our partners at Middleton Railway to restore our historic locomotive to its original appearance as far as it is possible. The loco will become a great ambassador for both organisations in its new livery. Visitors seeing this engine at work will notice the contrast between the very elaborate multi-coloured livery, showing the pride Logan and Hemingway took in their locomotives, and the spartan conditions provided for the crew – no cab, just a simple weatherboard (and sou’ westers!).
MRT Chairman Charles Milner said:
“ Middleton Railway is also delighted to be restoring this great example of Leeds-built engineering. On a personal note, the engine was involved in the construction of Nottingham Victoria station and, for me, brings back many childhood memories of catching trains from that most atmospheric of railway stations. We look forward to seeing SIR BERKELEY hauling trains at Middleton in the not too distant future.”
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What it really needs is a rake of side tipping contractor/ship canal type wagons. Who’s up for buying some timber and ironwork to get some made? Imagine the picture now…