The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway – known as the ‘Middy' – has announced that its duty locomotive for 2024 will be Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST works no. 1219, named ‘Caledonia Works'. The loco will be on loan from the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway.
Caledonia Works is 114 years old, having been built in 1910. Subject to final boiler certification and contract, it will arrive at Brockford during the week commencing 18 March, and will undergo familiarising turns with the Operations Department and crews in time for its first public outings during Easter weekend (31 March and 1 April).
The Railway describes Caledonia Works as a “tough little shunter” which is more than capable of hauling its two- and three-coach trains.
When built, 1219 was delivered new to Stewart & Lloyd Ltd at their Clydedale Works in Mossend near Motherwell. The loco was restored on the West Somerset Railway at Williton and returned to steam in early 2016 before taking up residence at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway.
Visitors can see Caledonia Works in operation on all the Middy's open days, and will stay in mid-Suffolk at least until the Steam Gala on 30 August and 1 September.
The Middy, which is the only standard-gauge heritage line in the county, began this year in style, with a festival on New Year's Day.
Last year's guest loco was Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST ‘Wissington'.
John Durrant, the Middy's Locomotive Superintendent, said, “We are delighted to obtain this pretty little loco for the season – a real asset for the Middy this year. Although her type never ran on the original line, she is very much a contemporary Edwardian machine and suits our period perfectly.”
Lovely looking loco