We say 'found' but it was never really 'lost', claimed by the National Railway Museum (NRM) from Stratford DRS and moved to the NRM in a five-plank wagon it sat, outside and seemingly abandoned for twenty five years or so. An abortive attempt by others to purchase it fell through and it remained - still in the wagon in which it was delivered - until we 'found' it.

It took around a year for us to negotiate the purchase and within a day or so of the purchase being agreed it was moved to MAN BW (formerly Paxmans) in Colchester where it was stored in their warm and dry overhaul shop before moving again to Barrow Hill where the story of its restoration to working order began. This restoration led to us being able to make a decision to recreate a loco.

The story of the engine restoration is told in a book available from our sales page here, from where you can also make a donation to support the project should you wish to do so.