Paul.Uni Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 Hunslet loco no. 1589 Newstead, which was presumed to have been scraped, will be moving to the Nene Valley Railway. Info from https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1162498127105220&id=1007465209275180 The Small Loco Group would like to release the following statement, in regards to some absolutely amazing news that we would like to share with you. We have been unable to comment until now, and now we would like to share one of the biggest preservation stories of the 21st century so far. The Rev. W Awdry, creator of Thomas the Tank Engine, and who named our very own 'Thomas' once wrote a story about a narrow gauge steam railway in Wales. There were three small engines on this line, one of which was called 'Duke'. Now in the story, the line eventually was sold, the track was sold and the two younger locos were sold on. 'Duke' was carefully and lovingly placed in his shed, cleaned, and left to go to sleep. Many years passed, and people were trying to find 'Duke', the lost engine. People searched high and low, but to no avail. Then, one day, a group of people looking for 'Duke' were following the old track bed, and one climbed on a hill to look round, when suddenly, the ground beneath him gave way, and he fell down, into an engine shed, and there was 'Duke'! They cleared away all the overgrown bushes, and cleared away around the shed doors, where they were able to pull him out for the first time in many years, where they cleaned him down, and successfully took him to the new railway, where he was reunited with his old friends. Now, you may wonder where on earth I'm going with this, or what on earth I'm going on about, but, and I can't quite believe we are able to announce this, but we have found our very own 'Duke'! Late last year we were contacted to be made aware of a Hunslet 16 inch saddle tank (the same type as our very own 'Jacks Green' and 'Ring Haw' that spent most of last year with us) called 'Newstead', a loco that had disappeared off the face of the earth in the 1980s, and by the early 1990s was declared as scrapped. Although it hadn't been scrapped, it had been purchased by a gentleman who collected vintage vehicles, and had a passion for steam locomotives. He purchased the loco from the colliery it was based at, and had it fully overhauled at 'Suffolk Steam' which has sinced shut down. 'Newstead' was steamed a couple of times after overhaul at 'Suffolk Steam', and was then removed to a secret location close to where the owner lived. A short stretch of track was placed down, the loco unloaded onto it, and then a custom shed was built around it. She was drained down, cleaned up, and sealed away, not to see sunlight for almost 30 years. In early 2015, the owner unfortunately passed away, and his widow was left with the unenviable task of finding new homes for his collection. Through a family friend, several railways were contacted with Regards to the loco, and delegations from the North Norfolk Railway and the Mid Suffolk actually went to see the loco. After we were made aware of the loco, we arranged a visit to check it out, unaware of what we were about to discover, so Myself, Steve and Alex ventured off to 'Newsteads' shed. When we walked through the door, we were stunned with what we saw. Here was this near immaculate steam loco, lovingly cared for, that had vanished without trace. Although it hadn't vanished, as it was stood before our eyes! We looked it over, took some pictures, and then headed back, amazed by what we found. We have since made a few more visits, carrying out tests to check the mechanical condition of the loco which came out positive, cleaned and washed the loco, oiled the loco up, and tentatively pinch barred the loco out into the English sunlight for the first time in 30 years! After a very positive meeting with the NVR board, we are delighted to confirm that we have secured 'Newstead' and the loco will be making its way to its new home at the Nene Valley Railway hopefully in the next couple of months! We have started getting quotes for transport and preparing its current location ready for its big move. The story is being covered in the latest issue of Steam Railway magazine, which have labelled it one of the biggest preservation stories of the 21st century so far! We are currently setting up a Facebook page for 'Newstead' which will be going live shortly, and a link can be found on the Small Loco Groups Facebook page, and our website which can be found at http://www.small-locogroup.co.uk/ This is an amazing opportunity, and we want you to all feel part of the next chapter of the 'Newstead' story! Progress on this loco can be followed on the locos Facebook page. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Griffin Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 with any luck they may be able to get it back in steam relatively quickly, considering it has not steamed to much since last overhaul and has been stored undercover. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 From the photos on FB it looks to be fairly intact and cosmetically in a good condition. The boiler will depend upon how it has been stored, hopefully dry stored ie without any water in it. The bearings will need a good looking at to ensure they are well lubricated and free to move. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewartingram Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 Does anyone know where it was found? I have an inkling where it might have been but would like to know if possible. Stewart Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
'CHARD Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 Looks like it's had a narrow scrape Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruston Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 Isn't all this about the loco being lost and presumably scrapped just hype? The IRS have been listing the loco, it's owner and location, in their Existing Locomotives series of books for years. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold chris p bacon Posted May 12, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 12, 2016 Isn't all this about the loco being lost and presumably scrapped just hype? The IRS have been listing the loco, it's owner and location, in their Existing Locomotives series of books for years. Whereabouts was that ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruston Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 Whereabouts was that ? Industrial Railway Society publications, Existing Locomotives (EL) series of books . It was first reported in updates for 9EL, as far back as 1991, as being with M. Saul of Ware and even included a grid reference! It has been included in every EL book since. So much for being lost. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddieB Posted May 14, 2016 Share Posted May 14, 2016 Industrial Railway Society publications, Existing Locomotives (EL) series of books . It was first reported in updates for 9EL, as far back as 1991, as being with M. Saul of Ware and even included a grid reference! It has been included in every EL book since. So much for being lost. No, it was last reported in 14EL (i.e. the 2006 editon) after which it was omitted, presumed scrapped. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DLPG Posted May 18, 2016 Share Posted May 18, 2016 Great to see locomotives turning up like this. I read recently a house/ former station has come up for sale with a locomotive in the garden. Is there much known about that locomotive? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rope runner Posted May 18, 2016 Share Posted May 18, 2016 Great to see locomotives turning up like this. I read recently a house/ former station has come up for sale with a locomotive in the garden. Is there much known about that locomotive? If you are referring to the Avonside 0-4-0 tank at Rippingale, then yes. Restored cosmetically at Crewe Heritage Centre in the 90's. Paul A. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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