The latest steam locomotives added to the line-up for the West Somerset Railway’s Spring Steam Spectacular, to be held between May 2nd and 5th, were built for differing roles and offer a complete contrast in terms of size, original role and power.
“Fenchurch” dates from 1872 and was designed by William Stroudley for use on the London suburban lines of the London Brighton and South Coast Railway. Although diminutive in size they were comparatively powerful tank engines and popular with their crews becoming generally known by the nickname of “Terriers” from the way they seemed to bustle along. However as passengers came to expect more comfort for their journeys carriages became heavier and larger and so more powerful locomotives took over the suburban duties.
However quite a number of the “Terriers” found employment for other railway companies and operators. Two indeed came to Somerset having been purchased for use on the Weston Clevedon and Portishead Light Railway and when that idiosyncratic line closed they saw brief service with the Great Western Railway. “Fenchurch” was purchased for use at Newhaven Harbour where the dock lines crossed two lightly constructed bridges that heavier locomotives could not safely use. Later she became part of the British Railways fleet and worked on the branchline that had once been the Kent and East Sussex Light Railway. She was acquired for preservation by the Bluebell Railway which remains her current home.
Three decades later the Great Western Railway needed new large and powerful locomotives to handle long distance heavy freight trains such as coal traffic from South Wales and iron ore traffic to steel works. G.J. Churchward designed an engine to meet the needs and after trials had been run the 28xx Class was introduced, Number 2807 was the eighth member and is today the oldest survivor, based on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway. It was a measure of the success of these powerful machines that more, with some detail modifications, were built in the 1940’s and as late as 1956, with the end of the steam era in sight, the Western Region of British Railways wished to construct some more. This did not happen and a decade later all had been withdrawn and the majority scrapped. Some however were rescued for preservation and a new life.
“Fenchuch” will only work during the Gala, operating recreated branchline trains, but 2807 is due to arrive at the end of March and will share the working of regular West Somerset Railway services until the Gala. After its workings there it will return home to Gloucestershire.
The West Somerset Railway thanks the owners and other railways for allowing the hire of their locomotives.
Advanced tickets for the Gala and other events can be purchased from www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by calling 01643 704996. All photo Credits to Kenny Felstead