FIRST STEAM LOCOMOTIVE ACQUIRED FOR THE REMEMBRANCE LINE HERITAGE OPERATION

Recently the Sellindge based Kent Coast Locomotive Group (KCLG) has struck a deal with the National Coal Mining Museum at Wakefield for the long term loan of 'Antwerp',an 0-6-0 saddletank 18" Austerity type locomotive built by the Hunslet Engine Co of Leeds and completed in August 1944 as part of the war effort. This loco has been standing at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (the line featured in the 'Heartbeat' TV series), out of use for about 25 years and requires major boiler and mechanical work before returning to service. The KCLG has already dealt with one locomotive of this type. All the members of this group belong to the Remembrance Line Association and have earmarked this locomotive for exclusive use on the 'Remembrance Line'. In full working order these powerful locomotives are ideal for tackling the steep 1 in 30 incline on the Folkestone Harbour Branch.

Works no.3180 'Antwerp' was so named after being stationed in Belgium at Antwerp Dam from 1945 during WW2. With other class members vital recovery work was carried out, as during the war Belgian Railways were virtually rendered inoperative by enemy action. 'Antwerp' returned to Britain in 1947 and in 1948 was sold to the then recently formed National Coal Board and put to work in the Yorkshire coal fields. During the 1970's it was put aside as a spare loco at Wheldale Coliery before entering preservation, placed on loan to the developing North Yorkshire Moors Railway in May 1980. After 5 years of hard work 'Antwerp' was laid up pending a major overall, which because of changing operating requirements on the NYMR has never happened.

Happily KCLG will be taking delivery of this historically appropriate locomotive at Sellindge, near Folkestone during February 2010. After an exhaustive survey an estimated date of return to traffic will be published.

R.Moffatt Dec 2009