Our own locomotive, Hudswell Clarke no. 1604 is now in the last stages of restoration. Help us keep steam alive on the ‘Middy’.
Why 1604 is so important to the future of the ‘Middy’
1604 was one of the last working steam locomotives in East Anglia, having worked at the British Sugar Corporation, Bardney, Lincolnshire from new in 1928 for over 40 years. 1604 is similar to the engines which worked the MSLR in the line’s early days and from the same manufacturer, Hudswell Clarke of Leeds. Nothing is left of the originals, but it is in keeping with the ethos of the Museum to restore an engine with a similar pedigree to maintain the early 20th century atmosphere of this unique piece of England’s railway history.
Thanks to the dedication of the restoration team and all who have donated so far, a great deal has been achieved. The firebox has been passed by the inspector and riveting has been carried out on the boiler and these components are now back at Brockford. We are now ready to unite the boiler and chassis for the final stage of the refurbishment.
We have the team, we have the expertise, skills and enthusiasm, all based in our lottery funded Restoration Shed. Now all we need is the wherewithal to bring 1604 steaming back to life in the near future.
Having our own operational steam locomotive is a major step forward in securing the future fo the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, apart from being an attraction in it’s own right, it means reducing the cost of hiring in steam locos for Steam Railway days which, like everything else gets no cheaper.
