Hudswell Clarke 1238 returns to steam

The Moseley Railway Trust is pleased to report that the final hurdle in the restoration of the Trust’s Hudswell Clarke steam locomotive no. 1238 has now been overcome. On Tuesday 24 June 2014, the locomotive passed its steam test, and then moved under its own power for the first time in 66 years.
Built in Leeds in 1916, this 2’0” gauge locomotive was delivered to a gold mine in Ghana (or Gold Coast as it was then known). The locomotive worked until 1948, when an accident left it upside down in a swamp. Tragically, this accident killed its driver, Kofi Asamoah. The loco was rediscovered in 1996, recovered and displayed at AngloGold Ashanti’s mine complex. AngloGold Ashanti allowed the repatriation of the locomotive in 2008. After a period on display in unrestored condition, it moved to a private workshop where a small team of Moseley Railway Trust members have laboured to restore it from the very poor state in which it arrived in the UK to the gleaming machine which it has become. Amongst many other items, a complete new boiler has been required.
Funding and other support have come from many sources. Predominantly, this was a significant legacy in memory of Terry Stanhope, a lifelong enthusiast of narrow gauge railways. A PRISM grant was also received in recognition of the locomotive’s importance to the UK’s industrial heritage. The Transport Trust also supported the project, as did many individuals.
Phil Robinson, Moseley Railway Trust Chairman, commented “We are absolutely delighted to have completed this restoration. It’s been a long, hard slog, with many setbacks – but the final result makes it all worthwhile”.
The locomotive will now have final touches applied, and will move to the Moseley Railway Trust’s base at Apedale, Staffordshire. The first opportunity for the public to see the locomotive in operation will be at the Trust’s Tracks to the Trenches gala on September 12, 13 and 14. Hudswell 1238 will be joined at this gala by a very similar engine – Hudswell Clarke 1643 of 1930. This locomotive – known as “GP39”, although similar in design, is painted bright red, and should make an interesting contrast to No.1238’s military black! The 1930 locomotive is normally based at the Statfold Barn Railway. The Moseley Railway Trust wishes to express its thanks to Graham Lee and his team at Statfold not only for the loan of “GP39” but also for their support throughout the restoration of Hudswell 1238.

 

Excellent news! Congratulations to the team!


Keith