686 The Lady Armaghdale
686 in service
Built by the Hunslet Engine Company of Leeds in 1898, works number 686 was delivered new to Manchester Ship Canal Company. The locomotive was originally named “St Johns” and later No 14.
686 was withdrawn from service by the MSCManchester Ship Canal in 1962, and the following year was purchased by ICI Dyestuffs at Blackley Manchester. There the locomotive was named “Lady Armaghdale”, a name already carried by the locomotive it replaced.
686 was withdrawn from service by ICI in 1968.
686 in preservation
686 was purchased by the Warwickshire Industrial Loco Preservation Group in 1969, arriving on the Severn Valley Railway in July of that year.
Since arrival, 686 has spent some time serving as ‘Thomas’ both on the SVRSevern Valley Railway and elsewhere, including overseas. After being withdrawn from service in September 2008, 686 has been cosmetically restored and is currently on display in The Engine House while awaiting overhaul.
References and sources
Information from a display board in the Engine House and from past editions of SVRSevern Valley Railway News.
