Peckett 1738 was resident on the SVR between 1968 and 1995, and was a Gala visitor in October 2000.
This 0-4-0ST locomotive was built as Works No 1738 of 1928 by Peckett and Sons of Bristol. In July of that year it was delivered to Hams Hall Power Station at Coleshill, near Birmingham, where it was given the number 4 and used for shunting coal wagons.
1738 was declared surplus to requirements by the CEGB early in 1968 and was purchased by SVR member Mr J McNally, arriving at Bridgnorth by road in July of that year. It was steamed shortly after arrival, and used on shunting duties for the rest of the year, also giving footplate rides during the August 1968 Gala.
A lengthy overhaul then followed, with the locomotive returning to traffic in September 1984. However the locomotive saw little use thereafter, and eventually left the SVR circa November 1995, moving to the South Devon Railway.
1738 made a return visit to the SVR for a ‘Thomas’ weekend in October 2000, appearing as ‘Percy’ alongside the SVR’s Jinty 47383 as ‘Thomas’.
As of February 2015[update] the locomotive is now in private ownership at Titley Junction Station in Herefordshire, where it is still used as ‘Percy’ from time to time.
Gallery
Peckett 1738 (CEGB No. 4) at Hams Hall Power Station, 1966
Peckett 1738 arrives at Bridgnorth by lorry on 13 Jul 1968
1738 shunting at Bridgnorth in 1968
1738 being dismantled for restoration at Bridgnorth in 1969
Sources
SVR News
Severn Valley Railway Stock Book, seventh edition.
Links
Titley Junction Station Rolling stock list] Retrieved 25 February 2015.