Peckett W6 No. 1990
IRONBRIDGE NO. 3
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Our main steam locomotive throughout the 80's and 90's was Ironbridge No.3. This local engine helps tell the story of the industrial railways of Telford, however requires significant work to steam again.
INFORMATION
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Ironbridge No.3 at Spring Village Station |
HISTORY
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The Power Station
This class W6 locomotive was built by Peckett & Sons in 1940 to work at Ironbridge Power Station in 1940 where it became Ironbridge No 3. Ironbridge No 1 (No 1803) had been was delivered by Peckett & Sons in 1933 and Ironbridge No 2 (No 1893) in 1936. All three were class W6 locomotives, and all were registered to run over the GWR for shunting purposes.
The locomotives were used to transport all the materials needed to generate electricity across the site. Supplies such as coal and oil were delivered to Buildwas via the Madeley Branch, and then the Peckett's would collect them to distribute across the station. 1990 remained at Ironbridge Power Station for all of its working career until she was retired in 1980. |
Ironbridge No.3 at Buildwas Power Station ©Geoff Cryer |
Ironbridge No.3 at Steamport Southport ©Chris Mills |
Sold to SouthportWhen the Power Station converted to diesel shunters, the two remaining steam engines (No.1 and No.3) were put up for auction. Originally, No.3 had been promised as a donation to the fledgling TSR but this didn't come to pass. TSR submitted a sealed bid for the loco but unfortunately weren't successful, and it was sold to a buyer in Southport.
It went to Steamport Southport, were it was stabled with many other locomotives. It was used for light duties, such as brake van rides, and took part in special cavalcade services. In 1985, the owner wanted to part with the engine and it was put up for sale. |
Return to TelfordThat same year, one of our founding volunteers went to view a set of traction engine wheels in Southport and came across the locomotive. He soon learned that it was up for sale and a fundraising initiative was launched.
Thanks to the generous donation of two members, the locomotive was purchased and arrived at Telford, however it came without its boiler tubes installed. In a matter of days the volunteers installed the tubes and got it ready for passenger services that weekend. No.3 was the main passenger locomotive in the 80's and 90's. In 1992, it received an overhaul and was repainted in a fictional 'Wellington & Severn Junction' livery. In 2002, the loco was withdrawn requiring a new firebox. |
Ironbridge No.3 having its tank removed for overhaul |
CURRENT STATUSSince being withdrawn, the loco has still been a useful asset. It was repaint as 'Percy' for our Thomas & Friends events throughout the 2000's and became a gate guardian at Spring Village.
The loco essential requires a new boiler, with a new firebox, new smokebox and potential a new barrel needed before it can return to steam. Unfortunately this has been beyond the financial resources of the trust. It has now been moved to a more protected siding to allow initial inspections to begin in preparation for an eventual overhaul. |
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Mistaken IdentityDuring the overhaul work undertaken in 1992, it was discovered that many of its parts don't belong to No.3 (1990). The frames, connecting rods and various assorted parts are stamped with 1803 meaning they belong to Ironbridge No.1.
It is speculated that at some point the boilers from No.1 and No.3 were swapped at Ironbridge. As No.3 was the last working locomotive at the station, bits from No.1 were later used to patch it up to stretch out its working life leading to the mix-match of numbers stamped on the locos. While it left the power station as Ironbridge No.3, it can be debated whether it is Peckett No. 1803 or 1990. |
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SUPPORT THE LOCOMOTIVETSR is dedicated to one day restoring Ironbridge No.3 to operational condition. Initial assessments have been made on the loco to judge the scope of work, along with the removal of certain parts.
To restore the loco would be a very costly and time consuming process, with the final figure in the tens of thousands. If you can help with by either volunteering or donating, it will help bring this Telford icon back to life. |
