North British No. 27414
TOM
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Our first diesel locomotive in the preservation era was 'Tom'. Being donated from a local Telford firm, its seen us grow for 50 years.
INFORMATION
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Tom approaching Lawley Halt |
HISTORY
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Service at Sankey's
Built by the North British Locomotive Co. Ltd in 1954 as a demonstrator for its Paxman V6 turbo engine.
It was delivered new to GKN Sankey in Telford. Sankeys were popularly known for domestic holloware, for Sankey-Sheldon steel office furniture, and for Sankey vending machines but their range of products was much wider than that. Eventually the firm became part of the GKN Group. It remained there until donated to the Telford Horsehay Steam Trust in the early 1980's. |
Tom at GKN Sankey |
Tom with its engine removed for replacement |
Horsehay DaysIt was decided to name it 'Tom' after the Sankey's director Tom Honess, who helped in the negotiations to bring it to Horsehay. The loco was also painted in 'Thomas Blue'.
The loco initially run didn't run often as it's Paxman engine was life expired, so was parked up in a siding. A group of members purchased the loco and have since installed a Roll Royce engine, and has been fitted with vacuum brake equipment to allow it to be used on passenger trains. In 2014, the loco finally entered regular passenger service after over 30 years on-site. |
CURRENT STATUSIn 2024, Tom was pulled from service due to an issue arising with the gear box.
The loco had been performing regularly on the line, being our main diesel for passenger services and driver experiences. The owning group have begun to investigate the issue. The loco has been taken into the shed so that it can go over the pit. The hope is for work to continue on the loco in 2026 and for it to return to service soon. |
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Royal Legend ?It was often rumoured that Tom once pulled the Royal Train.
In February 1961, when the Royal Train was being stabled in Wellington overnight and the loco failed. Tom and another Sankey's loco were called upon to move the train onto the Wellington t Stafford line where it was left guarded overnight by soldiers. Other reports say that two other diesel shunter were the ones to move the train. While the true answer may be lost to time, we like to think that Tom has a royal lineage. |
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DRIVER EXPERIENCESOnce the loco is back in service, it is regularly used on our driver experience courses.
Each course will take two participants, who will each be able to drive between Spring Village and Lawley Village, and also have the opportunity to drive to and from Horsehay & Dawley Station. On your course, you could be hauling up to two coaches and a brake van. Check our roster to see when Tom is next out ! |
