In an exciting journey for railway enthusiasts, the historic steam locomotive ‘Peter,’ a Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2067 built in 1918, recently embarked on a special tour to the Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum Gala. The event, held on 27 and 28 July, aimed to gather surviving 7×12 Bagnall engines (a reference to their cylinder bore and piston stroke dimensions in inches), for a rare reunion. Remarkably, all but one of these vintage engines made it to the gala, with the lineup including ‘Isabel’ 1491/1897 from the Amerton Railway, ‘Sybil’ 1760/1906 from the West Lancashire Light Railway, and Threlkeld’s own ‘Sir Tom’ 2135/1926. The only one that didn’t make it to the gala was ‘Woto’ 2133/1924 as its ten-year ticket had expired.
Threlkeld, located just east of Keswick on the A66, has a rich industrial heritage as a former granite quarry that began operations in the 1870s. The quarry supplied ballast to the local standard gauge railway and operated under various owners until its closure in 1982. A decade later, efforts began to transform the site into a museum, which today boasts a 2-foot gauge railway, a comprehensive collection of vintage excavation equipment, and exhibits celebrating the region’s mining past.
The tour for ‘Peter’ was the result of months of careful planning involving transportation, crew arrangements, andinsurance considerations. On 22 July, the locomotive was carefully loaded onto a lorry, marking its first departure from Amberley in 27 years. The journey included a stop at Amerton to collect ‘Isabel,’ reuniting the two engines that once worked together at Cliffe Hill Granite Quarry in Leicestershire, a meeting that has only occurred twice since their preservation.
Upon arrival at Threlkeld on 25 July, a team from Amberley Museum Rail Group conducted thorough checks and test runs, taking advantage of the strong breeze at the exposed loco shed to assist with steam production. The following day, a photo charter showcased all the engines in steam, performing run-pasts on the steeply graded track, a challenging route with inclines reaching 1 in 20. ‘Peter,’ in particular, shone during these displays, with its powerful sounds resonating through the quarry.
During the gala, the locomotives took turns running passenger trains in various configurations, including double-heading and top-and-tailing. The sight of ‘Peter’ and ‘Isabel’ working together was a highlight for many, as was the opportunity to compare the different features of these seemingly similar engines. From valve gear to wheel designs, each locomotive had its own unique characteristics.
After a successful and memorable weekend, ‘Peter’ returned home to Amberley Museum on 30 July. The locomotive’s journey was not only a testament to the dedication of its crew but also a celebration of the friendships and collaborations forged within the railway preservation community.
The Amberley Museum Rail Group expressed their gratitude to all who made the trip possible, including the Threlkeld team, transport coordinator Gareth Buscombe, and the dedicated crew members. Special thanks were extended to John Betts, the Museum Curator, and Simon King, Joint Head of the Rail Group.
With ‘Peter’ back on its home rails, the longing to return to Threlkeld has already begun, a reflection of the enduring passion that keeps these historic machines alive and steaming.
