Film – Bagnall “No. 1” at work, Beeston Sleeper Depot
In 2008 Staffordshire Narrow Gauge Railway was very fortunate to purchase W.G. Bagnall “Mercedes” class locomotive “No. 1” as a long-term restoration project. Built in 1911 she worked at Judkins Quarry, Nuneaton, along with her sister engine “No.2” until around 1950, subsequently passing to British Railways to work on the 3ft gauge line at their Beeston sleeper depot in Nottingham, where she worked until 1962, latterly as “spare engine” to a Ruston 48DS.
Early in the 1960s Mr Jim Hawksworth visited various narrow gauge railways. We are doubly fortunate that Jim took his cine camera with him and that he visited Beeston at a time when “No.1” was in use. We are very grateful to Jim for allowing us to now share with you the film he took of “No.1” at work.
The film records “No. 1” working in a truly industrial setting, including a brief clip of running on dual gauge track – 3ft and standard gauge ! We hope that that you will enjoy this wonderful short film and join us at SNGR in thanking Jim for making it available.