80098
BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4 Tank

Designed by Robert Riddles, 80098 entered revenue earning traffic in March 1954 and was initially allocated to Plaistow m.p.d. (33A) where she worked the busy commuter services from Fenchurch Street to Barking, Tilbury, Southend and Shoeburyness.

She was collected new by Driver Frank Green of Plaistow Depot from Kentish Town and taken light engine to the L T & S. Driver Green became her regular driver for several years.

She left the L.T.&S. line in 1962 when the line was electrified and after a short spell in store at Old Oak Common Depot she was transferred to Shrewsbury before being allocated to Machynlleth Depot on the Cambrian route from where she worked local passenger services and a few freight trains on this rural route.

In July 1965 she was withdrawn from service having completed only 11 years from new. In January 1966 she was despatched to the Woodhams Yard in Barry, South Wales to be cut up. However fate was to save her as Woodhams turned their attention to cutting wagons and other scrap material for a number of years.

She was rescued from Barry in November 1980 when purchased by a group of enthusiasts, and moved to the Peak Railway at Matlock, where restoration commenced. During 1983/4 the partly restored boiler and frames were relocated to the Midland Railway Centre at Butterley and restoration was completed in time for her to appear at BR's open day at Ripple Lane during October 1987.

Working Life - Restoration - Preservation