You are currently viewing Hudswell-Clarke No.1369 ‘M.S.C. No. 67’

Hudswell-Clarke No.1369 ‘M.S.C. No. 67’

Built Weight Length Status Wheel
1919, Leeds
33 tons 19 cwt
24′ 4″ (approx 7.4 m)
On display, not operational
0-6-0ST

No.67 was one of 54 Hudswell Clarke locomotives built for the Manchester Ship Canal railway. Built in 1919 it had flangeless centre wheels, Cartazzi leading axle boxes and hinged connecting rods to allow it to traverse the tight curves of the docks. It would work for the MSC until October 1967 when it hauled the farewell to steam special. 

Following withdrawal from use at the MSC, it was purchased by Dr. Gordon Blears who moved it to the Worth Valley Railway in 1969. It was used on light services but gained fame in 1970 when it was used in the film ‘The Railway Children’ where it hauled the train in the now famous scene of daddy returning to his family from imprisonment.

Upon the expiry of its boiler ticket, 67 was put aside awaiting overhaul. It was too small for regular duties on the Worth Valley so this overhaul never commenced.

Dr Blears very generously donated and moved 67 to Middleton in October 1995. Its overhaul soon commenced in 1996 although it would take until 2002 for it to return to service. A lined MSC grey livery was chosen making it distinct from other locos in the collection. 

It soon became a crew favourite and operated well for its ten year boiler ticket. During this time it visited numerous other railways acting as an ambassador for Middleton. It is now on display in the Engine House awaiting overhaul.