Hudswell-Clarke No.1309 ‘Henry De Lacy II’

Built in 1927 by Hudswell Clarke in Leeds, 1309 was one of two locomotives built for shunting at Kirkstall Forge Engineering. These were named ‘Henry De Lacy II’ and ‘Henry De Lacy III’. Changing circumstances in 1968 meant the forge abandoned its internal railway system making these locomotives redundant. 

Upon enquiry, the trust were quoted £450 for 1309 which was in the better condition out of the two. The money was raised and the locomotive purchased, however at the formal handing over ceremony the directors of the forge agreed to donate it to the railway.

British Railways passed the loco to run under its own steam from Kirkstall Forge to Middleton, something incredibly rare considering there was an ongoing steam ban on the network. Due to its short length there was a heightened risk of track circuits not operating. To combat this it was attached to a short ballast train with a BR Class 25 diesel. Despite the diesel being attached ‘Henry De Lacy II’ reportedly did all the work pulling the cavalcade to Middleton where it was subsequently detached. 

Upon arrival at Middleton it entered service pulling a variety of trains including the first steam hauled public passenger train in 1969. After much use it was withdrawn requiring major boiler repairs. Following many years of storage it was repainted into its original livery and put on display in the Engine House with cab access. Remarkably it has never travelled more than 8 miles from where it was built.