One of our lines most popular locomotives Manning-Wardle No.1210 ‘Sir Berkeley’ has been notably absent from the site since operating over reopening weekend. This is because it can currently be found on holiday at Beamish, Living Museum Of The North, where it shall remain for a period of a month.
This is the first time it has ventured from the line following its recent overhaul and repaint into original Logan & Hemingway livery. Whilst away it represents both the Middleton Railway Trust (MRT) and its owners the Vintage Carriages Trust (VCT).
Sir Berkeley was in operation at Beamish over the 6th and 7th April starring in their ‘Wheels Of Industry’ event. It proved popular with visitors and looked spiffing hauling a set of chaldron wagons. This was the first time the locomotives dumb buffers have been in use for several decades making it a particularly rare opportunity.
The locomotive will be operating on the Beamish colliery railway on the following days subject to availability and change:
April: 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 27th
May: 4th, 6th
UPDATE: As of 23rd April Sir Berkeley has been withdrawn from operation at Beamish following a significant failure. As such the locomotive shan’t be steamed again and shall be returning to Middleton for repairs in the coming weeks.
All photographs courtesy of Matt Berry
