Another new Build: 'Galloping Gertie'

This week I was researching an unusual locomotive, the first in Britain to have Walshaert's valve gear and a Single Fairlie standard gauge (very unusual!). This is an engine built for the Swindown, Marlborough and Andover Railway and later absorbed into the Midland South Western Junction Railway along with other SM&AR stock. I emailed the MSWJ group for any information about the type, of which just one photo exists, and they very kindly furnished me with further data and two scematic drawings. Kudos!

While surfing their SITE, I was surprised to see the society have joined in on steam preservations new frontier- new-build locomotives! They plan to build a replica of one of their railway's best-known engine, a Beyer-Peacock 2-6-0 tender engine, no 16, nicknamed 'Galloping Gertie.'

This is of special interest to Australian enthusiasts- the design is almost exactly the same as an Australian type bar an enclosed cab and larger tender (no, don't know the type yet- PLEASE FILL ME IN SOMEONE). If I am not mistaken, it will be the only Beyer Peacock standard-gauge tender engine built for British railway use remaining upon completion.

Seeing as the group has just started, so far they have outlined their aims- and are holding a publicity booth at a Swindown and Crickdale Railway Beer Weekend 2-4 May.

Beyer Peacock fans, unite!

OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE PROJECT