15 March 2021.
The Trust’s 1929-built Peckett ‘Kilmersdon’ – the last steam engine to work the Somerset coalfield – arrived at Alresford today and was then towed to Ropley for assessment.
The loco, having been out of service for over a year, was stopped part way – ostensibly to check the axle boxes – but with the diesel shunter moved forward, a photo opportunity presented itself! ‘Kilmersdon’ had been in service at the Helston Railway in Cornwall for nearly two years up to January 2020 but had remained there owing to the pandemic.