Rare steam locomotive puts in appearance at Hastings as Miniature Railway readies for re-opening

Miniature Railway enthusiasts will be in for a treat with the rare steam locomotive ‘Ernest Henry Upton’ likely to be running on the line between the boating lake and Rock-a-Nore as Hastings Miniature Railway gets ready for re-opening on April 12.
By Andy Hemsley
Published 29th Mar 2021, 09:07 BST
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The stunning green loco is on loan from Eastleigh Lakeside Railway and Kevin Boorman snapped these great pictures of her being tested on the line after she arrived on Saturday March 27.

Kevin said: “This locomotive was built in 1937, so is 84 years old.”

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Line testing and loco repairs were also being carried out over the weekend ahead on the April re-opening.

Eastleigh loco alongside boating lake SUS-210329-083801001Eastleigh loco alongside boating lake SUS-210329-083801001
Eastleigh loco alongside boating lake SUS-210329-083801001

Dan Radway, who runs the Miniature railway, said: “Earnest Henry Upton was kindly on loan following a tube failure on one of our locos Edmund Hannay.

“Hannay was at Eastleigh for her yearly boiler test when it failed so the boiler has been removed for a complete re-tube.

“Hopefully Hannay will be back in around five - six weeks all being well.

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“On her return, we are hoping to run a weekend with the two of them together before Earnest returns home, which will be a first for us.”

Pictures by Kevin Boorman.

See also: Plans unveiled for Hastings Pirate Day in July

Related topics:Hastings