Classic steam locomotive arrives in Worthing

A classic steam train pulled into Worthing station this morning (Saturday, March 18), capturing the interest of passengers and train buffs alike.
The Lancashire Fusilier arrives at Worthing station. Picture by Eddie MitchellThe Lancashire Fusilier arrives at Worthing station. Picture by Eddie Mitchell
The Lancashire Fusilier arrives at Worthing station. Picture by Eddie Mitchell

The Lancashire Fusilier, a LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 locomotive engine built at Armstrong Whitworth in 1937, arrived at 9.40am on its way to Bath.

Owned by railway engineering company Riley and Son, it is one of 18 surviving Black 5 locomotives.

The locomotive was withdrawn from use in August 1968.

Members of the public stopped to look as the train arrived. Picture by Eddie MitchellMembers of the public stopped to look as the train arrived. Picture by Eddie Mitchell
Members of the public stopped to look as the train arrived. Picture by Eddie Mitchell
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Dr Peter Beet, the co-founder of Steamtown Carnforth, with Sir Bill McAlpine, and business partner David Davis, visited Lostock Hall MPD to choose a locomotive to save, selecting the engine.

Mr Davis bought the locomotive for £3,300.

In 1974, it was bought by Paddy Smith, who operated the engine on various enthusiast tours, including the Settle-Carlisle Line, the Cambrian Coast Express, the Crewe to Holyhead Line; and The Jacobite between Fort William and Mallaig, where it spent three seasons in the late 1980s.

After the last season in Scotland, the locomotive was returned to Carnforth, and then moved to the East Lancashire Railway to run out the last three years of its boiler certificate.

The train is owned by railway engineering company Riley and Son. Picture by Eddie MitchellThe train is owned by railway engineering company Riley and Son. Picture by Eddie Mitchell
The train is owned by railway engineering company Riley and Son. Picture by Eddie Mitchell

In 1997, Ian Riley bought the engine, and had it overhauled at his railway engineering works, Riley and Son, Bury.

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The locomotive made an appearance at the beginning of the 2005 black comedy movie Keeping Mum, and during the 1991 episode of The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge. by Agatha Christie starring David Suchet.

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Members of the public stopped to look as the train arrived. Picture by Eddie MitchellMembers of the public stopped to look as the train arrived. Picture by Eddie Mitchell
Members of the public stopped to look as the train arrived. Picture by Eddie Mitchell

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