Restored to working order at Sheffield Park,
re-entering service on 5th August 1999, the centenary of the formation of the
South Eastern & Chatham Railway. The secret to 65's amazing lifespan lays in her
weight, or lack of it. Stirling, and later Wainwright managed to keep the axle
weight very low. This was important SER and SECR, as they had a need for
that because of their lightweight permanent way. The 01's could go places
that many other locomotives could not.
The O1 was a goods engine, and was to be seen in
the south east on various turns, 65 being allocated to Ashford shed after the
First World War. All 59 O1s made it to Southern stock. In the inter war years,
1065 could be seen banking at Folkestone Harbour. Withdrawals were common
throughout the fifties and by 1958, 31065 was one of just eight. She
worked the final service on the Hawkhurst branch, and was condemned, after
66 years and 1,388,000 miles of service.
