Aveling Porter
Rail Locomotive No. 9449 The Blue Circle
Built by Aveling Porter of Rochester,
Kent, perhaps better known for their road-going steam engines. The Blue
Circle is a 2-2-0 well tank, class TJ, built to a design dating back around
100 years. The locomotive was built in 1926, and was at least 80 years out of
date by that time. She was the very last traction engine railway locomotive to be
built on the standard gauge.
Delivered new to Holborough Cement
Co. Ltd., Kent (later to become Blue Circle Cement) for use at their Snodland
Works. Withdrawn in 1962 and presented to the Bluebell Railway where she was
named The Blue Circle after her previous owners. The locomotive lay
derelict for many years but then underwent boiler repairs and then spent some
time at the Northants Ironstone Trust as she was not really suitable for work at
the Bluebell.
Below are a set of photographs
taken on a stormy evening during a short stay at the Bluebell Railway in June
2004.
(Click on image to enlarge)
Please Note: Some of these photographs have been taken from areas not
open to the general public.
