| Withdrawn from Willesden Depot in London in July 1965, 8624 seemed destined to be cut up for scrap along with thousands of other steam locomotives. However, fate was on her side and it was bought for scrap by Woodham Brother's of Barry who famously allowed 213 steam locomotives, including 8624, to be re-sold for preservation instead of scrapping them. Salvation for 8624 came in 1981, when she was purchased by the 48624 Society for preservation and moved to Peak Rail's former base at Buxton for work to begin.
On Saturday 25 April 2009, 8624 moved under her own power for the first time in almost 44 years. On May 23rd, she worked her first train in preservation, the 09.45 Rowsley to Matlock Shareholders Special, with John Patrick driving and myself firing. Unfortunately 8624 ran hot during this trip, but after some sterling repair work she resumed service on the 13.56 departure. |
8624 brewing up at Darley Dale |
8624 brewing up at Darley Dale |
Awaiting departure from Riverside on the Shareholders Special |
Awaiting departure from Riverside on the Shareholders Special |
Having failed, 8624 stands in the headshunt at Rowsley South |
Having failed, 8624 stands in the headshunt at Rowsley South |
Under repair! |
Under repair! |
Under repair! |
Substituting for 8624, "Royal Pioneer" arrives at Rowsley South |
8624 leaves Riverside with the 14.24 to Rowsley. |
8624 departing from Darley Dale |
Driver Jan Ford |
fireman Chris Ward |
8624 stands at Rowsley South. |
8624 stands at Rowsley South. |
8624 stands at Rowsley South. |
8624 arrives at Rowsley South. |
Running round. |
Running round 2 |
Running round 3 |
Running round 4 |
Running round 5 |
8624 departing with the 14.58 to Matlock Riverside |
8624 arriving at Rowsley with the 15.26 from Matlock |
WD 150 "Royal Pioneer" waits in the loop at Rowsley South awaiting the return of 8624 |
WD 150 "Royal Pioneer" waits in the loop at Rowsley South awaiting the return of 8624 |
WD 150 "Royal Pioneer" waits in the loop at Rowsley South awaiting the return of 8624 |
WD 150 "Royal Pioneer" waits in the loop at Rowsley South awaiting the return of 8624 |
8624 arriving with the last train of the day |
8624 arriving with the last train of the day |
Monday 25th May 2009. 8624 arrives at Darley Dale with the 13.00 from Matlock Riverside |
Monday 25th May 2009. 8624 arrives at Darley Dale with the 13.00 from Matlock Riverside |
Fireman Robin Smith |
Fireman Robin Smith |
Monday 25th May 2009. 8624 arrives at Darley Dale with the 13.00 from Matlock Riverside. WD 150 "Royal Pioneer" awaits depature with the 13.12 freight to Riverside. |
