The Wheldale Austerity
In 1981 the Hunslet Engine Company of Leeds developed Gas-Producer equipment with export potential to countries where steam was still extant. No 7 - a 1952 built 'Austerity' 0-6-0 saddletank was a standby loco with the National Coal Board in Yorkshire. The Coal Board still used a very limited amount of steam at a few locations. The loco was used as a test bed for the equipment in late '81. An unseasonably early onset of severe weather froze the colliery system's diesels and No 7 found itself the only serviceable locomotive for 3 glorious weeks.
The Wheldale Austerity
In 1981 the Hunslet Engine Company of Leeds developed Gas-Producer equipment with export potential to countries where steam was still extant. No 7 - a 1952 built 'Austerity' 0-6-0 saddletank was a standby loco with the National Coal Board in Yorkshire. The Coal Board still used a very limited amount of steam at a few locations. The loco was used as a test bed for the equipment in late '81. An unseasonably early onset of severe weather froze the colliery system's diesels and No 7 found itself the only serviceable locomotive for 3 glorious weeks.