The Andrew Barclay No 22 engine has a rich history that spans several decades. This 0-4-0 saddle tank locomotive was built in 1949 by Andrew Barclay Sons & Co. Ltd. in Scotland. Originally, the engine was purchased by the Bowes Railway Company in County Durham, England, where it was used for coal haulage and industrial work. Today, the engine remains in operation, serving as a key attraction for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
As one of the last remaining working steam locomotives in the UK, the Andrew Barclay No 22 engine has become a treasured piece of history. This steam engine offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the power and majesty of early industrial technology. The engine features classic design elements such as a distinctive saddle tank, sleek black exterior, and ornate brass fixtures. The engine is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of early Scottish engineers, who built some of the most famous steam engines in the world.
Over the years, the Andrew Barclay No 22 engine has undergone several renovations and upgrades. In 1962, the engine underwent a major overhaul at Andrew Barclay's Kilmarnock works. The original steam engine was replaced with a modern oil-fired boiler and other components were updated as well. The engine continued to serve Bowes Railway for many years, until the railway closed in the 1960s.
Fortunately for history buffs, the engine was preserved and eventually restored to its former glory. In the 1970s, the Bowes Railway Preservation Society was established to preserve the historic Bowes Railway line and the Andrew Barclay No 22 engine. The engine was moved to a new home at the historic Tanfield Railway, where it has been restored and maintained to this day.
In recent years, the Andrew Barclay No 22 engine has become a popular attraction for train enthusiasts and tourists. The engine is regularly operated on steam days, where visitors can experience a ride on this historic steam locomotive. The engine has also been featured in several films and television shows, serving as a backdrop for period dramas and historical documentaries.
Today, the Andrew Barclay No 22 engine is owned and operated by Tanfield Railway, a heritage railway located in County Durham. The engine is one of several historic steam locomotives that operate on the line, preserving the history and legacy of early railway technology. The engine is a key attraction for train enthusiasts and visitors from around the world, who come to experience the thrill of riding behind a classic steam locomotive.
In addition to preserving the history of early railway technology, the Tanfield Railway also plays an important role in promoting tourism and economic development in the local area. The railway attracts thousands of visitors each year, who come to ride on the historic steam trains, explore the railway's museum exhibits, and learn about the history of the local area. The railway also provides employment opportunities for local residents, supporting the local economy and contributing to the overall prosperity of the region.
Overall, the Andrew Barclay No 22 engine is a cherished piece of history that continues to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world. This iconic steam locomotive offers a glimpse into a bygone era, showcasing the power and beauty of early industrial technology. Thanks to the efforts of preservation societies and heritage railways, this engine remains in operation, providing a unique and unforgettable experience for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike.