Steam locomotive Hunslet "Austerity" WD198 'Royal Engineer' arriving at Smallbrook Junction station, Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Isle of Wight, UK
Built for the Ministry of Defence in 1953, WD198 did not enter service until 1956 when it worked at the General Stores Sub-Depot at Steventon. It then moved to Central Ordnance Depot, Bicester in 1958 and finally to HQ Engineer Resources at Long Marston in 1961. Following a long period in store she was restored to working order and given the name ‘Royal Engineer’ in 1971. A further overhaul followed in 1987/88 and, when withdrawn from service in 1991, she was the last operational steam locomotive owned by the Army. ‘Royal Engineer’ was part of a collection of railway items acquired by the Royal Corps of Transport Museum Trust for eventual display at a new museum under development at Chatham. As an interim measure ‘Royal Engineer’ was placed on loan to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and, following the fitting of Westinghouse air brake equipment, was put to work on passenger services. In May 2008 the National Army Museum transferred the ownership of ‘Royal Engineer’ to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway on a permanent basis. ‘Royal Engineer’ is currently in service on the heritage steam railway. As one of the Railway’s most powerful locomotives she can haul the heaviest trains with ease.
Size: 3413px × 5120px
Location: Smallbrook Junction, Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Isle of Wight, UK
Photo credit: © will Perrett / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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