Peckett Mardy Monster
Weardale Railway
Peckett
0-6-0 saddle tank built 1954, number 2150, "Mardy No1" aka the "Mardy
Monster"
A huge Peckett loco that worked its entire life at NCB Mardy Colliery in the
Rhondda valley in South Wales, it was the second of three to be built. Originally
preserved in 1977, it is currently based at the Elsecar Steam Railway where
serious restoration to working order started in 1999. It returned to steam in
summer 2003 and is appropriately nicknamed the "Mardy Monster". As
Foxfield's guest locomotive for the 2004 Steam Gala it appeared in lined green
livery with GWR style numberplates and nameplates. The "Monster" arrived
on site on 14 July, and made an interesting comparison with Foxfield's resident
products of Peckett's Bristol works: "Henry Cort" "No11"
and "Ironbridge No1". It proved capable of strolling away with any
load attached to it. Paired with RSH 0-6-0T Meaford No2 for the Gala (see pictures
in the Gala Album), the "Mardy Monster" stayed for a photo charter
the following weekend and left Foxfield shortly afterwards. For a detailed website
by Steven Oakden on the history of this loco and others at the Mardy Colliery
see http://mardy.portland.co.uk/Index.htm
and click on the "Peckett" and "Restoration" links.
