Locomotives \ No.4 The Bug

The Bug, fresh from overhaul, at New Romney December 22nd 2005. Click picture for a larger image.

Industrial pattern 0-4-0 two-cylinder tender-tank locomotive
Designed by Roland Martens
Built by Krauss, Munich No 6378 in 1926

Overall length: 16' 8.5"
Weight in working order: 5 tons
Driving wheel diameter: 1' 3.75"
Cylinders: 4.5" x 6.25"
Current livery: Brighton Umber

A modified version of a standard design by the German manufacturer, The Bug was ordered for use during construction of the original line and the extension to Dungeness. Her short wheelbase and high water capacity made her ideal for such work.

However, once the building of the RH&DR was complete, there wasn't much work for The Bug and she was sold to a Blackpool showman in 1933. He in turn sold her on to the Belle Vue Park Railway, Belfast and there she remained until being sold for scrap in 1950.

However, instead of being cut-up, she remained buried beneath other scrap until being rescued in 1972 by William MacAlpine and returning, rather miraculously, to New Romney.

She was restored in 1974 by Dick Cushing, painted in a Southern Railway green and made appearances on special occasions, and often used with a 'transportable' railway for shows and exhibitions.

Following an overhaul in 1991, The Bug re-appeared in Stroudley's improved engine green livery.

This cheeky little chappie, known around the yard at New Romney as Basil, now has his own 'Bug Club' and members receive a newsletter, badge, membership card, reduced travel rates.

As well as helping Santa at Christmas time, Basil the Bug can often be seen at Special Events, busy weekends and Family fun Days, pottering around the yard, sometimes giving rides to lucky visitors as well.

In 2004, The Bug was sent to K.A.D. Engineering for a major overhaul. She returned to New Romney for Santa duty in December 2005.

In May 2008 she travelled to Cleethorpes to take part in the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway gala. Below are links to photos from this event.

The Bug Picture Gallery

• At New Romney in Southern Railway green
• New Romney, 2000
• With 'Romney Explorer' headboard for Romney 75th Anniversary, 14th July 2002
• With John Southland at Dungeness, Romney 75th Anniversary, 14th July 2002
• With Santa's sleigh, December 2002
• Basil the Bug Family Fun Day 2003 (01)
• Basil the Bug Family Fun Day 2003 (02)
• August Bank Holiday 2003
• With Santa and sleigh, December 2003
• On Santa duty December 2005
• Photos by Tim Gray of RH&DR No.4 at CCLR »
• Photos by Colin Peake of RH&DR No.4 at CCLR »

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Further Information

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