Winston Churchill waits to depart for Hythe at New Romney, 22nd February 2003. Click picture for a larger image.

Canadian outline two-cylinder 4-6-2 Pacific locomotive
Designed by Henry Greenly and A.L.S. Richardson
Built by Yorkshire Engine Company (2294) in 1931

Overall length 28'
Weight in working order 8 ton 15cwt
Driving wheel diameter 2' 1.5"
Bogie and trailing wheel diameter 1'
Cylinders 5.25" x 8.5"
Current Livery: Red

The Yorkshire Engine Company of Sheffield finished the job of building this loco by finally assembling the parts, accrued during a chequered history for two new engines for the RH&DR. Originally ordered from, and started by, Davey Paxman then continued at New Romney using boilers from Krauss in Munich. Designed from drawings originated by Greenly, completed by A.L.S Richardson and based on Canadian Pacific practice!

The Canadian style was chosen by Howey as it was felt that the larger cab would give the driver better protection against some of Kent's fine summer weather, than the British styled locomotives. He was also a fan of and visitor to the Canadian Pacific Railway.

When the engine emerged onto the RH&DR in 1931 she came complete with a very 'American' Vanderbilt tender and was named Doctor Syn, after the Dymchurch smuggling-vicar created by Russell Thorndyke.

In 1948, having been renamed Winston Churchill after the war-time Prime Minister, she was sent to an exhibition in Toronto, Canada. At this time she was painted bright red, but in 1962 she received a black coat of paint and a new tender. The original, although stylish was prone to leaking.

As an experiment Winston Churchill was converted to an oil firing loco in 1973, but was rebuilt conventionally in 1979. The experiments were successful, but a rise in the price of oil meant that no savings would be made over coal.

In 1990 the locomotive was leased to the Bure Valley Railway, which runs between Aylesham and Wroxham in Norfolk. Whilst their she suffered a derailment and rolled onto her side. No.9 returned to New Romney in 1991 and, after repairs and servicing, re-entered service later in the year.

She carries one of a pair of Crosby chime whistles that Howey had bought in Canada, and had impressed Nigel Gresley on a visit to the RH&DR. Howey then presented Gresley with the second whistle which in turn was fitted to the new LNER express Cock o' the North.

Her current red livery is similar to that of the former London Midland and Scottish Railway.

Winston Churchill Picture Gallery

• At the Bure Valley Railway in Norfolk
• Outside the engine being prepared for a day of celebrations on the 75th Anniversary, 14th July 2002
• Beginning a parallel run with Northern Chief at New Romney during the 75th Anniversary Celebrations, 14th July 2002
• Edging ahead of Northern Chief as the parallel run gets underway during the 75th Anniversary Celebrations, 14th July 2002
• Departing from Dungeness, 14th April 2003

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Winston Churchill Picture Gallery

Locomotives Menu Page
1 Green Goddess
2 Northern Chief
3 Southern Maid
4 The Bug
5 Hercules
6 Samson
7 Typhoon
8 Hurricane
9 Winston Churchill
10 Dr Syn
11 Black Prince
12 John Southland
14 Captain Howey

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