Northampton & Lamport Railway has the exciting opportunity to take ownership of a steam locomotive that that spent the entirety of its working life in Northamptonshire.

Known as No.16, this 0-6-0 saddle tank loco was built in 1934 by Hawthorn Leslie (works no.3837) for Stewarts & Lloyds Ltd, specifically to work at the (then new) Corby Iron and Steel Works, where it stayed its whole working life until withdrawn in 1969.

The locomotive has not steamed since 1969, but is largely complete and some initial restoration has already been undertaken by the previous owners.

The engine, in fact, is already at Northampton & Lamport Railway, having been brought here by its current owner for temporary storage in 2025.

Northampton & Lamport Railway are appealing for donations towards both the purchase cost, as well as an initial cosmetic overhaul of the engine, so that it can be displayed in the station and the public can have access to the cab of this fine piece of Northamptonshire’s industrial heritage.

Long-term, the intention is to undertake a full restoration and return No.16 to steam. However, it will have to wait its turn in the queue, whilst the overhaul of another locomotive (already underway) is completed.

NLR Chairman, Adam Giles said:

“Taking ownership of No.16 is a fantastic opportunity for the NLR, especially as we celebrate our 30th anniversary of opening to the public back in 1996. These type of engines proved to be extremely strong and reliable and were favourites among the enginemen at Corby. No.16 will be ideal for our 2-mile line, and the relatively large cab will be prove very useful for driver experiences.

There is a lot of work to do to get it back into steam, but we really hope the public will support our initial appeal towards purchasing and completing a cosmetic overhaul in time for our big 30th Anniversary Gala this coming August Bank Holiday weekend”.

WE NEED TO RAISE £9,000 TO MAKE THIS DREAM A REALITY.

Your support will help us secure ownership of the steam loco and also undertake a cosmetic restoration to enable its display and public access.

Donations will go to Northampton Steam Railway Ltd (the NLR's operating company) and will be ring-fenced for this Project only. Any funds raised over and above the fundraising target will be used towards the maintenance and upkeep of other steam locomotives under the NLR’s ownership/control.

No.16 at Corby in the early 1960s.