A diminutive locomotive which
weighs barely 12 tons. Marcia’s low
pitched boiler, outside cylinders and tiny coupled wheels
combine to create and overall impression of smallness, appearing
as if for a narrower gauge, as indeed were several others
within the 1287 class. It was constructed by Pecket and Sons
of Bristol in 1923 (works No. 1631). It is an unusual design
for a firm which usually specialised in robust saddletanks
for heavy industrial work. The first owner was Hardman &
Holden of Salford near Manchester where it was named Marcia
after Marcia Clayton the wife of James Clayton the works Managing
Director. The firm donated the locomotive to the K&ESR
in 1962. She was later sold to a member and remains in his
ownership.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s Marcia
was in regular use at steam events at Bodiam, as station pilot
at Tenterden and was often roving ambassador for the Railway
at County Shows and other outdoor exhibitions. At Bodiam passengers
rode behind a locomotive which seemingly worked flat out at
10 mph! Marcia was withdrawn from service in 1982 for a 10
yearly boiler lift and inspection. New watertanks were also
needed. Restoration has proceeded slowly but steadily since,
most of the work being undertaken by the locomotive’s
owner and completion is now within sight.
TECHNICAL DATA
Weight 12 tons
Tractive effort 3,870 lbs
Cylinders (2) 8. dia x 12 in. stroke
Boiler Pressure 160 lbs.
Tank capacity 550 gallons
Wheels 2 feet 3 ins. diameter.
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