USATC 6046

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6046 was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1945 and transported to France.

After its use in France came to an end it was used in Hungary where it was classified as the MAV 411 class by the Hungarian State Railways, and became 411.144.

The locomotive spent the majority of its working life on industrial lines, before being withdrawn. It was formally preserved as part of the Hungarian National Collection, however due to an administrative error it was sent for scrap.

The engine was saved from the cutters torch by Martin Haines who brought it to the UK with the intention of restoring it. After 6046 arrived in Britain as a complete locomotive it was sent to Tyseley where its restoration began.

Eventually though 6046 was sold to Greg Wilson who moved its kit of parts to the Churnet Valley Railway (CVR), who then restarted the restoration work in 2006.

In June 2012, 6046 was steamed and moved under own power for the first time on British metals. Since then it has proved to be a reliable performer, working at both the CVR and North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) with a visit to the West Somerset in 2013.

In 2014 however, whilst on hire to the Nene Valley it suffered a damaged cylinder block, that required a full replacement. Repairs were completed at Tyseley, and the locomotive returned to traffic in February 2016 on the NYMR where it was on hire to until November 2016.

In February 2017 it double headed on the Churnet Valley Railway with classmate 5197. This is the first time in over 70 years that two locomotives of this class have operated together in Britain.

6046 is scheduled to spend the period between March 2018 and January 2019 based on the West Somerset Railway.

Home BaseCurrent StatusOwner
Churnet Valley RailwayOperationalGreg Wilson
6046 at Cheddleton on the Churnet Valley Railway – November 2010
6046 at Cheddleton on the Churnet Valley Railway – November 2010
USATC 6046 at Goathland on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway - August 2013.jpg
USATC 6046 at Goathland on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway – August 2013
6046 at Wansford on the Nene Valley Railway – May 2014
6046 at Wansford on the Nene Valley Railway – May 2014
5197 leading 6046 at Consall on the Churnet Valley Railway – February 2017
6046 approaching Consall on the Churnet Valley Railway – February 2017
USATC 6046 at Williton on the West Somerset Railway – March 2018
6046 at Cheddleton on the Churnet Valley Railway – July 2020
6046 and 5197 at Consall on the Churnet Valley Railway. USATC 2253 was banking on the rear – February 2020
6046 at Didcot Railway Centre – July 2021
6046 at Didcot Railway Centre – July 2021

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