Spitfire is a standard Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST which was built in 1929. It spent its working life in the chemical industry at Trafford Park in Manchester, finally working for Corn Products (CPC). At CPC it ventured a short distance outside the factory gates to collect wagons deposited there.
Although some sources suggest that it was withdrawn from service in the 1960s photographic evidence indicate that it was still working there as late as 1977. Amongst other duties the locomotive was required to pick up coal waggons to service the coal fired boilers on the site until they were replaced in the 1980s when a combined heating and power system was installed.
After withdrawal it was preserved at the Manchester Museum of Science and Technology and since 1984 has resided at several heritage railways including Foxfield and Cholsey & Wallingford Railways. It was then at the Chasewater Railway when it was purchased by its current owners prior to 2013 and moved to the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway at Ludborough where it is now based.
The last ten year overhaul of the locomotive was completed in December 2015.
Preserved British Steam Locomotives 