Hawthorn Leslie "Met"

Hi all. Bit of an unlikely, but does anyone know where the ex KESR (and numerous other places) Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 "Met" now is? Either that, or does someone know to whom she belongs? I would appreciate any assistance, by PM if you prefer. Thanks.

 

http://www.uklocos.com/final-results.asp?action=display&Id=4666
A bit dated but probably still correct.

 

Thanks Steve. That's a big help. All I had been told was "possibly Wales"!

 

And still got the Worthington pump on the side

 

A long long long time ago! With Met just past Rolvenden level crossing August 1973 K&ESR

 

Hello all, My name is David Brake. I am a director at the company that was doing some initial investigation and restoration work on "Met". Certain circumstances have led to us taking ownership of the locomotive and I have been doing some research into the engine. I came across this post and wanted to introduce myself and let you all know that Met is still around and awaiting restoration once more! If anyone is interested in the engine's whereabouts and condition I would be happy to provide any information you may require. The engine is currently at one of our sites in South Wales. We are currently inviting offers for the sale of the engine for restoration purposes to interested parties but I am more than happy to arrange some photos of the engine as she stands or even a site visit to view the engine for enthusiasts/interested parties. I would also be interested if anyone has any further history/photos they may wish to share.
Thanks

 

and young driver Mike Hart! Goodness that was a while back!

 

Great to hear from you Mike. Amazing that you drove this loco all those years ago. Would be great if you had any stories you could share about your time with Met.
Cheers
David

 

Do you think this photo is taken the same day as above?
It was taken by my late father sometime in 1973. From memory there was a meeting at Tenterden about reopening the line that afternoon and everyone including Dad went to it, leaving me and the engine crew at the station.
I remember the loco taking water and a some shunting to reverse the order of the train.

 

That's a great photo! And the first one I've seen of Met in steam! Thanks for sharing.

David

 

recent photo

 

@David Brake A bin bag or some other covering over the chimney would help to prevent rainwater damage to the cylinder block.


Keith

 

See photo's above. Contrary to popular belief we are not converting her to 4-4-0, the front bogey is purely coincidental!

Many of the additional components have been taken off the engine and are in storage inside, we are currently making a list of these parts to provide to people who have shown interest in Met along with some of the technical info we have (i.e, reports) and will update as soon as we can.

David

 

Can't have been that recent, I haven't seen blue sky here for months! And those millstones have been the centrepiece in my garden for the last 6 months or so! ;-)

 

Thanks for the pictures David. I believe a member of this forum may be able to explain where the two dents in the rear of the cab roof came from!

 

Ah yes!! Mike

 

Deleted. I shouldn't ask!

 

No problem Steve. No more. Im done. Enough to look after now methinks! Met will be fun little loco though for whoever takes it on.