Sirapite

A little known Suffolk shunting engine based at Leiston works when it was a massive manufacturing centre. Now it is nearing the end of its restoration at the museum, not much running track though :-(

Anyway the Longshop museum is holding a FREE open day with the loco hopefully in steam along the short track on the 27th March 2010.
Well worth a visit for the museum aswell as the loco.


http://www.mdrs.org.uk/historic/bbe_sirapite1949.jpg
http://www.longshop.care4free.net/Sirapite.html

 

I visited the Long Shop Museum in April this year, lovely place. One of those hidden gems that deserves a lot more recognition.

Regards,

Dan

 

Don't forget it is next Week! I am planning to attend if the forcast is good.

Its FREE

 

the aveliing locos are superb machines i remember blue circle shuttleing up and about at embsay one thomas weekend as fergus , do the long shop have any plans to take it for a run out anywhere properly?

 

They'd have to hire in a bloody big crane again to get it out! That's the way they got it in! Blocked the centre of Leiston for a couple of hours! Shame they can't get it running on the little line between Saxmundham, Leiston and Sizewell - its used very infrequently, but is maintained to as good as mainline standards as its used to carry the fuel and waste to and from sizewell!

 

I dont think the tpws or otmr would fit on it!

 

I couldn't see it run, and I think I'll wait as the line is tiny!


Edit:

There is talk of relaying the line across the road to Leiston station, the trackbed is complete. Only the beer garden (which is for sale) is needed.

 

Wouldnt that require a transport and works order to go across the road! this is a very costly process

 

Went there on Saturday and I agree this is a hidden gem.

Sirapite looked and sounded superb and is a credit to all involved. Also interesting were the removed parts! Shame about the short run though...

What a place Garrett's must have been; the sheer variety of things they made, right up to 1980. I certainly didn't know it was owned by Beyer-Peacock and built components for the Gorton production of Garratt locos. Good to see the original B-P Board Room table too, complete with monogrammed chairs! The first proper production line, strange agricultural equipment, components, all miles from any industry, even today. (Well, except Sizewell)

Well worth a visit, recommended!