Bittern has arrived in Margate

Bittern Photo John Horton

The classic Gresley Class A4 Pacific locomotive, Bittern, has arrived at its destination in Margate.

Bittern left Crewe this morning (June 1) to travel to the Locomotive Storage Ltd facility at the former Hornby factory site.

About to leave Crewe – Picture by Jon Hassall

Bittern weighs 102 tonnes and its tender weighs 30 tonnes unladen (before coal and water). It was transported via low loaders and spotted en-route on the M20 and at Westwood Cross as it neared its destination.

It arrived at the Locomotive Storage site this afternoon, a day ahead of the initially announced arrival time.

On the M20 Photo William Cox

It joins the Mersey Rail Class 503 Electric Multiple Unit which arrived at the site on May 30.

Locomotive Storage Ltd bought the former Hornby site at Westwood in February 2017.

Photo John Horton

The main warehouse has been converted with seven railway tracks laid in the warehouse and access loading docks to facilitate the unloading and loading of locomotives and carriages.

Photo Frank Martin

It is expected that up to 30 items of rolling stock will be housed there and the plan is for the site to eventually be open to the public.

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It  could become “one of the most significant locomotive museums in the world ,” according to South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay who recently toured the site.

2 Comments

  1. Look forward to visiting this museum when it opens to the public, I hope they keep the prices down so ordinary locals can afford it.

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