Southern Railway "USA" class No.30064
Photo courtesy of Lewis Nodes.
Photo courtesy of Lewis Nodes.
Built to the designs of the US Army for wartime shunting requirements, it was sold off as surplus to the SR who required replacements for the B4s which were used to shunt Southampton Docks. Modified for British usage these were very successful, and following the introduction of diesel shunters at Southampton most found use in departmental service or as loco-shed shunters.
30064 ended its days as Eastleigh Works shunter, and on withdrawal in 1967 was sold to the Southern Loco Preservation Co. Ltd, and after several years in Hampshire came to the Bluebell along with the other SLP Co. stock, which is now owned by the Bluebell. Following a number of years in use, it now awaits major boiler work, and is a likely volunteer restoration project for a few years' time.
In 2003 it was repainted into wartime livery as WD 1959, as seen in the photo on the right, taken by Jon Bowers at the 1940's event held in May 2003.
Class: USA
Wheels: 0-6-0T
Built: 1943, Vulcan Iron Works (No.4432)
Entered SR service: 1946
Numbers carried: USATC: 1959, SR: 64, BR: S64, 30064
Current status: Static display, awaiting overhaul.
Last updated 13 July 2004 by Richard Salmon.