GIRLIE LOOKS STUNNING

The much-anticipated reappearance of November 1913 Fowler A8 No. 13922 Girlie was certainly worth the wait after the completion of a mammoth restoration by Steve Casey Engineering in east Kent, when on 9-10 October the engine stared at Stotfold Mill, Bedfordshire, writes Simon Colbeck.

Built as an A8 class road locomotive that was said to be new to Mark Loader of Bournemouth, it was originally called and later , although at some stage it carried the name as well. The engine was converted to showman’s specification by the renowned Charles Openshaw of Reading after only two years as a general haulage engine.