During the war years expansion of the Wemyss locomotive fleet was not possible but in 1946 the WCC purchased one of the Hunslet type ‘Austerity’ 0.6.0 saddle tanks from the Ministry of Supply. This engine later became NCB No 13, working at the Michael Pit. The WPR, finding itself in need of motive power reinforcements in the late 1950s followed the example of the erstwhile WCC and purchased several similar Hunslets. The first acquisition, in September 1959, was No 15 seen here hard at work carrying a train of BR coal wagons probably from the Frances colliery, up to the washer in March 1970. This engine was the only one of its type to be given the fully lined out WPR livery but it had a chequered history. In 1968 it suffered a ruined firebox when allowed to run dry in the hands of an NCB crew and withdrawal seemed inevitable. Salvation arrived in the form of the boiler and firebox from NCB No 13, the original Wemyss Hunslet then being scrapped at Comrie Pit in West Fife. The charmed life has continued as No 15 was subsequently purchased privately and remains in active service.

Photo by and copyright of David P Williams