No.12 𝐻𝑢𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑜𝑛

No.12 Hutchinson

Fleet No.:

Name:

Weight:

Year:

Wheel Arr.:

Manufacturers:

Works Number:

Last Operated:

Mileage:

Name Origin:

Cylinders:

Wheel Dia.:

No.12

Hutchinson

19 Tons, 10cwt

1908

2-4-0T

Beyer, Peacock

B.P.5126

August 2019

872,129 (@1964)

Company Director

11” x 18”

3’ 9”

No.12 Hutchinson was a one-off order from 1908 from Beyer, Peacock & Co., and was similar in design to the 1905 locomotives No.10 G.H. Wood and No.11 Maitland. As was common at the time, the locomotive was named after company director William A. Hutchinson following the previous two locomotives.

Delivered with Salter safety valves as standard and a deeper tone of whistle than had previously been used the locomotive remained a regular performer for many years, re-boilered shortly after the war in 1946, a move that would see her in regular service until the government takeover in 1978. She was one of the locomotives in the fleet when Lord Ailsa took over the operation of the railway in 1967 and was repainted into the Spring Green livery at this time in common with other locomotives.

By 1977 the condition of her boiler was poor and she saw limited use, the decision being taken to order a new one. No.12's new boiler was delivered from the Hunslet Engine Co., of Leeds and arrived in early 1981 at which time reassembly began. Memorably, this was to include larger water tanks and a square cab modelled loosely on that carried by No. 16 Mannin. It was these cumbersome new additions, together with a blue livery gave her an ungainly appearance.

Due to the taller tanks, the locomotive was susceptible to rolling when at speed and the livery was not popular with purists (indeed in this world of social media any images that emerge of her in this guise inevitably lead to comments of “....liked her when she was like that...” which seems to verge on a form of Tourette’s Syndrome). Returned to service in 2001 with a replica traditional cab and in the post-war Indian Red livery, this was later added to be the re-addition of the brass fleet numbers above the nameplates - lost prior to the 1981 rebuild and was reinstated in 2009 at the same time as the chimney numerals were removed, looking rather odd on the smaller cast chimney.

A further spell out of use for work saw her return to traffic in April 2017 but following expiration of boiler certificate in August 2019 she was withdrawn for major work with an overhaul commencing in May 2021 which remains ongoing at the present time. The frames and boiler were returned to the island from off-island contractors on 26th October 2023 and it was hoped that the locomotive will return to service in time for the 2024 season to take part in the 150th anniversary celebrations of the South Line, though in the event this was not acheived and today work has yet to commence.

At the start of the season in June 1969 at Douglas Station No.12 hauled the first departure of the year from the terminus, the first season that the Peel and Ramsey lines did not operate for the first time.

In March 1996 at Port Erin Station between duties, the canvas cab dodger fully extended on what must have been a cold day at the start of the season, Easter marking the first trains.

On shed at Port Erin Station in 1961 standing beside the water tower which was demolished in 1986 and a replacement not provided until 1998 when a modern stone-clad version was constructed.

The final days in July 1968 of the north line paused at Kirk Michael Station before continuing the northward journey. The green livery of the era typifies the scene.

No.12 Hutchinson in the post-war Indian Red scheme with a Port Soderick Station arrival in July 2011 as part of the Manx Heritage Transport Festival with a special working including the Foxdale Coach.

In March of 1982 No.12 Hutchinson is at the head of The Southsider at Port Erin Station, despite not actually heading south. Note the twin headlamps denoting driver Jeffrey Kelly.

No.12 in definitive terms, April 1960 at Douglas Station in the post-war Indian Red livery and a canvas cab dodger tucked by the fireman's side handrail in typical fashion, like it or not!

In September 2013 No.12 was on evening duty with a dining train at Douglas Station, the first year that these ran in darkness which proved to be a novelty at the time.

In March 1955 captured running round her train on arrival at Port Erin Station; note the brass numeral mounted above the nameplate, a trait shared with No.5 Mona, but only on one side.

Shunting Empress Van F.28 in August 1968 onto the goods siding at Ballasalla Station; the brass numeral on the tank had by this point had its backing board painted green.

The 1981 recommissioning train complete with commemorative sheild passing Santon Station; note the locomotive initially carried the brass dome cover from No.16 Mannin when first outshopped.