Photo:
Robert Frise - Swanscombe in steam October 1977 in the Down Yard

Photo:
Robert Frise - Swanscombe May 2015 Steam Gala

The oldest surviving Barclay locomotive in the United Kingdom, Swanscombe was delivered to the Northfleet Coal and Ballast Co., Kent, in 1891. It joined an earlier Barclay and an old Henry Hughes saddle tank, all three eventually being transferred to new quarries and wharves at West Thurrock in Essex. These had been opened in 1912-13, and in 1921 became the property of the Thurrock Chalk and Whiting Company, a subsidiary of Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers, which is now part of the Blue Circle Group.

With the increasing loads dealt with on the railway, Swanscombe was unsuitable for the heavier work which involved running from the chalk quarry to a quay on the Thames, heavily graded all the way. The engines latter years were therefore confined to shunting "Presflo" wagons at the wharves and not used on trips to the firm's chalk quarry. Swanscombe received a new boiler in 1929, and a new firebox in 1941.

Swanscombe was purchased by a QRS member in 1965, and initially moved in February 1966 to the LRPS store at Skimpot Lane, Luton. The locomotive was then moved to Quainton on 18th April 1969, and later sold to another QRS member. It was restored and was steamed in 1975 for the BBC TV Play School programme. After a number of years out of service awaiting heavy maintenance, a change of owner lead to major work started in 1999, with the locomotive back into service during 2002.

Photo:
Unknown (TSC Collection) - Swanscombe being delivered to Skimpot Lane, Luton in 1966

Photo:
Robert Frise - Swanscombe in October 2006 in the Down Yard

Photo:
John Meredith - 12th July 1952 Swanscombe at Thurrock Chalk and Whiting Co Ltd (previously published in Quainton News)