6th June 1990

This diminutive locomotive is a Manning Wardle K Class 0-6-ST contractors engine of 1877, no. 641 "Sharpthorn". It is pictured here at Horsted Keynes, where it has resided ever since, not having steamed since 1958! This loco was actually owned by the contractor who build the East Grinstead to Lewes Railways, of which the Bluebell railways is a part. I wonder how many heritage railways have an engine that was used to build the actual line they went on to preserve? Not many I would imagine.