Barclay 0-4-0 fireless locomotive built 1930, number 1984 "No 1"

This locomotive differs from normal steam shunting designs in not having a fire to generate its own steam. The large reservoir where the boiler is normally found is charged with hot water and pressurised steam from an external source. As steam was used and the pressure fell, water in the reservoir would start to boil, producing more steam. These "fireless" locomotives were quite common in factories handling explosives, chemicals, paper or other flammable materials, or foodstuffs where the emission of sparks or smoke was undesirable. The steam reservoir was heavily lagged and the cylinders are characteristically positioned at the rear, under the drivers cab, where they are close to the steam outlet and simple controls. A locomotive could work for several hours on one charge of steam.

Above: Barclay 0-4-0F 1984 at work at Boots factory in Nottingham in 1963 (late HB Holland collection)

Built by Andrew Barclay and Sons at Kilmarnock, this locomotive was delivered to the Boots Pure Drug Co Ltd of Nottingham in May 1930, and became Boots' "No 1". Working there until the early 1970s it was donated by Boots to the Foxfield Railway, arriving on 5 June 1972. It is at present stored at Caverswall Road station awaiting cosmetic restoration for display.

Sister locomotive "No2" is fully restored in "Boots" blue livery and on display at the Midland Railway Centre museum building at Swanwick Junction.